Shana Tova!

Rosh Hashana is upon us...which is the Jewish New Year.  It also begins a 10 day preparation for Yom Kippur, which is the day of atonement.  Basically, you have 10 days between now and next Friday to get in the Book of Life, or you are inscribed in the Book of Death forever.  Whoa...I'd better do some reflecting.  (Just a note, in the states I have always said L'Shana Tova, but apparently that is not correct.  Simply Shana Tova will suffice.)

I thought I would take this holiday to reflect on this current time in Israel compared to my last...On Friday in Jerusalem, we went to the market, which on Fridays is crazy busy with people buying what they need in preparation for Shabbat.  Last time in Israel, I took tons of photos here at the market, and the one that caught my eye the most was this:

Now, here I am, back in Israel a year and a half later, and in the very same spot, it now reads this:

I'm not quite sure why this struck me the way that it did.  Maybe because when I last saw that wall, the phrase "war is forever" seemed to epitomize life here in Israel.  I was here as an outsider, a tourist, spending only a few days here to try and understand how life really works.  And now, as I begin my 5 month journey to truly experience Israel, the phrase "love is forever" represents to me, the struggle of Israelis to enjoy life and love, despite their constant political battles.  I prefer this view of Israel - optimistic, hopeful, and above all - loving.  On this note, I say adieu, and wish everyone near and far Shana Tova, and hope that this new year brings you happiness, love, and success in all that you do.