Light up the Dark: Chanukkah time
Chanukkah time is here.
This means a few things....
One, fried food everywhere.
Sufganiyot have been around for the last month, but I've now given myself full permission to indulge in these sweet, fluffy, decadent desserts (sort of like a donut with no hole).
And probably the best part for a Jew like me? A total respite from Christmas. Here, Chanukkah is the main event.
It's also time for break for the kids after today. We are doing a short trip up North.
In the past few weeks, I attended a health conference in Tel Aviv which was essentially the annual meeting of the Ministry of Health. What I found most interesting about this meeting was paying attention to the role of government here in Israel in promoting health and what their initiatives are. One of the biggest initiatives is cutting sugar. For example, removing sugary drinks from the table, even on Friday night shabbat dinner, and throwing preschool parties without all the candy. Of course, I'll say that their demo preschool party in their public service announcement seemed like an insane amount of work (imagine all these vegetables cut into shapes, animals, and faces)....really, it's no wonder parents just put out lollipops!
Although the obesity and diabetes rates are nowhere near as bad as the U.S. (I saw the charts....really, our country is a mess!), it is clear Israel is trying to curb the nation's sweet tooth before the rates here hit that of America. There is also some other really fascinating initiatives going on, including something called "Mamanet" which is a mom's league of something called "netball" that it based in nearly every school in Israel now. Moms compete, thereby getting exercise, raising community and school spirit, and providing an example to their children of exercise.
Yesterday, we had the pleasure of attending the lighting of the first candle at Sivan's school, where they put on a beautiful musical performance. Her school has 3 hours of music a week, so they are really quite musical. She is learning recorder and the singing was amazing. See video below of a song they sang in a round yesterday.
We once again noticed at Sivan's school the involvement of fathers in this country. I'm really going to come back quite intolerant of "backseat" dads in America. Here dads hold babies, attend events just as much as the mothers, and are super involved in parenting. I love it.
The main political event of this week is America recognizing Jerusalem as the capital. This comes as little surprise to Israelis--we all knew it was the capital. But it means a lot to Israel to have it be recognized; to have the world realize that Jerusalem isn't a negotiable part of this country. Many people are probably curious about my opinion. I think speaking the truth and recognizing reality is an important part to any discussion or debate. This country was created legally, and has become a contributor to the world, and a safehaven to Jews fleeing persecution from countries around the world. It's not a temporary country. It has a democratic legislature, located in Jerusalem, and has protected the freedom of all religions in Jerusalem since it's modern rule over the city began. Palestinian leadership response to Trump's statement was that there should be one country for everyone all the way to the Mediterranean. In other words, turn Israel into not-Israel. The other response? Days of rage. Let's get back at the Israeli Jews for America deciding to move their embassy. Irrational and unfair. But I also commend most of Israel for believing its better to speak the truth than to just appease and keep the calm. For example, maybe we should speak our mind about the way women are treated in much of the world, without being worried about political correctness all the time. So far there hasn't been too much violence...I read an editorial today that most Palestinians know that creating an intifada can destroy their economic situation, so most don't want to cause trouble, despite the wishes of Iran and other countries.
Now on to lighter things....
As far as language, it's been really fun listening to Sivan's Hebrew come along. We are beyond proud of her ability to take risks and speak. We've caught her dreaming in Hebrew a few times. Matan is starting to pick up on things, but isn't quite speaking yet. Nonetheless, he has bravely gone to other kids' houses, went to a fun chanukkah party, and a "prepare a 70th bday gift for Israel" group project at someone's house. He's super brave too! Adam has also started getting a little more comfortable with the language barrier--he is tolerating his part-time Ulpan. Overall, I'm so impressed with all their bravery. As for me, it takes me days to learn a new word...I'm very very slow at picking up new things at this stage. But I'm improving too. I learn quickest when someone laughs at something I say....amazing how embarrassment quickly teaches me. I'm also getting faster at typing in Hebrew.
We've made kibbutz Naan our second home. Love the animals. Sivan gives them all love and Matan started riding.
One, fried food everywhere.
