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The Hope is Still Real

It is so hard for me to put together a blog post today. Everywhere I turn the news is not good. I continue my job search today with a heavy heart as I think about everyone living in Israel. We know so many friends who know and love people who live there. I have family in Tel Aviv who are thankfully safe. But the social media posts and text messages have been ongoing.

I thought I’d try to stay off of Facebook this morning to give myself a break. I had no interest in opening Twitter/X, which I’m sure is filled with messages of antisemitism and hate. I don’t need to see any of that.

As I do every Monday, I logged on to LinkedIn to look for new jobs and start applying. I was surprised to see that LinkedIn was chock-full of supportive messages about Israel, the hostages, the safety of its soldiers, and the war against terrorism.

Even on LinkedIn, everyone seems to be distracted today for good reason. It’s not just me.

This morning, I took a walk and tried to enjoy the beauty of this day despite what is happening in the Middle East. And then, out of nowhere I started humming a song to myself. Feeling a little better, I took a selfie and posted it on Facebook with my Star of David necklace in full view. I also shared the following story.

I bought this necklace at a Hanukkah Bazaar years ago for no more than $40. I have gotten many compliments on it every time I wear it. Each of the six points on the star forms the colors of the rainbow. In the middle of the star is the Hebrew word and symbol  “Chai” which means life. (Side note: Chai is not pronounced like the tea. You have to make the “kh” sound as in challah).

Anyway, last week I was in The Fresh Market by my house and the woman at the cash register wished me a Happy New Year. I looked at her strangely and asked how she knew I was Jewish.

She smiled and said, “Your necklace is beautiful.”

I thanked her and told her she made my day. I forgot I was wearing it even though it is always a part of my wardrobe.

It goes with everything.

It goes with me.

That was last week.

This week, I know some people who are afraid to wear their Stars of David jewelry in public or choose to hide them under their shirts for fear of hateful remarks that may come at them. I understand this, and I don’t blame them one bit. But as you can see from this photo, I wear my necklace for everyone to see. Of course, I am afraid someone might come up to me spew their hate to my face. But just like the terrorists on 9/11, I don’t want them to win. I can’t. I wear my necklace for the same reason that I still fly, travel, go to concerts, and enjoy life. Terrorism cannot win.

I also believe in the kindness of strangers, like that cashier. My faith is everything to me, and it tells me that Israel is strong. Her people are strong. Our community is strong. But, I know we are also hurting, so please check in on your Jewish friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Call your representatives to say you stand with Israel and they should too. And if you feel compelled (and are able to) make a donation to places like American Friends of Magen David Adom (Israel’s version of the Red Cross), please do.

Oh, and the song I was humming during my walk this morning was “The Hope” by Jewish musician, Rich Recht. Is it too soon to hope? Maybe. But it reminded me that sometimes hope is what gets us through the dark times. Please take a moment to click and listen and keep praying for peace.

XO,

Elisa

Clean Closet, Clear Head

Remember that Friends episode where Chandler discovers that Monica has a jam-packed closet. He discovered the flaw in her neat-freak DNA.

“You’re messy,” he snickered.

My home office has a closet that isn’t as bad as that, but it is a catch-all for anything that will fit. The only condition is that we have to be able to close the door to hide the mess behind it.

Today, I decided to open that closet and clean it out. I needed something to distract me from all of the news programs, and this seemed to be a good way to pass the time. I texted this “before” photo to my sister, turned on my favorite ’80s playlist, and went to work.

The first thing I saw was that poor teddy bear wedged at the bottom of the closet. The poor thing. If I wasn’t so tired right now, I’d give him a name and an entire backstory as to why he was banished to the bottom of the closet without a second thought.

Feel free to let your imaginations run wild with your own backstory in the comments…

Meanwhile, my sister texted me back and asked what the closet was originally designated to hold. Good question! I had to think back to when my kids were still at home. We added the closet so the kids had a place to put their toys away. Prior to this room becoming my home office, it was a playroom and then a man cave where my son could play his video games. But, now both kids are out of the house, and their toys remain.

For a while, my husband and I rationalized that we would keep certain toys for our nieces and nephews who are all younger. Now, when the youngest comes over, she would much rather play with our dog. This gave me permission to get rid of board games, train tracks, Lincoln logs, and so on.

Besides the toys, there are other things hiding in that closet. I admit that over the year’s the closet’s purpose expanded to include my growing jigsaw puzzle collection and cleaning supplies.

Then, we bought a Costco membership. And then the pandemic hit and we stocked up on lots (and lots) of toilet paper and tomato sauce.

The more I cleaned, the more I found things I thought were long gone. I found the good electronic vegetable chopper, a mini popcorn popper, three boxes of Ziploc sandwich bags, and a sleeve of clear plastic glasses. Sadly, this was the most exciting part of my day.

I also decided the closet would still be a catch-all, but I’d give more thought to what I put in it before tossing it and shutting the door. This is my plan for the moment, but I know full well that I could be back to a messy closet by the end of the year.

I now have a clean closet, a nice donate pile, and a large bag of trash. There is also a small group of items from my old kitchen that I stashed away in there. Since I’m not ready to part with them yet, I’ll have to find a spot for them near the kitchen.

Hmm… maybe the hallway closet. Just kidding!

A large stuffed teddy bear that was originally at the bottom of the closet. Also, the teddy bear is happy to be free and he forgives me. .

 

XO,

Elisa

I Stand with Israel

“We are at war” – Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu

This is an illustration of flag of Israel

I woke up to the news in Israel and am devastated at the surprise sneak attack by Hamas, the injuries and loss of life everywhere, and the pure hatred that is at the root of it all.

Because I have no words right now, I continue to pray for all of our families and friends who live in the Holy Land and offer up the wise words of Rabbi David Wolpe.

El Maleh Rachamim

Compassionate God,

We pray

not to wipe out haters

but to banish hatred.

Not to destroy sinners

but to lessen sin.

Our prayers are not for a perfect world

but a better one

Where parents are not bereaved

by the savagery of sudden attacks

Or children orphaned

by blades glinting in a noonday sun.

Help us dear God,

to have the courage to remain strong,

to stand fast.

Spread Your light

on the dark hearts of the slayers

And Your comfort

to the bereaved hearts of families of the slain.

Let calm return Your city Jerusalem,

and to Israel, Your blessed land.

We grieve with those wounded

in body and spirit,

pray for the fortitude of our sisters and brothers,

and ask You to awaken the world to our struggle and help us bring peace.

Rabbi David Wolpe

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