ISAACS FAMILY NEWSLETTER – August (only just) 2011
Please excuse the lack of newsletters over the last year. Writer’s block.
Ari - Peaking through the key hole
After his discharge from the army last November due to a foot injury, Ari (23) waited three months for a CT and three more for an MRI, following which a frighteningly young-looking doctor used key hole surgery to extract all sorts of bits and pieces of bone and tissue that were wandering free as birds inside his foot.
Condemned to rest, Ari killed the first days by learning to program in Flash (a program for making things on the Internet move and speak – like all those annoying adverts). Bored of that he indulged in voracious reading (averaging 3 or 4 books a week) and of course computer games. And we’re not talking Angry Birds or Packman but strategic games in which you build, rule and conquer kingdoms. This may be good training for his future career, depending on whether or not he chooses to depose some Middle Eastern despot, which is quite the rage these days.
As they say in England, Ari will be “reading” Economics and Law at the Hebrew University starting in November. His foot still isn’t right, but hopefully there will be an improvements so that he will have time for at least some irresponsible, reckless, rash and foolish behavior – which is what discharged soldiers are supposed to do before starting Life (with a capital L).
Elon - The Purple Knight
Elon (21) is now half way through his army service. He has become a “magist”, which, for those who are not familiar, basically means he is the brawniest guy in his unit. Elon’s brigade, Givati, has a purple insignia, flag and beret, and the soldiers adopt purple as their favourite colour. So Elon’s wardrobe is full of purple shirts, shorts, kipot, and for his birthday, we bought him purple crocs, which after some initial hesitation, he now sports proudly. He might start a trend on base.
Elon has a week’s holiday now, and is off with Ari and a friend to Eilat. Used to making do with the basics, the boys refuse point blank to sleep in a hotel or even a youth hostel, and bed down in the car or on the beach. One thing I can proudly say of these boys – they’re not spoiled (and not through lack of their mother and grandmother’s efforts).
Naphtali – Driving himself down the wall
Naphtali (19) today starts his second year of yeshiva in Itamar. Naphtali has roped himself into snapling (I think in the UK they call it absailing). After weeks of planning he arrived home this week with all the equipment – ropes, shackles, buckles, harness and all. He explained to me at length the physics of all the various contraptions to convince me there was no risk whatsoever in suspending yourself in mid-air above a 15 meter sheer drop into an abyss. Next day, he “snappled” down a 5 meter wall, so he’s obviously got the hang of it. Generously Naphtali offered me a go on some future trip. I’m already planning my excuses as, to be honest, I’m chicken.
Orly - Sugar and spice and all things nice
Orly (16) has concluded, empirically, that I am to blame for all the things she doesn’t like about herself. This includes: her feet (too big), her ears (one sticks out), and her sense of direction (I can lose my way in a lift). On the other hand, all the good things about herself – her beauty, her sweetness, her brains – all come from Judy. I don’t necessarily disagree with her analysis, but there are some truths about yourself that you prefer not to hear, specially not from a 16 year old.
Orly continues to relish my advancing age. She has nicknamed me “Doldy” – which is derived, with some poetic license, from “Old Daddy”. I have been called a few things in my life – Big Ears, Blondie and Jock being a few of the more repeatable ones. If I thought I had grown too old for new nicknames, I guess there is truth to the old adage “children keep you young”.
Orly returned yesterday from a school trip to Poland where she learned about the Jewish communities and their annihilation by the Nazis. These trips spark a lot of discussion. What is their value? Should we “reward” the Polish by supporting the “holocaust tourism” industry? Is this how teenagers should spend their summer hols? For these reasons, together with the cost, many of the girls in Orly’s school did not join the trip. Elon and Naphtali also chose not to go. We tend to discuss these issues out in the open and I was pleased to receive support from Ari for Orly’s participation. He said that his trip to Poland was the main reason he chose to become an army officer.
Abigail and Elisheva – Abisheva and Eligail
Poor Abigail (9) and Elisheva (6) tend to get dealt with together, like a pair of twins denied their individuality. Why? Well they are the two youngest (by far), they are both girls, both in primary school. It’s horribly unjust though, because of all the possible combinations of two of the six children (five factorial minus one?) they are undoubtedly the two most different.
