Not artsy or crafty, but having fun anyway

As a birthday gift, Arlan bought me two plain boxes at a store in the industrial area that sells household goods and a few art supplies. 

I had visions of creating a secretive altar in one of them, but my lack of either artistic talent or craft skills is impeding my vision. The wood is light and dry; I worry that it would absorb paint and turn any outline into a smear of color. So I just sketched with pencil on paper and stuck the paper into the box. (I ran out of paper, so the outside has a post-it note.)

Just as frustrating as my poor drawings skills is the fact that I'm not as proficient printing letters as I am writing in cursive. Not satisfied with my work, but unsure what else to do, I set that project aside for more thought. 

Then I started designing a Hebrew priestess prayer cord. Fun!

Beading supplies are not readily available here, but I've enjoyed thinking about what symbolism I'd want in a prayer cord. I started with the idea of a sea turtle charm and 13 beads to represent the 13 months of the year. I divided them into two halves, days of rain and days of sun, with the leap month, Adar Alef in the middle.

I listed all the holy times for each month. I'd forgotten about some of the special Shabbatot, but they're all on the bead list now, along with holy days, modern Israeli holidays, and the Ethiopian holiday of Sigd. (I thought about including Novy God, but didn't.) I probably wouldn't include little beads for the holidays in each month. Some months would have six extra beads and some would have only one or none. And would Sukkot be represented by one bead or seven?

Then I wondered if Kohenet's 13 priestess archetypes might align with the 13 months, based on the holidays. Then I considered what a symbol might be for each priestess. Too many symbols would be too busy. 

So just 13 moon beads and a sea turtle charm.

But I wanted more beads. How about the Seven Species? Naturally, I had to find out when each one is harvested. Seven didn't fit into the 13 moons evenly, so I had to come up with something else.

I thought about the Four Holy Mothers (ברז׳׳ל). So of course, I had to consider their children, the tribes of Israel. (The half tribes, descended from Dinah's daughter and Yosef, correspond to Libra and Scorpio, so I assigned them to the months of Tishrei and Cheshvan, and I placed the tribe of Levi, which had no portion in the Land, in the month of Adar Alef.) Those four didn't fit into the pattern of 13 beads, either.

And obviously, the 3 Gates of the World (Earth, Ocean, and Sky) also wouldn't fit neatly in the pattern of 13 beads.

However, all three sets of symbols together might fit into the pattern. Here's one possibility I'm considering:

Charm(s): Sea Turtle
Gate of Sky
Gate of Earth
Gate of Sea
Bead 1	Elul	Days of Rain	Seeker Priestess
Seven Species Bead
Bead 2	Tishrei	Days of Rain	Queen Priestess
Holy Mother Bead
Bead 3	Cheshvan	Days of Rain	Wise Woman Priestess
Seven Species Bead
Bead 4	Kislev	Days of Rain	Shrine Keeper Priestess
Priestess Bead (me)
Bead 5	Tevet	Days of Rain	Mourning Woman Priestess
Holy Mother Bead
Bead 6	Shevat	Days of Rain	Witch Priestess
Seven Species Bead
Bead 7	Adar Alef	(leap month)	Fool Priestess
Seven Species Bead
Bead 8	Adar / Adar Bet	Days of Sun	Maiden Priestess
Holy Mother Bead
Bead 9	Nisan	Days of Sun	Midwife Priestess
Seven Species Bead
Bead 10	Iyyar	Days of Sun	Weaver Priestess
Seven Species Bead
Bead 11	Sivan	Days of Sun	Prophetess Priestess
Holy Mother Bead
Bead 12	Tammuz	Days of Sun	Mother Priestess
Seven Species Bead
Bead 13	Av	Days of Sun	Lover Priestess
Charms:  Tree & Snake

I had lots of ideas for charms that could dangle at the end opposite the Sea Turtle charm:

