The Scribbler

This is so typical. Virtually the entire UK is hit by an earthquake and do I feel even the slightest tremor? No - of course not. It was the biggest quake to hit this place in over twenty years and I slept right through it. Not only that, but so did everyone else in our family.

Now that I'm back, I've decided to celebrate the fact by promptly falling sick. I went in to school yesterday, managed to make it through my three teaching lessons and lunch break and promptly came home. I've spent the day at home, sleeping, catching up on some school stuff and generally feeling pretty grotty. I didn't think that when I developed that sore throat in the middle last week, I'd be ending up at home. Still, I suppose my colleagues would rather that than having me share my malady with them. I still can't get over how much I achieved during my trip. Last Wednesday, we took a taxi directly from our British friends' flat in Netanya to the Western Wall in Jerusalem. After a lengthy time pouring my heart out to the Kotel - which was the first time I'd put tefillin on in that location since my barmitzvah - we took the fascinating tour through the Western Wall tunnels which run the length of the Wall, all the way, deep into the Muslim Quarter. It is...

I have had the most wonderful six days (even though I feel like death warmed up as I write this). I saw old friends, re-established contact with cousins that I haven't been in touch with for years and spent a most wonderful day in the Old City of Jerusalem, re-connecting with my spiritual roots. The wedding we attended was beautiful and unforgettable and Michal was a joy to travel with. I really could go on, but words can't describe how lovely the holiday was. I can't think of a single bad moment, which pretty much sums up the experience. I want to go back now....but only after this cold/cough/yeuchiness has left me.

I don't think I can convey in words how excited I feel about my upcoming trip to Israel. Aside from last year's wonderful week in Eilat, I have not been to my beloved country in almost ten years. The last time I prayed at the Western Wall (Kotel Hamaaravi) was Pesach (Passover) 1998, little knowing that it would be this long until I would return - and hell or high water, I will find my way there during the course of this trip! I'm sure you will recall the special place the Kotel holds in my heart (if you can't have a look here ). Those of you who read this blog regularly (I suppose as regularly as I update it.....) will no doubt be aware of my deep love for the land of Israel. I am, was and always will be a very proud Zionist, irrespective of whatever some name people choose to call me for wearing this tag. Were it possible, I would have moved to live in Israel when I was eight years old..and nine....and ten - and I still haven't given up on my dream of eventually s...

It is not often that we get to celebrate the birth of a brand new state. I know that this was a regular occurence about twenty or so years ago, but these days, it is not something that we hear every day. Right about now, Kosovars are still walking around in some sort of daydream, fully aware that their declaration will no doubt incur the wrath of both Serbia and Russia and Lord knows what the next few weeks may bring about. I feel for them. Nearly sixty years ago, our people did the same thing, against the "good advice" proferred to us by our Arab brethren and many other so-called friends around the world. Sixty years on, anyone who gives a damn about being Jewish, knows that we did the right thing, irrespective of how much people criticise Israel and the Israelis. I don't know what will happen with regards to Kosovo, but I fervently hope that this day is the beginning of a great period for that unfortunate country. Now go and do the correct thing and establish immediate ...

I don't know who was behind the assassination of one of the world's most bloodthirsty inhabitants. The amount of distress and tragedy this animal was responsible for; the number of familes whose lives were shattered as a result of his operations; the future lives of the victims which he took away; all bear testament to the "legacy" of this hateful man. I really don't care who finally got to him. It is just a pity that it took so long. Some people don't deserve the gift of life - not if their sole purpose for breathing the air and taking up the limited space that we have on this earth, is to destroy the lives and futures of other human beings. I hope his wretched soul rots in hell for eternity.

During the two years that I worked at a Church school, I was very careful to keep my opinions about the Church to myself. I felt it hypocritical to criticise the hand that was responsible for me being able to buy food, heat the house, pay the mortgage etc. In September, I started at my new school, a non-faith establishment and as a result, I currently have no qualms whatsoever about raising issues in the church that are doing their best to give me sleepless nights. Let me continue by stating that I don't have a problem with the Christian religion per se. In fact, some of my very best friends are Christians. After all, you guys pilfered much of your religion from us, so why should I be angry? A large part of your Church Service is probably closer to the original ritual that was performed in the Temple in Jerusalem, than our own Synagogue services. I certainly don't remember the last time the Rabbi walked down the aisle waving the smoking incense! Let's not forget that your B...

Hello friends. My sincere apologies for the delay in posting here. A number of friends have approached me and asked why I haven't written in for a while. To be honest, I can't think of a good excuse (unlike my students, who have unlimited imaginations when it comes to the excuses department), so I won't patronise you by giving one. Then again, I could say that I was too busy to write... Nah. I'm not going to even try. However, just to keep you in the picture, this blog, though a little unattended (not ignored, unattended ) is never too far from my mind. So now that I'm back, what's new? Well, we've got the usual political stuff, Obama vs Hillary, John McCain, Mr Republican Shoe-in, so sorry Mitt, but I don't think your Super Tuesday will be that great); crap in the Middle East (including the tragic attack in Dimona yesterday) and political shenanigans headlining the ever sombre news broadcasts. I've been busy. School is keeping me out of trouble and...