Blessings Abound By Melissa Dubinsky
It is an interesting observation that if one asks people if they are blessed to be living in Israel, almost everyone gives an enthusiastic “yes!” followed by an example of feeling blessed by Hashem in their own lives. Ask these same people to write about it, and almost everyone gives an emphatic “no! – I couldn’t – it’s much too personal.” Our theme was intended to have people think about the blessings in their own lives, in addition to the obvious ones in which Hashem is watching over Israel and our chayalim every day. Below are some “sanitized” examples people have shared with me of their own personal blessings. Perhaps reading them will allow each person to pause and reflect on his or her own experiences. During the Seder, between the many courses of a meal sure to be delicious, perhaps there will be an opportunity to introduce this theme and engage everyone around the table in a discussion of the many blessings that we all are blessed to receive. Completely anecdotal, with names and details changed to protect privacy, in no particular order, consider the following blessings received by our communal family and friends in Israel: • “ We found family and friends in
Israel.” Whether blood relations or not, whether hailing from the same street or not, it is nearly impossible to make Aliyah and not find kindred spirits with which to share our new lives. • “Our children are doing well.” Married children who make Aliyah have found fulfilling jobs quickly, putting to rest a common fear. • “Our child with Asperger’s Syndrome was accepted into the IDF, and his life was dramatically changed for the better.” The IDF’s program for accepting volunteers who are otherwise automatically exempt is a model for the world. • “My surgery was completely paid for.” We have a funny, somewhat difficult, medical system, not perfect, and not able to be successful for everyone, but many of us have received major treatments without additional cost. Medical costs can bankrupt people who live in other countries. • “I lost my wallet and someone found it and returned everything to me – even the cash.” Not a trivial blessing if you carry your entire life around with you. • “I was stranded late at night on a dark road and a stranger took me where I continued on the following page
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