• A bell and a pomegranate? (Decorations on the High Priest's robe in ancient times.)
• A tree and a bronze serpent and a woman (Goddess symbols from the Garden of Eden.)
• Two candles? (The Sabbath Bride.)
• A water jug? (The water drawing ceremony during Sukkot.) 
• A hoopoe? (National bird and a symbol of leadership and knowledge.) 
• A pillar? Two pillars? (The goddess Wisdom, the Temple, and the Tree of Life.)
• A mirror? (A priestess symbol throughout the world.)
• A lamp? (Wisdom goddess.)
• A moon and a sun? (The Hebrew calendar is both lunar and solar.)
• A wheel of the year? (Fits the theme of the cord.)
• A labyrinth? (A symbol of the goddess and of priestesses.)
• A seven-branched menorah? (Like the one that stood in the Temple.)

Miscellaneous notes:

Possible symbols for the Priestess Archetypes

• Seeker Priestess (Labyrinth) - month of Elul
  
• Queen Priestess (Staff or Throne)
• Wise Woman Priestess (Crossroads or Pillar) 
• Shrine Keeper Priestess (Mirror) 
• Mourning Woman Priestess (Stone) 
• Witch Priestess (Feather or Boat) 
• Fool Priestess (Snake or Chariot) 
• Maiden Priestess (Drum or Dancer) 
• Midwife Priestess (Cord or Frog) 
• Weaver Priestess (Loom or Spindle) 
• Prophetess Priestess (A Well or Bee) 
• Mother Priestess (7-branched menorah or a Breast) 
• Lover Priestess (Grapes or a Dancer)

The Seven Species

• Grapes, harvested in Elul and Tishrei
• Figs, harvested in Elul and Tishrei
• Olives, harvested in Cheshvan
• Barley, harvested in Nisan and Iyyar
• Wheat, harvested in Sivan
• Pomegranates, harvested in Tamuz and Av
• Dates, harvested in Av, Elul, and Tishrei
  

The Four Holy Mothers

• Holy Mother Bilhah (mother of Dan and Naftali) 
• Holy Mother Rachel (mother of Yosef and Binyamin) 
• Holy Mother Zilpah (mother of Gad and Asher) 
• Holy Mother Leah (mother of Reuven, Shimon, Levi, Yehudah,Yissachar, Zevulun, and Dinah)
  

The Tribes and Times of the Year

• Elul (Virgo) Gad
• Tishrei (Libra) Efraim - half tribe, from Dinah's daughter and Yosef
• Cheshvan (Scorpio) Menasheh - half tribe, from Dinah's daughter and Yosef
• Kislev (Sagittarius) Binyamin
• Tevet (Capricorn) Dan
• Shevat (Aquarius) Asher
• Adar Alef - Levi (priestly tribe, had no portion in the Land)
• Adar (Pisces) Naftali
• Nisan (Aries) Yehudah
• Iyyar (Taurus) Yissachar
• Sivan (Gemini) Zevulun
• Tammuz (Cancer) Reuven
• Av (Leo) Shimon

The Three Gates of the Year

• Gate of Earth (Sukkot, during month of Tishrei)
• Gate of Ocean (Pesach, during month of Nisan)
• Gate of Air (Shavuot, during month of Sivan)
  

I've been dreaming a lot since I started planning the beads. (A bear played a significant role in one dream.) I wake up with more ideas for the cord every day and I wonder what ideas will come to me the next day.

The Aces in the Arieli Tarot

Havdallah and the Aces:

Aces in most Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) style decks show a Divine Hand dispensing gifts that are the elements of our existence in this world. The symbols of the four elements are usually a cup, a sword, a wand, and a coin (pentacle).

However, in The Jewish Tarot, the cards show a human hand engaged in the order of havdalah, a ritual that is observed at the end of Shabbat and other biblically mandated holidays. The ritual begins after sunset, when three stars are visible in the sky. Havdalah brings joy at what might seem a time of sadness: the ending of a holy day or the departure of Shabbat.