At least the girls have enjoyed their summer, thanks mainly to Judy. In addition to our compulsory family camping holiday in the north, Judy took them to the pool, the seaside, shopping malls, to friends, and also arranged an “Isaacs girls” trip to Eilat together with sisters-in-law and nieces.
Elisheva has a friend who lives round the corner called Noa who more or less moved in here for the summer, which was good because Abigail more or less moved out with sleepover parties, evenings at the pizza parlour, Bnei Akiva camps and meetings, “poykes” (don’t even try looking that one up in a dictionary) and generally hanging out with friends as nine-year olds do these days.
All this joy ends today as School - the great Spoiler - begins tomorrow. The misery of impending school is echoed even by the firmament with grey skies and rain falling as I type – unheard of weather in these parts for August. September 1st trauma, is a condition that should be defined in some child-rearing text book. One of its early indicators is that during July and August, when my six and nine year olds rouse from their slumber, my first question for them is “what time did you go to bed last night?”
So I’m going to sign off now and think of something really nice to do with the girls on their last day (Orly also starts school tomorrow) and wish you and your families all a successful school year.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Dorothy Isaacs Diary, 1947-8 Voice from Jerusalem
It’s now just over a year since my mother, Dorothy, passed away.
My brother Aubrey, has invested many many months to edit and publish diaries that Dorothy kept during her stay in Israel between 1947 and 1948. The diaries document Dorothy’s experiences during that fascinating year in history which saw the Partition decision, the Independence war, the siege of Jerusalem, Independence day, and the post-war period during which Dorothy toured the lengths and breadth of the fledgling state. Aubrey supplemented her diary entries with footnotes that provide the historical backdrop to the events she describes. The diary includes also fascinating newspaper clippings, documents, poems Mum wrote, letters sent home and more.
I knew my Mum for 47 years, but the Dorothy who emerges from the pages of this diary was a surprise for me. I am sure that all of you who knew and loved her will be fascinated to meet (or remember) the Dorothy of the 1940’s, and her dreams, bravery and aspirations.
If you wish to receive a copy of the diary, please send us your address.
My brother Aubrey, has invested many many months to edit and publish diaries that Dorothy kept during her stay in Israel between 1947 and 1948. The diaries document Dorothy’s experiences during that fascinating year in history which saw the Partition decision, the Independence war, the siege of Jerusalem, Independence day, and the post-war period during which Dorothy toured the lengths and breadth of the fledgling state. Aubrey supplemented her diary entries with footnotes that provide the historical backdrop to the events she describes. The diary includes also fascinating newspaper clippings, documents, poems Mum wrote, letters sent home and more.
I knew my Mum for 47 years, but the Dorothy who emerges from the pages of this diary was a surprise for me. I am sure that all of you who knew and loved her will be fascinated to meet (or remember) the Dorothy of the 1940’s, and her dreams, bravery and aspirations.
If you wish to receive a copy of the diary, please send us your address.
Monday, January 3, 2011
January 3 2011
After recently suffering loss of sensation in my thumb and index finger of my right hand due to some vertebrae that were way out of line, and with a two-month waiting list for physiotherapy, I found myself, for the first time, testing alternative medicine.
The first practitioner I fell victim to was a Lubavitcher acupuncturist who stabbed two huge needles into my forehead exactly where you don tefillin which, to my amazement, sent streams of energy exactly to the numbed fingers. I became an instant convert (to acupuncture, not Lubavitch). However, my new-found faith crashed instantly when the Puncture rebbe, after carefully examining my tongue and facial features informed me, with absolute certainty, that I would live a long life (I be he says that to all the good-looking guys). This, to the son of a geriatrician, is not necessarily good news. But it did get me thinking about the meaning of age.
Ari (22) – Moving to the Next Age
A couple of months ago, Ari completed his army service. He worked so hard during these years – first as a new recruit, then as a tank commander, and finally as an officer - when he would eat once a day and sleep 4 hours a night (on a good night). Since his release, he has been catching up on the sleeping and eating (home cooking). Ari has almost a year till university starts, during which time he plans to became an estate agent, launch various businesses, and be well on the path to his first million.
