Friday, November 12, 2010

Summer is still here in Israel

Greetings from the unbelievably pleasant Jerusalem. The entire city seems to be enveloped in a cloud of the most heavenly scent of jasmine flowers--it has to be the scent of the Garden of Eden. We've survived the nearly-unbearable summer, and the prize is perfect weather these days. However, you'd never know it from the forecast on the nightly news. You know you're in Israel when a forecast of "It's perfect weather out" comes from a meteorologist who looks like she just told you your beloved uncle passed away. The catch, of course, is that we are beyond desperate for rain, and the nation of Israel's prayers for rain over the land of Israel have been answered only very sparingly so far during this "rainy" season.

It's been amazing to be back in Israel after my five-week US trip: back to school (very interesting classes), work (stimulating, challenging, and fulfilling), and regular life (in one word, phenomenal). Monday I successfully donated blood to Magen David Adom for the seventh time since my aliyah!

Please visit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's profile of my hero, Dad's story. They cut out "Medical City" before "hospital"--I like to think you know my syntax is better than that. Speaking of syntax, enjoy this phenomenal set of Ron Washington clips (more on the 2010 American League Champion Texas Rangers to come).

For now I must go pray and wish you a שבת שלום!
אריק/Eric