Sufganiyot have been around for the last month, but I've now given myself full permission to indulge in these sweet, fluffy, decadent desserts (sort of like a donut with no hole).
And probably the best part for a Jew like me? A total respite from Christmas. Here, Chanukkah is the main event.
It's also time for break for the kids after today. We are doing a short trip up North.
In the past few weeks, I attended a health conference in Tel Aviv which was essentially the annual meeting of the Ministry of Health. What I found most interesting about this meeting was paying attention to the role of government here in Israel in promoting health and what their initiatives are. One of the biggest initiatives is cutting sugar. For example, removing sugary drinks from the table, even on Friday night shabbat dinner, and throwing preschool parties without all the candy. Of course, I'll say that their demo preschool party in their public service announcement seemed like an insane amount of work (imagine all these vegetables cut into shapes, animals, and faces)....really, it's no wonder parents just put out lollipops!
Although the obesity and diabetes rates are nowhere near as bad as the U.S. (I saw the charts....really, our country is a mess!), it is clear Israel is trying to curb the nation's sweet tooth before the rates here hit that of America. There is also some other really fascinating initiatives going on, including something called "Mamanet" which is a mom's league of something called "netball" that it based in nearly every school in Israel now. Moms compete, thereby getting exercise, raising community and school spirit, and providing an example to their children of exercise.
Yesterday, we had the pleasure of attending the lighting of the first candle at Sivan's school, where they put on a beautiful musical performance. Her school has 3 hours of music a week, so they are really quite musical. She is learning recorder and the singing was amazing. See video below of a song they sang in a round yesterday.
The main political event of this week is America recognizing Jerusalem as the capital. This comes as little surprise to Israelis--we all knew it was the capital. But it means a lot to Israel to have it be recognized; to have the world realize that Jerusalem isn't a negotiable part of this country. Many people are probably curious about my opinion. I think speaking the truth and recognizing reality is an important part to any discussion or debate. This country was created legally, and has become a contributor to the world, and a safehaven to Jews fleeing persecution from countries around the world. It's not a temporary country. It has a democratic legislature, located in Jerusalem, and has protected the freedom of all religions in Jerusalem since it's modern rule over the city began. Palestinian leadership response to Trump's statement was that there should be one country for everyone all the way to the Mediterranean. In other words, turn Israel into not-Israel. The other response? Days of rage. Let's get back at the Israeli Jews for America deciding to move their embassy. Irrational and unfair. But I also commend most of Israel for believing its better to speak the truth than to just appease and keep the calm. For example, maybe we should speak our mind about the way women are treated in much of the world, without being worried about political correctness all the time. So far there hasn't been too much violence...I read an editorial today that most Palestinians know that creating an intifada can destroy their economic situation, so most don't want to cause trouble, despite the wishes of Iran and other countries.
Now on to lighter things....
As far as language, it's been really fun listening to Sivan's Hebrew come along. We are beyond proud of her ability to take risks and speak. We've caught her dreaming in Hebrew a few times. Matan is starting to pick up on things, but isn't quite speaking yet. Nonetheless, he has bravely gone to other kids' houses, went to a fun chanukkah party, and a "prepare a 70th bday gift for Israel" group project at someone's house. He's super brave too! Adam has also started getting a little more comfortable with the language barrier--he is tolerating his part-time Ulpan. Overall, I'm so impressed with all their bravery. As for me, it takes me days to learn a new word...I'm very very slow at picking up new things at this stage. But I'm improving too. I learn quickest when someone laughs at something I say....amazing how embarrassment quickly teaches me. I'm also getting faster at typing in Hebrew.
We've made kibbutz Naan our second home. Love the animals. Sivan gives them all love and Matan started riding.
Matan and his best bud, Noam.
We successfully uncovered a Mossad double agent at the Ness Ziona escape room with the help of Julia.
Our favorite picture of the month.
This past few weeks hasn't been the easiest for my family. I won't go into details, but suffice to say we have been battling some illness. Just as we learn a little bit of light can rid an entire room of darkness, I hope this chanukkah shines some light on our life and everyone else's.
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