Havdalah separates, or distinguishes between sacred time and secular time. During havdalah, we engage all our senses: hearing, touch, taste, smell, and sight. The acrostic, Yavneh, can be used to recall the order of blessings during the ritual: yayin (wine), besamim (spices), ner (candle), and havdalah (the prayer of separation). Ashkenazim and Sefardim recite the same four blessings during Havdalah, but different introductory passages. (Yavneh is the town where Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakai, the ריב״ז‎, began a school to preserve the Oral Tradition after the Romans destroyed the Second Temple.)

Havdalah is a reenactment of creation, of God creating light and separating it from darkness and water from water. Arieli’s Aces emphasize that humans are partners in creation and that our actions here affect the divine realm. “As below, so above.” Divine Light descended the Tree to create the universe, and in response, we strive to bring light back up the Tree, and to reunite the Divine Presence with the Holy One of Blessing. (Reflecting this, the directions associated with the elements used in the ritual are addressed in counterclockwise direction.)

In the RWS and the Arieli Tarot, the Aces are assigned to כתר, Crown, the highest sefirah on the Tree of Life. Keter is the first place on the Tree where Divine energy enters creation. As a literal crown sits upon the head, this sefirah is metaphorically above the human mind’s abilities to comprehend it. The gifts represented by the Aces are more awesome than we usually recognize.

Ace of Goblets
Element: Water
Direction: South

Arieli’s Ace of Goblets shows a human hand holding a Kiddush cup upon which are engraved, in Hebrew, words from the first blessing of Havdalah, “Who creates the fruit of the vine.” The cup is filled to overflowing, representing both our desire for abundance and the actual abundance the Divine has already provided. Oddly, the sky in this card shows that the ritual has begun during daylight.

The elemental assignment of Water to the suit of Cups also suggests a connection to an introductory prayer of the havdalah ritual. “You will draw water joyously from the wellsprings of salvation,” and references the Water Drawing Ritual that was performed during Sukkot when the Temple still stood.

Arieli assigns these meanings to his Ace of Goblets:

Upright: sensitivity, mental depth, pleasure, a source of blessing and abundance, spiritual harmony, extra-sensory perception
Reversed: an excess of emotion that may cloud the mind, lack, intoxication

The RWS Ace of Cups shows the Holy Grail and other Christian imagery. Four streams of water overflow the brim into a lily pond. Each droplet around the falling water looks like the letter yud (י), which is said to represent divine grace.

Generally, the Ace of Cups indicates the gift of emotions, emotional awareness, compassion, creativity, a new love, and healing. It can also indicate repressed emotions, the mistrust of one’s own intuition, or the need for spiritual nourishment.

The contemplated Raziel Tarot version of this card will show the silver goblet of Yosef the Diviner. (B’reisheet, Genesis, 44:1-5)

A biblical verse for this card might be: My cup runneth over. - Tehillim (Psalms) 23:5

Ace of Swords
Element: Air
Direction: East

Arieli’s Ace of Swords shows a human hand holding a fragrant myrtle branch, and a tablecloth embroidered with the words, “Who creates varieties of spices,” from the second blessing of the havdalah ritual. In the background a night sky is speckled with stars.

The elemental assignment of Air to this suit is indicated by besamim, the spices that we smell during havdalah, to revive the spirit which is saddened by the departure of the extra soul (neshama yetaira) each of us received on Shabbat, and to renew our love for this world.

The sense of smell is connected to memory and to our souls. After God created the first human from the earth, he “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.” Tradition says that Moshiach will rely on the sense of smell to judge the fitness of the world and that he will arrive in the month of Cheshvan, which the Sefer Yetzirah associates with the sense of smell.

Arieli assigns these meanings to his Ace of Swords:

Upright: sharp mind, discernment, courage, determination, decisiveness, and powers of persuasion
Reversed: recklessness, sarcasm, cruelty

The RWS Ace of Swords shows a Divine Hand holindg a sword. A crown and garlands encircle the tip of the upraised sword and six yuds (י) hover above the griYud is the first letter of the Divine Name and represents grace.