Elon (20)- An Infant in Infantry
Elon recently completed his advanced training and started this week his first tour of active duty, during which he will see home only one Shabbat in three. This is bad news for us, but a downright disaster for his basketball team. Imagine the Los Angeles Lakers playing two games out of three without their Shaquille O’Neil.
Naphtali (18) – Having the Time of His Life
Naphtali, our yeshiva bochur, cloistered in a yeshiva in Itamar, is expanding his knowledge of the timeless truths of the world and strengthening himself spiritually in preparation for the army and Life. Yeshiva has done wonders for Naphtali. He spends more time opposite his books every day in yeshiva, than he did in a year of school.
Orly (16) – Age Concern
I told Judy I am considering dying my hair before the graying strands become truly hoary. Judy’s still in two minds as to whether I’m joking or not. So now it is time to reveal the truth…No comment.
The story behind the story is Orly, who misses no opportunity to point out the visible signs of my aging – thinning, greying hair, flabby skin and rusty bodywork. “Oh Daddy, Look!” she will cry with the joy of a discovery, loud enough to ensure the neighbours hear, “Another wrinkle!”.
Abigail (9) – Skipping time
Jewish parents especially, love to beat themselves up over parenting errors. So our confession is that we – out of the goodness of our heart - kept Abigail in kindergarten an extra year because she was one of the youngest in her age group. Our over-consideration was, it transpired, a disaster. This September, Abigail righted the wrong, skipping directly from Grade 2 to Grade 4 since when she has made dozens of new friends, closed the gap and even improved her grades. Abigail received a certificate of achievement, which is on show in our home, awarded by her Sabra teacher, and I quote, “for excellence in English to “Abigail Eizaks” (sic).
Last week Abigail was inaugurated into Bnei Akiva, which means her social schedule is fully booked for the next 416 shabbatot.
Elisheva (6) Time for School
When we were newlyweds, Judy once described one of her cousins – quite to my surprise - as a “real lobus”. I was shocked. My sweet wife was not one to speak that way of anyone. The cousin in question was very cute, if somewhat spirited. For the life of me I couldn’t understand what he had done to deserve this description. In a rare act of common sense, I kept my mouth shut. It took a couple of years for me to realize that, for Judy, “a real lobus”, is the ultimate compliment - rascally, but with character.
In the same vein, I would describe Elisheva as a lobus or a rascal. Her lobus-ness (or rascality) is saved for home. I was delighted and extremely surprised at a parent’s meeting when her Grade 1 teacher showered praise on Elisheva for her industriousness, impeccable behavior and tidiness. For the second time in my life I was wise enough to keep my mouth shut and take the praise smiling, rather than voicing what was really on my mind: “This is Elisheva Isaacs we’re talking about, right?” or “What do you bribe her with?” or “What’s the name of that stuff you put in her water bottle?”. Don’t get me wrong. Elisheva is a wonderful wee girl, but “tidiness” and “impeccable behaviour” are not traits we see too much of in the home.
Judy - Timeless Beauty
I used to love running for hours in the middle of nowhere with no one to keep me company but the other half of my split personality. I thought of it as sweaty meditation. Swimming must do the same for Judy, though think of it as “Splashy meditation” (ladies don’t sweat). Judy swims, twice a week for, wait for it, three hours covering upwards of 5 kilometers (that’s over 200 lengths) each time! Can you believe that? 5 kilometers! Most people can’t run that, many can’t walk that, and she swims that distance. Twice a week. What can I tell you? That’s Judy.
Sorry this update took so long and thanks for reading this far.
Lots of love from
Michael, Judy, Ari, Elon, Naphtali, Orly, Abigail and Elisheva Isaacs, Elkana
The first practitioner I fell victim to was a Lubavitcher acupuncturist who stabbed two huge needles into my forehead exactly where you don tefillin which, to my amazement, sent streams of energy exactly to the numbed fingers. I became an instant convert (to acupuncture, not Lubavitch). However, my new-found faith crashed instantly when the Puncture rebbe, after carefully examining my tongue and facial features informed me, with absolute certainty, that I would live a long life (I be he says that to all the good-looking guys). This, to the son of a geriatrician, is not necessarily good news. But it did get me thinking about the meaning of age.
