The day Hamas give over the bodies without massive amounts of Palestinian prisoners being given in exchange is the day pigs become kosher. They haven't let the International Red Cross visit the hostages yet. That was part of the agreement. I'm not sure which party (or both!) aren't bring allowed to fulfill this. The Israeli elderly woman who was released in a horrible medical condition had family begging the IRC to take her medicines to her. They did not/could not/would not.

You can switch Toyota Sienna minivans with me! I'll even throw in the Uncle Moishy and Marvelous Middos Machine CDs but not my Kivi and Tuki CDs. Equal swap: 2005 Sienna for yours without a CD player. 🙃

Hamas claims these children were killed by Israeli fire. I think most Israelis think it's a psychological ruse, but it is terrible to think about. Which would be the point whether or not it's true. But if it's true (and Israel won't know because Hamas tends not to give bodies back) Israelis will be ANGRY.

I'm in Israel right now but they are in a "ceasefire" (there have been isolated issues in Gaza). I feel fine but I speak enough Hebrew and know where not to go. As a Jew I'm (sadly) not going to a bunch of places in Europe and obviously the Middle East any time soon.

Raisin Brown for raisin bran (the flakes are brown so it works!). Knockles for knuckles (well, you do knock with them!).

I've never paid a security deposit at an Airbnb. That screams odd to me.

Beautiful news and testimony. May He give you happiness all the days of your life.

Kfir and the "gingies" (red heads) will likely be kept. They are very powerful tokens to hold.

I'm in Israel right now for my best friend's son's wedding. It is very quiet here but otherwise things are humming along.

Flying can be such an adventure! Glad they made it to the plane on time!

Ooh. Some people do get affected by them in their gastrointestinal tract, especially if raw. I roast mine sliced with garlic, chopped rosemary, kosher salt, and olive oil at 450F until roasty!

This is truth. We Jews sing this song at the beginning of our Friday night Sabbath meal. It is an ode to a superwoman but certainly not a checklist. It is also thought of as an allegorical dialogue between the Jewish people and G-d. Do not feel that what you are doing (and not doing) is against Biblical principles or wrong. You are doing precious and vital work.

Praise to the Ultimate Healer! Prayers continuing for all y'all.

Thank you for posting this! I was at the 1st Amendment Event, AKA Pro-Israel rally yesterday with 300,000 of my new best friends.

I think a lot of us identify with you and your issues. There is a private group for WTMers in these situations. Let me know if you want the link.

I'm so sorry. Losing a parent changes a person.

That sounds tough! Can you round up family members to help you?

I find it so funny to relate religiousity to alcohol use. Orthodox Jews use wine (or grape juice) to open (and sometimes close out) our Shabbat and holiday meals. We drink four cups of wine (or grape juice) at our Passover Seders, and a tiny sip at baby boy's circumcisions at eight days. My very religious freinds have collections of expensive scotch and whiskeys from all over the world and several friends have sizeable wine collections and happily share their finds. I drink more than I did when I was in college; still not a lot but I enjoy bourbon, sake, and some wines.

Oh good grief! I'm so sorry your son (and your family) have to deal with this. I hope your son has learned what the reality is with your mom and stays far, far away.

If you want to PM me with your location I can try to make a connection.

ETA The other holiday that is usually awesome is Simchat Torah. Ecstatic dancing with the Torah, singing songs of the love of Torah and learning Torah. But now that day will forever be marred because the tragedy/massacre in Israel this year.

I'm an Orthodox Jew. Friday night services at the right synagogue would be beautiful. Otherwise Neilah services (the end of the Yom Kippur) are amazing and deep.

I don't LIKE that they found another infection. But I do like that they are going to treat that before the heart surgery.. He needs to be in the best possible health to recover from the heart surgery well. Continued prayers!

Prayers that the surgery recovery is easy and you all get some rest.

Prayers for all y'all and the hospital staff taking care of him