Efrat in Judea....

We had an amazing shabbat in Efrat.  Yehuda and Michal hosted us...they got a neighbor who was out of town to let us use his apartment two floors up.  We were exhausted from zoo, but could not turn down Yehuda's offer to tour us around "Gush Etzion" a bit (Gush Etzion is a settlement block just south of Bethlehem, in the West Bank/Judea).  It is stunningly beautiful.  Adam and I both gained such an appreciation for the beauty of the region and the life and culture there.

It was so pretty that we took REAL pictures from a real camera (I've only uploaded phone pictures on the blog) meaning that I have very few pictures here.  

First we went to one of the tallest mountains in Israel that sits on the continental divide.  On a clear day you can see from the Mediterranean to Jordan.  (that's the water tower painted with an Israeli flag).  That settlement had a funny bubble house (see below).

Then Yehuda took us on some crazy dirt road (Adam drove it very bumpy as Matan complained), that led to a natural stream where the kids dipped their bodies a bit to cool off.

It turns out that was really one of the last times we really needed cooling.  Efrat has wonderful winds and cool night.  What a nice respite from Modiin.

We had a nice dinner, lunch, and seudat shlishi (thanks Michal) and really enjoyed basking in Yehuda's wisdom for the history and geography of Eretz Yisrael. 

Efrat is right next to a Palestinian town...and it was interesting waking up at 4 am to Muslim prayer sounds.  It reminded me of my year in Jerusalem, and so I thought "wow, isn't it the middle of the night?" and then rolled over back to sleep until Matan came in of course.  

 Efrat is very American--turns out the first group to settle were American. Adam and I found the people there to be so friendly, and Sivan had a wonderful time feeling independent and playing (she and Ariel, age 7, really hit it off well--and she loved being able to run home by themselves with no adults).  It's going to be hard in the States to reign Sivan in now that she's experienced the taste of freedom that kids get in Israel.   I don't watch her much here...she runs off and plays and that's not something I would ever let her do in the states.

We had some great political discussions, learned so much, and had a great last shabbat in Israel.  I am so sad it's our last.  When you see the way shabbat is in a place like Efrat or Modiin, it makes Judaism where we live seem so pathetic and pointless.  Like today, the kids hang out on the playground and then do a kids service there.  Then they go inside and learn with their family something (they sit around with their family for 15 minutes) and candy is passed out.  What a great educational model!  All the kids just running around freely on the playground, dressed in their shabbat clothes...it's hard to explain.  But it makes all the discussion about "assimilation" in America seem stupid.  Obviously, Judaism is VERY strong.  Just not in America.  In Israel, it's strong, thriving, and a place like Efrat is an incredible model of combining respect for the past with modern life, and a passion for Israel.  If we talk of Judaism "dying" in America, I think it's true.  I think Judaism is dying in the US.  At least the breed I want to be a part of.  Sure, reform and charedi are thriving in Monroe.  I just wish that I didn't have to return home to Rosh hashana so fast.  The Jewish holidays in America always depress me on some level. At least I have my bed, Kay, routine, my washing machine, and cultural comforts....::sigh:: last shabbat in Israel is always tough.

Sivan now says brachas with an Israeli accent (still can't do the R or CH very well), but it's really cute...its phenomenal how kids can pick up accents.  She also is whispering a lot in my ear in Hebrew to tell me what she wants,  but doesn't feel as comfortably using it publically.  But with kids, I'm starting to hear her use a little.  It's super cute...and I only wish we had more time for her to really learn more.  Matan counts in Hebrew, and tells me he wants his "shoko cham!" (chocolate milk hot).  

My kids have an addiction to Shoko (chocolate milk). Seriously.

I've really tried to pack it in now that I know the end is coming.  Every day I try to do lots of things, and the family has gone along willingly and Adam says I'm doing a great job planning stuff.  The zoo friday was hot, and sivan was grouchy, but I'm glad we saw it.  Tomorrow is our "chill day" which consists of going to the pool, and maybe an olive oil farm, and then a babysitter at night so Adam and I can go out one last time.  (see, that's "chill") :)

But Monday, we are heading up north for a 2 day trip. I don't know what we are doing, but thanks to a cousin Shira, we will be using her Chaifa apartment on Monday night.  I'm starting to dread the plane flight back but I guess if I keep myself good and busy, and just deal with the last minute approach to packing, I'll get through it.