Ari (22) – Moving to the Next Age
A couple of months ago, Ari completed his army service. He worked so hard during these years – first as a new recruit, then as a tank commander, and finally as an officer - when he would eat once a day and sleep 4 hours a night (on a good night). Since his release, he has been catching up on the sleeping and eating (home cooking). Ari has almost a year till university starts, during which time he plans to became an estate agent, launch various businesses, and be well on the path to his first million.
Elon (20)- An Infant in Infantry
Elon recently completed his advanced training and started this week his first tour of active duty, during which he will see home only one Shabbat in three. This is bad news for us, but a downright disaster for his basketball team. Imagine the Los Angeles Lakers playing two games out of three without their Shaquille O’Neil.
Naphtali (18) – Having the Time of His Life
Naphtali, our yeshiva bochur, cloistered in a yeshiva in Itamar, is expanding his knowledge of the timeless truths of the world and strengthening himself spiritually in preparation for the army and Life. Yeshiva has done wonders for Naphtali. He spends more time opposite his books every day in yeshiva, than he did in a year of school.
Orly (16) – Age Concern
I told Judy I am considering dying my hair before the graying strands become truly hoary. Judy’s still in two minds as to whether I’m joking or not. So now it is time to reveal the truth…No comment.
The story behind the story is Orly, who misses no opportunity to point out the visible signs of my aging – thinning, greying hair, flabby skin and rusty bodywork. “Oh Daddy, Look!” she will cry with the joy of a discovery, loud enough to ensure the neighbours hear, “Another wrinkle!”.
Abigail (9) – Skipping time
Jewish parents especially, love to beat themselves up over parenting errors. So our confession is that we – out of the goodness of our heart - kept Abigail in kindergarten an extra year because she was one of the youngest in her age group. Our over-consideration was, it transpired, a disaster. This September, Abigail righted the wrong, skipping directly from Grade 2 to Grade 4 since when she has made dozens of new friends, closed the gap and even improved her grades. Abigail received a certificate of achievement, which is on show in our home, awarded by her Sabra teacher, and I quote, “for excellence in English to “Abigail Eizaks” (sic).
Last week Abigail was inaugurated into Bnei Akiva, which means her social schedule is fully booked for the next 416 shabbatot.
Elisheva (6) Time for School
When we were newlyweds, Judy once described one of her cousins – quite to my surprise - as a “real lobus”. I was shocked. My sweet wife was not one to speak that way of anyone. The cousin in question was very cute, if somewhat spirited. For the life of me I couldn’t understand what he had done to deserve this description. In a rare act of common sense, I kept my mouth shut. It took a couple of years for me to realize that, for Judy, “a real lobus”, is the ultimate compliment - rascally, but with character.
In the same vein, I would describe Elisheva as a lobus or a rascal. Her lobus-ness (or rascality) is saved for home. I was delighted and extremely surprised at a parent’s meeting when her Grade 1 teacher showered praise on Elisheva for her industriousness, impeccable behavior and tidiness. For the second time in my life I was wise enough to keep my mouth shut and take the praise smiling, rather than voicing what was really on my mind: “This is Elisheva Isaacs we’re talking about, right?” or “What do you bribe her with?” or “What’s the name of that stuff you put in her water bottle?”. Don’t get me wrong. Elisheva is a wonderful wee girl, but “tidiness” and “impeccable behaviour” are not traits we see too much of in the home.
Judy - Timeless Beauty
I used to love running for hours in the middle of nowhere with no one to keep me company but the other half of my split personality. I thought of it as sweaty meditation. Swimming must do the same for Judy, though think of it as “Splashy meditation” (ladies don’t sweat). Judy swims, twice a week for, wait for it, three hours covering upwards of 5 kilometers (that’s over 200 lengths) each time! Can you believe that? 5 kilometers! Most people can’t run that, many can’t walk that, and she swims that distance. Twice a week. What can I tell you? That’s Judy.
Sorry this update took so long and thanks for reading this far.
Lots of love from
Michael, Judy, Ari, Elon, Naphtali, Orly, Abigail and Elisheva Isaacs, Elkana
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