Recently, Irma and I decided that we needed to make few changes or "adjustments" in our lives. Although we love our first home in Efrat we realized we need to move on. The people have been incredibly friendly, helpful and welcoming. From day one, people have been coming to us to offer help, hospitality and friendship.
While there are a few native Israeli families in the neighborhood, most of our neighbors have come from either the United States or Great Britain. Also, we all share approximately the same level of religious beliefs and practice – not always so everywhere in Israel.
The neighbors have treated us almost like family. In some ways we are almost like an older aunt and uncle couple to some of these people. The little kids like Bandit and Irma's adopted cat Kiki. Irma occasionally brings treats – candy, squirt guns, or toy cars for the little guys.
We've shared engagement parties, weddings, sheva brachas, circumcisions and other simchas (joyous events). We've also attended a couple of funerals of older parents or relatives. We fit in and we belong.
I've been going to all three prayer services every day. In addition, I joined an English speaking kollel (bible study group).
So what happened? Well, a few incidents happened that were not all that serious (an illness, a neighbor raising chickens - removed by the health department). However, we sometimes take these things has messages from above. (We believe that G-d talks to all of us - we just need to listen). In this case, we've realized that while we are happy here, we may not be accomplishing what we should be.
In our previous lives, in Denver and Boca Raton, we actively contributed to the community. This town, Efrat, seems to be well organized and in good order. (I really don't like that description but can't think of anything better at this time). Irma did some searching and found the town, Karmiel, in the northern part of the country.
Karmiel is a city of approximately the 50,000 people. It is super clean and has beautiful parks and spectacular mountain views. Most of the people there are secular. We feel that we can be of help to a religious community or synagogue in town. In fact, we believe that that's why we are in Israel in the first place.
Our new home is an older building that is being totally renovated. We will have a two story apartment with new kitchen cabinets and bathroom fixtures. Our second floor will have a large bedroom, a large closet, a bathroom and spaces for office and sitting areas. The first floor has a kitchen, a large bathroom, a living – dining area and a safe room. Some of you may not know what a safe room is. A safe room in Israel is a special room with steel panels in the walls and ceiling. It also has steel panels to close over the windows, and special filtered ventilation. Remember, we are in Israel and Karmiel is not far from the border of Lebanon.
We received a tremendous amount of help from a woman named Sylvia, who volunteers with Nefesh B'Nefesh to help those interested in Karmiel. Sylvia spent many hours helping Irma find various apartments until Irma found "the one." Thank you, Sylvia.
Irma and I look forward to our new adventure. We do not intend to waste away from boredom. We're both thankful to HaShem for bringing us to Israel and the giving us these opportunities.
Over the coming months I'll be writing more from Karmiel. Meanwhile I have added pictures including scenic pictures and pictures of our uncompleted apartment.
Be well y'all,
Mel
