Aliyah + 2 weeks "Smelling the Roses"

We rushed into this past Shabbat, putting last minute touches on so many things before we had to light candles. I managed to forget to put tape on the switch in our refrigerator (thank goodness Pearl remembered) and when I finally got to the beit Knesset and sat down, I gave a big sigh. I needed this shabbat a LOT. I was speaking with someone later and mentioned that for the first time, I am looking forward to Tish’a B’Av because it will give me an additional day of rest this week.

We have been so busy getting things done that we have not had much of a chance to just sit back and enjoy the fruits of our hard work. Yesterday, our appliances were installed so we were able to have our first home-cooked meal – that is certainly something to celebrate, especially after a long day in Talpiot, choosing tiles and bathroom fixtures and (finally!) buying the two beds that we need for the family that is arriving for Ilan and Julia’s wedding.

Morning clouds over Beitar Illit

This morning I looked out of our window and saw the lovely sunrise on a cool, dry summer day. I could see Beitar under the clouds that stretched out to the Mediterranean Sea. It was a sight to behold. Last Friday we saw a painter across the street, setting up her easel to paint the magnificent view that we are zoche to see every day. I never lived in a place that would warrant the attention of an artist before.

This morning we are going to have pancakes on the porch and I plan on just relaxing and sipping my coffee for an extra few minutes while breathing in the fresh air. There are so many things that need to be addressed “dachuf” (urgently) but they will just have to wait a few minutes longer. Sometimes you just have to take a moment to smell the roses.