Generally, the Ace of Swords indicates the gift of intellect, mental clarity and energy, articulate speech, idealism, spiritual strength, and victory. It can also indicate aggression, cruelty, deception, confusion, sorrow, a failure to think things through, or an awareness of the suffering of life.

The contemplated Raziel Tarot version of this card will show the Sword of David.

A biblical verse for this card might be: And he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, ‘See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field that the Lord has blessed. - Breisheet (Genesis) 27:27

Ace of Candles
Element: Fire
Direction: North

Against a sky still glowing brightly from sunset, a human hand holds a multi-wicked havdalah candle above a tablecloth that is embroidered with the Hebrew words, “Who creates the lights of the fire.” That is the third blessing of havdalah. The multi-wicked candle represents the letter shin (ש), which the Sefer Yetzirah associates with the element of fire.

The creation and use of fire, prohibited on Shabbat, marks the end of Shabbat. When darkness first descended in Gan Eden, Adam and Eve were afraid, but God taught them to make fire by striking two stones together. Each Motza'ei Shabbat, we are reminded of our ability to combat darkness. While we say the blessing for making fire, we gaze at our fingernails to see the reflected light of the havdalah flame, this is a reference a myth in which Adam carried light down from heaven in his fingernails. The elemental attribution of fire to this suit also suggests a connection to the introductory prayer of the havdalah ritual. “The Jews had light, happiness, joy and honor, may we have the same.”

Arieli assigns these meanings to the Ace of Candles:

Upright: desire, energy, impulsiveness, aspiration, ambition heat, joy
Reversed: irritability, pride, arrogance

In the RWS Ace of Wands, a hand emerging from a cloud, holds a staff, reminiscent of the flowering rod of Aaron, the high priest. In the distance, a river and a castle on a hill are dimly visible.

Generally, the Ace of Wands represents the gift of spirit, life force, inner strength, sexual desire, desire for growth, optimism, and inspiration. It can also indicate hesitation, setbacks, lack of motivation, not trusting your instincts or your ability to heal.

The Ace of Wands contemplated for The Raziel Tarot will show the staff of Aaron.

A biblical verse for this card might be: For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? - Dvarim, Deuteronomy 5:22

Ace of Coins
Element: Earth
Direction: West

The Arieli Ace of Coins shows a human hand holding a large coin inscribed with a Magen David. Below is a tablecloth embroidered with the Hebrew words, “Who distinguishes between the sacred and the secular.” Light from the setting sun is discernable on the horizon.

The suit of Coins represents the element of Earth. Arieli notes that, although no coin is used in havdalah, the ritual is a transition from sacred time when work is prohibited to ordinary time. In other words, havdalah welcomes the possibility of joyfully resuming work, creativity, and earning.

Arieli assigns these meanings to the Ace of Coins:

Upright: pragmatism, realism, practical experience, material resources, patience, resilience, tradition or anything else you can rely on
Reversed: apathy, laziness, inflexibility, fixation, inflexibility

In the RWS Ace of Pentacles, a hand emerges from a cloud, holding a large disc inscribed with the Seal of Solomon. Below, a path leads from a garden through a leafy arbor to blue mountains in the distance.

Generally, the Ace of Pentacles represents the awe-inspiring gift of the physical world. The Golden Dawn changed the suit from Coins to Pentacles as a reminder of the divine within the physical realm. This card indicates prosperity and sanctuary, a new path you can choose, or a chance to plant a seed. In some way, you are responsible for creating this new opportunity. The Ace of Pentacles implies both bounty and hardship. Reversed, it may suggest ingratitude, lack of planning, or a false sense of security. Whenever a Pentacle represents money, it is important to be wary of greed and to remember: “Justice, justice, shalt thou pursue.” (Dvarim, Deuteronomy, 16:20)

In the version contemplated for The Raziel Tarot, the Ace of Wands will be Seal of Solomon.

