Tuesday, August 25, 2009
August 2009
Visionaries and thought leaders of the telecommunications industry warn that companies that do not innovate will stagnate. The result is a hectic drive to change, which constantly forces us out of our comfort zone and challenges us to learn, experiment and dare – creating a state of mind of inescapable uncertainty and instability. Coupled with geo-political concerns – the Korean threat, Islamic extremism, emergent anti-Semitism – and the daily trials of health and happiness of loved ones, we seek refuge in the constancy of things rock solid that have stood the test of ages, and that are not rendered obsolete by ubiquitous mobile broadband, Facebook, Twitter or the iPhone. And where is this island of refuge to be found? In our faith, and in our summer holiday camping trips at Hurshat Tal.
Hurshat Tal is tranquility.
Now our concept of tranquility is not exactly everyone’s cup of Earl Grey – sleeping in tents, no fridge, air-conditioning or lights, public showers and toilets, and five children (Ari was is in the army). But we wouldn’t swap our annual week in a tent for the presidential suite at the Hilton, or our barbecued sausages for the finest banquet - although if there is any chocolate mousse, I would like some, if I may.
Now to the children.
Ari’s Army (21)
Ari is still in officer’s course. I say “still” advisedly since his position there is precarious. Among Ari’s many gifts, which include a superior intellect and good looks, is the Scottish virtue of straight-talking. He is a say-what-you-think kind of guy. This is not a quality revered in the military which educates to “Yes Sir, No Sir, Three bags full Sir”. Ari amusedly informed us that he had recently shared with his commanding officer some concerns regarding his leadership (Ari’s actual words were something more along the lines of “you’re an idiot”).
Elon (19)
Elon returned today to his mechina after a relaxing summer of outings, surfing and borrowing Daddy’s car. The last year has been good for Elon. In mechina he has mellowed, and found new avenues for spiritual growth through studying the works of Hasidism, Rabbi Kook and the intellectual intricacies of tennis, basketball and ping pong, all of which prepare him well for his military service starting in March 2010. This leaves Elon six more months to further develop his long curly blond hair, which has already grown well past his shoulders, before merciless military barbers return him to a short back and sides.
Naphtali (16)
Naphtali is learning to drive. As I have reported in the past, Naphtali is the family handyman. He fixes things. He knows all the tricks on mobile phones. He re-programmed a broken TV remote control. So for him driving is easy peasy. It’s a given that he will be the youngest to qualify, the best driver in the family, and probably the first to break the family jinx and pass his test first time.
The sons of Akiva and the sons of the sons of Akiva
Naphtali was madrich (counselor) at Bnei Akiva camp this summer. The kids all love him. After he shared his philosophy with me, I understood why. On the very first day he set down the ground rules firm and clear. “I don’t care if you skive off trips. If you want to leave the camp, go. Don’t even tell me. Just enjoy yourselves”. The kids enjoyed camp and Naphtali took it easy. Sounds like a win-win situation to me.
Naphtali belongs to Glasgow
Naphtali’s Scottish roots were exposed recently. From time to time he gets together with his friend Ariel late on Friday nights for a harmless beer or two. At a shiur (lesson) I gave to the youth of our synagogue a couple of weeks ago - which Ariel attended - on the topic of restrictions preceding the fast of the Ninth of Av, I jovially noted that although drinking wine was forbidden, fortunately for Naphtali and Ariel, drinking beer was permitted. Well, the news that Naphtali and Ariel indulge in a tipple spread like wildfire among Elkana youth. Naphtali was more amused than annoyed. I guess the story bolstered his teenage manhood.
Orli (14) and her not-so-secret admirer
A friend came up to me after shul (synagogue) a few weeks ago and told me with great hilarity of his son’s interest in Orli. The young gentleman in question – whom I can assure you is from an excellent family – never actually confessed that he had “taken a shine” to Orli – I was told – it is just that for several weeks at Friday night supper he just happens to comment “Did you see Orli in shul? Wasn’t she dressed nicely? Didn’t she look good? Doesn’t she have a nice smile? Isn’t she the prettiest of all the girls?”. I found my friend’s hilarity inappropriate. I was impressed with his son’s discerning eye and excellent judgment of character, since from my (entirely objective) view point, Orli is indeed the local belle – plain and simple fact.
I immediately transmitted to Orli the honourable intentions of her suitor, in the most discrete manner possible i.e. in front of the whole family at Friday night supper. She found the compliments embarrassing rather than flattering. Apparently, the boy’s interest in Orli is far from new news. He made the beginner’s mistake of opening his heart - in strictest confidence - to a close and reliable friend. I don’t know what happened next, but one of Orli’s friends published the story on facebook – so now the whole world knows. Sadly his love is not returned. Orli is growing up so quick. Only 14 and already breaking hearts.
Abigail (7) and Elisheva (4)
It’s tricky to separate Abigail and Elisheva in family news. These two do so much together. Most days this summer, Judy took them, and any other children lolling around the house, for a swim to the beach or to Boobie Barbara’s pool. During our recent camping trip, Abigail asked if we could stay for another week at Hurshat Tal. Elisheva suggested we just move in permanently.
The rest of the lazy summer days the girls split between computer, TV, friends and playing. On TV they love Sponge Bob and Avatar. When Avatar is on, Abigail calls me to watch. It’s great. The supply of computer games is endless. Every time I peak over their shoulders, another weird creature is leaping over and ducking baddies on a treacherous obstacle course.
Abigail is a second mother to Elisheva, or rather a second father. When I want to wash or comb Elisheva’s hair, or dress her, Elisheva frequently asks Abigail to do it instead, and Abigail always obliges. Shame this preference for Abigail didn’t surface when I was still changing soiled nappies.
