When Left Isn't Right but Right Is Wrong

I went to the protests for five minutes, and I wished I didn't want to be there,

We need the reforms, but certainly not how it is being done - it's not worth it,

Not with the warnings from the subject matter experts, and not with this feeling in the nation,

I went because I think his time is done, firing a defense minister at a time like this is overboard.

I went because this government is focused on things that divide instead of bring together,

Stupid, useless, eye-in-your-finger rules about Chametz, the Kotel rule, and others too, 

Instead of focusing on what's important, like security, the economy crashing, Iran, America, or even the reforms, 

I went, but I shouldn't have been there, because traditionally I am on the religious right,

But I couldn't even vote for any "right" or "religious" in this government,

And their actions haven't proven me anything other than being grateful its not my fault, 

Because for the first time, I voted for someone without a Kippa, and I have no regrets,

I went because I am impressed that so many people have something so important to fight for, 

And to learn exactly what they were really protesting against (the government, not specifically the reforms),

I went, but I don't absolve the left wing leaders from blame, they benefit from the chaos,

I went, but behaved in a way I wished others did, without blocking roads, lighting fires, and vandalizing,

I went because I wish the right wing leaders did/could,

I went because if one side "wins" it would be trampling the others.

I went because negotiation and compromise are not a swear words,

I went because I have higher expectations from all of our leaders, wishing they could make me proud,

I went because this is their country the exact same amount it is mine, even if we disagree on things, 

I went to be with my brothers and sisters, who are feeling like their country is crashing,

I went to the protest for five minutes, and I hope I don't want to go to the next one for ten.

Party like its Shushan

 Well, that was more alcohol than I've consumed in my life. 4 straight nights of drinking, and each time felt only a tiny bit more. 

Purim was great. I took E to hear Megillah at shul, forgetting that he would not like the noise at Haman - which sure enough, we left by the fourth Haman. This extended my fast by about an hour and a half, because I was laining for my friends. We had a great party with the friends, with yummy food from our indoor BBQ. At laining, I started the 6th Perek to Umeloch, which is something I saw SK do on Purim during COVID and it is beautiful. It was a lot of fun hanging out with some of our closest friends in the world. 

The next morning, I lained at home in the same style, and then we went Mishloahch Manot hopping. I love Purim morning in Buchman, because there are so many fun themes families do (Ice cream stand, hot dog stand, breakfast bar, whatever JJ has thought of this year..). We had a fun Seuda with S + H, where a lot of Jack and Coke was consumed by the only non-pregnant non-driver at the table. For some reason Seuda was dairy but it was still a lot of fun and kids friendly. From there it was time for Neilat Hachag at Domi, which consisted of Miami Boys for the first time I can remember. 

The next night, we had a Pano Purim Party. I actually came in third in the costume competition (my ceiling for the event) dressed as the Orange House. It was pretty fun.

The next night we had Natan's wedding. There I finally was able to drink enough to feel it, and it was good because it was a beautiful wedding but it made it a lot of fun for me. Was great hanging out with Shiff's cousins and sisters. 

Never drank so much alcohol in 4 days before. I don't love the flavor but I don't hate the feeling. 

No Hit

 It was an ugly first game for us in the Spring season of Softball here in Gezer. We got no-hit, and only got two guys on base via walk. We only hit two balls in play, and both to the infield. The pitcher is really really good, but it is still embarrassing. I struck out twice, including to end the game and the no-hitter. Rough start, we'll get 'em next week. 

Need to breathe some KY8

 I'm on the train back from a wonderful (way too short) time in Kiryat Shmona. I had been planning to go up since Elul, but the tea leaves never ended up aligning. But I felt like I needed to, for a couple reasons. First of all, on a personal level, all is great in my life TG. Amazing wife, amazing kids, amazing job, amazing apartment, amazing families, and I even get to learn with my Zayde every day. But I felt like I needed to reprioritize myself on things like Davening, squeezing more learning time in, Asher Yatzar, etc. The other reason is that this country feels like a train that is off the train track in the past few weeks. Whether its politicians saying dangerous things, terror attacks, inflation, or all of these protests, I feel like its a little bit of a mess right now. I debated if to come this week during the Shiva of a student, and I decided that if it was a sad atmosphere, I wanted to be part of it (by the time I got there, there were still pictures of him everywhere, and overall sadness, but not over encompassing).

So I decided to go to Kiryat Shmona, which is a second home for me, to recalibrate myself. There is something special about the city that gives me this calmness and internal happiness whenever I get near it and especially in it. And further in, the Yeshiva, that is the beating heart of the city. Even at work, my computer screensavers are a picture of Yeshiva and of the Chermon. Basically, I needed to recalibrate myself, and I am so happy I was able to be selfish and do it (thank you to my amazing Shiffy and kiddos). 

I came up after work yesterday, and 4 hours later, passed the familiar junctions of Koach, Gome, and finally got to Mor. I got up the hill together with a Shiur Hay kid. I davened Maariv, and immediately started learning Messilat Yesharim Intro, Beur Adam Beolamo, and 2 Pereks of Zehirut. Zehirut is mainly telling you to do Cheshbon Nefesh at intervals so you can change your ways. I then got to go to RedMeat, my favorite place in KY8 with Akiva. It was great to sit with him, it has been a while. And he is overall happy, which always makes me happy to hear other people are happy. I had the Taleh Burger, with Seasoned Fries, and a coke. Once we got back to Yeshiva, I learned about Davening by Rav Sherki. My main takeaway was the fact that its hard to Daven, and that is ok - it's even part of its charm. Afterwards, I got to sit with some Shiur Bets that I like a lot, and then Rav Arye. I then practiced Megillah and went to find a room to stay in. The guys in the room I picked were so nice, chill, and welcoming, even though they had lost a friend from their year literally 3 days ago. It was nice to sit with them. I then went to say hi to Shindler, caught up on a little bit of urgent work, and went to sleep. 

In the morning, I woke up early (maybe earlier than ever before in KY8 not including makolet working days?) and got to watch sunrise outside, and breathe the air on my favorite porch in the world. Davening was meaningful, and so was the learning after (more about Megillah, and Tzorba on Purim). I then went to my favorite nature walk in the world to sit, breathe, and look at KY8, the Golan, the upper Galil, and the Chermon in the air. It was like time stopped, it was so amazing. 

Then I went to the Makolet to say hi to my old friend. I gave them business because I bought the boys who had lost a friend and welcomed me to the room some pastas, sauce, and a brownie making box. They deserve a nice Erev Cheder. I then met Naomi for lunch at RedMeat, and ordered the exact same thing. It was great to see her, I'm glad she is doing well. I then got a ride to a train with Ravs Arye and Zand who were going to the Shiva. 

It wasn't about the content that I was able to learn (though that was fascinating too). It was about reprioritizing what is important, and reminding myself who is running the world. And also eating some RedMeat. And even if just for that, Dayenu.