A biblical verse for this card might be: We will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever. - Micah 4:5

א Breath

A breath of cool air flows from the east just before the sun rises over the red hills of Edom. The Fool, filled with hope and renewed strength, sets off on a journey. No longer bound by fear or grief, she embraces her true identity, unaffected by the opinions of others. Experience has made her wise, not despondent; she carries no wounds or resentment. Her inner ear is attuned to divine guidance, and her voice is powerful. With spontaneity and playfulness, she embraces life's delights. She finally recognizes that her encounters with darkness truly were valuable gifts and lessons on her path. Angels guard each step she takes and her heart is free. This image of rebirth is assigned the Hebrew letter Alef, which represents the divine breath of creation according to the Sefer Yetzirah.

The Fool, as represented in the Tarot, has evolved from symbolizing a crazy person, driven out by society and plagued by delusions, to embodying a wise wanderer. This transformation connects two powerful traditions: the holy fool, touched by God, and the court jester, having no fixed place in society but free to speak truths others did not dare.

This evolution of The Fool in the Tarot raises a connection between homelessness and foolishness. The saying of Chazal, "A man who has no home is not a man," underscores the vital importance of having a home and family, providing a sense of belonging, purpose, and a foundation for serving and taking action in the world. Without these essential elements, one's words and actions lack grounding and significance, rendering them fleeting and inconsequential. Therefore, the concept of homelessness serves as a metaphorical reminder of the importance of rootedness and connection in our lives.

Images from Tarot Yehudi and the Raziel Tarot:

In the Tarot Yehudi by Betzalel Arieli, The Fool card is associated with Keter, the first sefirah, symbolizing freedom, lightness, and untapped potential. When the card appears reversed, it may suggest instability and a lack of grounding.

The Raziel Tarot, created by Rachel Pollack and Robert Place, depicts The Fool as a young and androgynous Yosef the Diviner before maturity, whose eventual journey saved his family and played a vital role in the Israelites receiving the Torah at Sinai after generations of suffering. The Fool's story highlights divine plans and the eventual fulfillment of a purpose.

Rachel Pollack offers insightful meanings for The Fool. Upright, it represents innocence, openness, and limitless possibilities. It embodies freedom, gentleness, and a lack of anger or grudges. It signifies divination and psychic abilities used selflessly. It reflects beauty and androgyny, a harmonious blend of masculine and feminine. However, it also warns of unrecognized danger, especially in conjunction with aggressive cards. Reversed, it calls for caution, self-consciousness, and hesitation. It highlights an over-awareness of social attitudes or the opinions of others, particularly when paired with the reversed Hanged Man. It acknowledges the importance of recognizing potentially dangerous situations.

Betzalel Arieli writes that the upright card suggests freedom, lightness, inspiration, creativity, and a new beginning. The reversed face indicates instability or a lack of grounding.

By engaging in focused reflection, we can gain insights into the kind of Fool we currently are and cultivate an awareness of our strengths and weaknesses. Embracing the essence of The Fool means acknowledging both our virtuous qualities and our flaws. Through this recognition, we can consciously work on transforming our negative traits into positive ones, and harness our strengths to become better individuals. It is through this process of self-discovery and growth that we embark on a profound journey towards personal evolution.

Whoa! Is something good coming my way?

Situation: The World

Influencing the Situation: Page of Swords

Basis (Cause) of Situation: The Hanged Man

Potential: Ten of Wands

Recent Past: Three of Cups

Near Future: The Sun

Myself: The Hierophant

My Environment: Knight of Swords

What I Imagine (Hopes or Fears): Four of Wands

The Outcome: Ten of Cups

The appearance of four Major Arcana cards indicates that this is a significant time in my life. The pair of Tens suggests completion and starting anew. The pair of Swords, which are both court cards, suggests action. The pair of Cups suggests joy and fulfillment. 

'Murican

 I was wrong.