The end of the school holidays is but a breath away, so I’m going to stop scribbling and go back to sunning myself. Wishing you all a happy and especially healthy New Year.
Michael, Judy, Ari, Elon, Naphtali, Orli, Abigail and Elisheva Isaacs, Elkana
Hurshat Tal is tranquility.
Now our concept of tranquility is not exactly everyone’s cup of Earl Grey – sleeping in tents, no fridge, air-conditioning or lights, public showers and toilets, and five children (Ari was is in the army). But we wouldn’t swap our annual week in a tent for the presidential suite at the Hilton, or our barbecued sausages for the finest banquet - although if there is any chocolate mousse, I would like some, if I may.
Now to the children.
Ari’s Army (21)
Ari is still in officer’s course. I say “still” advisedly since his position there is precarious. Among Ari’s many gifts, which include a superior intellect and good looks, is the Scottish virtue of straight-talking. He is a say-what-you-think kind of guy. This is not a quality revered in the military which educates to “Yes Sir, No Sir, Three bags full Sir”. Ari amusedly informed us that he had recently shared with his commanding officer some concerns regarding his leadership (Ari’s actual words were something more along the lines of “you’re an idiot”).
Elon (19)
Elon returned today to his mechina after a relaxing summer of outings, surfing and borrowing Daddy’s car. The last year has been good for Elon. In mechina he has mellowed, and found new avenues for spiritual growth through studying the works of Hasidism, Rabbi Kook and the intellectual intricacies of tennis, basketball and ping pong, all of which prepare him well for his military service starting in March 2010. This leaves Elon six more months to further develop his long curly blond hair, which has already grown well past his shoulders, before merciless military barbers return him to a short back and sides.
Naphtali (16)
Naphtali is learning to drive. As I have reported in the past, Naphtali is the family handyman. He fixes things. He knows all the tricks on mobile phones. He re-programmed a broken TV remote control. So for him driving is easy peasy. It’s a given that he will be the youngest to qualify, the best driver in the family, and probably the first to break the family jinx and pass his test first time.
The sons of Akiva and the sons of the sons of Akiva
Naphtali was madrich (counselor) at Bnei Akiva camp this summer. The kids all love him. After he shared his philosophy with me, I understood why. On the very first day he set down the ground rules firm and clear. “I don’t care if you skive off trips. If you want to leave the camp, go. Don’t even tell me. Just enjoy yourselves”. The kids enjoyed camp and Naphtali took it easy. Sounds like a win-win situation to me.
Naphtali belongs to Glasgow
Naphtali’s Scottish roots were exposed recently. From time to time he gets together with his friend Ariel late on Friday nights for a harmless beer or two. At a shiur (lesson) I gave to the youth of our synagogue a couple of weeks ago - which Ariel attended - on the topic of restrictions preceding the fast of the Ninth of Av, I jovially noted that although drinking wine was forbidden, fortunately for Naphtali and Ariel, drinking beer was permitted. Well, the news that Naphtali and Ariel indulge in a tipple spread like wildfire among Elkana youth. Naphtali was more amused than annoyed. I guess the story bolstered his teenage manhood.
Orli (14) and her not-so-secret admirer
A friend came up to me after shul (synagogue) a few weeks ago and told me with great hilarity of his son’s interest in Orli. The young gentleman in question – whom I can assure you is from an excellent family – never actually confessed that he had “taken a shine” to Orli – I was told – it is just that for several weeks at Friday night supper he just happens to comment “Did you see Orli in shul? Wasn’t she dressed nicely? Didn’t she look good? Doesn’t she have a nice smile? Isn’t she the prettiest of all the girls?”. I found my friend’s hilarity inappropriate. I was impressed with his son’s discerning eye and excellent judgment of character, since from my (entirely objective) view point, Orli is indeed the local belle – plain and simple fact.
I immediately transmitted to Orli the honourable intentions of her suitor, in the most discrete manner possible i.e. in front of the whole family at Friday night supper. She found the compliments embarrassing rather than flattering. Apparently, the boy’s interest in Orli is far from new news. He made the beginner’s mistake of opening his heart - in strictest confidence - to a close and reliable friend. I don’t know what happened next, but one of Orli’s friends published the story on facebook – so now the whole world knows. Sadly his love is not returned. Orli is growing up so quick. Only 14 and already breaking hearts.
Abigail (7) and Elisheva (4)
It’s tricky to separate Abigail and Elisheva in family news. These two do so much together. Most days this summer, Judy took them, and any other children lolling around the house, for a swim to the beach or to Boobie Barbara’s pool. During our recent camping trip, Abigail asked if we could stay for another week at Hurshat Tal. Elisheva suggested we just move in permanently.
The rest of the lazy summer days the girls split between computer, TV, friends and playing. On TV they love Sponge Bob and Avatar. When Avatar is on, Abigail calls me to watch. It’s great. The supply of computer games is endless. Every time I peak over their shoulders, another weird creature is leaping over and ducking baddies on a treacherous obstacle course.
Abigail is a second mother to Elisheva, or rather a second father. When I want to wash or comb Elisheva’s hair, or dress her, Elisheva frequently asks Abigail to do it instead, and Abigail always obliges. Shame this preference for Abigail didn’t surface when I was still changing soiled nappies.
The end of the school holidays is but a breath away, so I’m going to stop scribbling and go back to sunning myself. Wishing you all a happy and especially healthy New Year.
Michael, Judy, Ari, Elon, Naphtali, Orli, Abigail and Elisheva Isaacs, Elkana
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