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