After I decided to immigrate to Israel, I predicted that, during my lifetime, the Left would gradually take over the United States, turn it into a totalitarian state, and murder Jews.

I was wrong. I did not predict the violence and I did not predict that the Left would be targeting virtually everyone. 

As I've been watching the Left burn down my country, I've cried. 

The life I've finally built in Israel that is good and I have a secure future. Moving back to the US would be risky, but I love my country and it's time to go home.

Some calm and clarity in distressing times

The very young man interviewed here has the demeanor of an aged wise one.

A day off work, post lock-down

Today was my first day off since lock-down ended! Last night, Arlan met me on the Dan Beach right after work and we enjoyed drinks at Japanika. John joined us when he got off work. Arlan and I walked around for a while and then I slept hard and late.

The "handy-couple" came over this morning and spent the day repainting the wall where there had been water damage. I left them to it and visited with Arlan. We went out to lunch at Misedet HaMifratz and walked around Ice Mall. It's great to see Eilat getting back to normal. Sort of... everyone, except me, seems very serious about masks (masekim); I can't wear one at work, so I've become inured to the lack of protection.

My voice is slightly hoarse and my feet are still swollen from standing all day yelling at kids, but hopefully they'll be better by morning. I'll have to remember to sit as often as possible when I'm working and to use my voice less.

In the news: riots continue in U.S.

Hebrew words for the day: treesim (weird Israeli blinds) and matata (broom).

A new week!

Today was such a contrast to last week. The kids were very good! There were also a few moments of quiet, so I had opportunities to consider all that I have in my life now and what I might want to plan for the future.

It was a weekday, so I was able to take the city bus home. Today, we all got a notice that the worker buses will start running in the evenings again tomorrow night. So Israeli-- get us to work, but don't even mention you're not gonna get us back home.

My landlord/attorney drove by this evening to give me the FedEx package that Jessica had sent me. Very exciting to get all my documents-- my name has officially been changed in the US as well as here.

This evening, I got off the bus at Arlan's and he walked up to my place with me. We chatted for several hours-- it was so pleasant. We both stayed up to late, but as far as I'm concerned, it was worth it!

In the news:

• more about violent riots and antifa in the US
• another lockdown may be declared in Israel because of a second wave of coronavirus cases 
• an unarmed Palestianian was shot by Israeli border police in Jerusalem today. (IsraelStreet.com, very right leaning site, describes the events thus: 

According to Arab reports, the man was a “special needs” individual who was “merely going to a special needs class” when he was spotted. That may be true, but in the past, all terrorists who have been stopped along the Gaza border and Lebanese border have been labeled “shepherds” by Hamas and Hezbollah, and many terrorists stopped in Judea and Samaria have been labeled as “developmentally challenged” by the PLO.)

In other news:

• Not a word. (We ignore so much!)

Shabbat

Early this morning, I woke from a dream... a figure of myself in a gray sea under a gray twilight sky. That was it, no action. I went back to sleep.

It has been a harrowing four days at work. Eighty percent or more of the kids were very good, but the bad ones were really bad, not merely rambunctious and pushing boundaries, but bad, and a few were downright wicked. Half the parents who come up, egg them on.

I didn't light candles last night. I actually forgot it was Shabbat!

During the night, I woke up and found myself counting down in Hebrew, because I do it all day on the slide in an attempt to keep the kids spaced apart on the slide. To avoid a repeat of that, I counted down using a mantra. I started with Sh'ma and Baruch Shem Kavod, but that felt sacrilegious.

I don't recall when I learned this Buddhist mantra, but I've always liked it. It was my hiking mantra at one time: Gate Gate Pāragate Pārasamgate Bodhi Svāhā

In the mornings, I've caught the worker bus right in front of my building, but none of the worker buses seem to be running between six and seven in the evening. John has given me a ride home every night since the hotel opened. It's out of his way, so I really appreciate it.

Tonight, he was hanging out at the beach with his wife and a couple of friends after his shift ended, so I joined them. I was really tired, but watching the sunset and chatting was a nice way to end the day. Ethan took this picture of us:

And these are the hills in Aqaba:

I will be working tomorrow. I will have Thursday off.

In the news:

• in Minneapolis a policeman strangled a man to death while three other cops simply watched-- for three minutes! I'd only heard about a riot and looting in Minneapolis, but Jessica sent me an article about riots and looting in Portland. Apparently, the same things are happening all over the US.
• in Israel, many more coronavirus cases since the end of lock-down. One high school has been shut down and others may be shut down in the near future.

Hag Shavuot Sameach

A long exhausting day-- but it was beautiful and I was working outside.

My boss, Ayoub, is a great human being and an excellent manager.

In the news:

• Some Eilatis fear that once this holiday is over, hotel occupancy will drop to zero. John thinks that may be true. He says none of the higher management seem happy about reopening.
• Jordan celebrates Independence Day

It's Shavuot, but I won't be studying all night. I need a full night's sleep! I will at least watch Rabbi Sack's video. (No, I won't. It hasn't started yet.)

Back at work

I took the #1 city bus to the beach and walked to The Dan Hotel. After eating breakfast and chatting with co-workers, I went in the Gulf to exercise. You can't see it in the pictures, but there were scores of other people walking hip-high in the water. After 40 minutes of this, I swam a few dozen strokes before sitting near the beach to dry off and read. Swimming was very difficult; I guess I haven't really regained my strength post-surgeries.

It was nice to be back and see everyone. The gulf was a shade of blue I've never seen before, and although it was very hot the breeze was fairly steady. I did stand in the water must of the day and also dunked my arms and my hat to keep cool.

Thankfully, Ayoub didn't have anyone at the pool wear the plastic face shields. He had tested one yesterday. It gave him a headache in two minutes and couldn't see through it. My friend, Alan, a waiter made the same complaints and later in the day, I saw him wearing a regular mask. 

Almost half of the kids today were really unruly. Usually, after one of the guys relieves me for an afternoon break, the kids are better behaved. Today, when I returned, Vladmir declared the kids meshugenah and practically ran away.

The behavior of about nine boys and three girls just got worse and worse. I assumed it was a post-lock-down issue, but according to my boss, "The French are the worst."

When Vladimir came to close up the slide area, the kids wouldn't take sagor (closed) for an answer. At that point, I would have blocked their way all night, but he shouted down to the lifeguard to turn the water back on and we started to send the kids down. There was further balagan because some kids decided to climb back up the slide.

Alan and I left work at the same time and walked along the tayelet together. He was going home and I was going to the regular bus stop because I don't know the correct worker bus to take to my new home and I was too tired to experiment.

Arlan had a good day, swimming and eating at Japanika. In the news, Israeli restaurant and pub owners are really worried because they can only be at partially occupancy.

There were not many cats around this evening. I was right on time, so I don't know why that was the case.

Tonight begins the 49th day of the Counting of the Omer:

We are mortal; therefore make every day count. We are fallible; therefore learn to grow from each mistake. We will not complete the journey; therefore inspire others to continue what we began.

For the first time ever, I have successfully counted all forty-nine days of the Omer!

Lock-down is really over!

I walked down to north beach today to exercise in the water and pick up my new worker-bus pass. Ayoub and Pavel were working. Later, Ayoub brought me a new bus pass and we chatted for a while.

Misedet HaMifratz (The Gulf Restaurant) almost ready for business!

 He was very proud that he'd fasted all through Ramadan. I told him, "Mazel tov!" We talked excitedly about John's and Mary Jean's expected baby. Then Ayoub warned me that at work we'll all have to be prepared for the new corona world. I wonder how hot a face screen will be when I'm up on the slide. There's no doubt that the newly-enclosed towel desk will be hot. 

The meetings Ayoub has to attend at The Dan are stressful and some of his managers are yelling at each other. There were dump trucks aimlessly navigating the beach and several inexplicable piles of dirt that worried Ayoub. He wants guests to enjoy their stay. He also pointed out something I'd noticed earlier: the umbrellas that survived the storm are in such poor shape that a strong wind will send the thatch flying across the beach. 

Ayoub hopes that coronavirus will make us all kinder people-- and pay more attention to people in Africa who have no water or food. (The world corona map shows no cases in most of Africa, but I don't know if that's a result of isolation or under-reporting; in any case, people in places like Bangladesh and Africa certainly need our help.)

When I was walking back to the bus, I saw that SunWay was open. I finished my ice-cafe and went in for an extra large burkini. (Was I just writing about the suffering in Africa and Bangladesh?)

Maya and I texted about a nice Tatar girl from her hometown. We wanted to play matchmaker for Ayoub and Galiya. We didn't immediately consider the difficulties of immigration nowadays. Such a shame, because they're both wonderful people!

In the news:

• מה פתאום
• i24 News is broadening is suddenly covering issues unrelated to corona virus, some more significant than others.
• Russian mercenaries are being pulled out from a year-long war in Libya.
• There will be no more European basketball this year. 
• Iranian oil tankers arrive in Venezuela. 
• China is trying to squash the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.

Ayoub sent out the schedule this afternoon. I will be working tomorrow, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday! Fairly long hours, too-- but I'll have time to swim before work.

Tonight begins the 48th day of the Counting of the Omer:

Whatever your achievements, there is always a second mountain to climb, 

and it may turn out to be your greatest legacy to the future.

Post lock-down blues

I went to the outdoor gym this morning just long enough to get my heart rate up and then spent the day watching YouTube videos.

This post lock-down/pre-work period is harder on my sanity than the lock-down was.

This evening, after feeding the cats, I went to the store and spent some time strolling in the park watching families and pets. It's the third of Sivan (tonight) and the moon is a sliver in the sky.

Tonight begins the 47th day of the Omer:

To make love undying, build around it a structure of rituals.

Maya and I were texting tonight. She told me that she had received a monthly newsletter from the human rights NGO in which they mentioned my work on the document that I'd edited during Pesach.

I was going to tell you, some time ago Daniil sent over a monthly newsletter for all the NGO volunteers. He told everyone about the project you’ve been into and about the crazy amount of work you’ve done. He quoted the Committee of Ministers who apparently said they’ve never before received such a vast communication. He also shared a link to the document, and I’ve taken a look. Goodness, it’s really huge!!!!

I'm so pleased they liked my work. Hopefully, this means they will contact me again.

Rebuilding Eilat

Today is the 45th day of the Counting of the Omer:

Never be in too much of a rush to stop and come to the aid of someone in need of help.

This morning, there were no tourists and few Eilatis on the tayelet:

Some rebuilding along north beach:

The Dan Hotel's umbrellas survived the storm; its board walks did not:

I saw Alessandra's mom and sat with her for a while. Alessandra came out of the sea like Bo Derick. (I guess a more high brow reference would be Aphrodite, but Bo Derick is who came to my mind.)

I walked in the surf for a while:

Below is a view of the Dan from the water. The storm waves reached all the way to the bottom of the red "rocks" beneath the Dan's water slide.

(I peaked through the gate and saw Ayoub, Pavel, Damien, and two other men I didn't recognize, cleaning up the pool area.)

A nice place to read and enjoy the views:

On my way back to the bus stop. I window shopped for a new burkini (SunWear was closed), actually purchased two pairs of harem pants, and chatted with workers at Misedet HaMifratz (The Gulf Restaurant)-- they will reopen on Wednesday!

In the news:

• Israelis are celebrating the 20 year anniversary of the withdrawal from Lebanon. That means 14 years of (relative) peace.
• The left and right are demonstrating outside the PM's residence, so loudly they drown out i24's reporter.

Tonight begins the 46th day of the Counting of the Omer:

Make sure the story you tell is one that speaks to your highest aspirations, and tell it regularly.