I spent 5 days at a magical retreat in Cyprus. A center for Israelis of all kinds - old, young, middle aged, soldiers, reservists, men, women, religious, not religious, - one commonality - all in dire need of respite from over two years of war. Tired, battered, grieving. We could attend workshops led by professionals, soak in healing waters, enjoy massages, go for walks in nature. Partake of wonderful food. We could also do nothing - there was no overlord telling us what to do, or what would be good for us; What could be more healing?
For me, it was an ideal place to overcome my prejudice against the religious. This began on my flights to Israel via Newark airport. I in fact blogged about it many years ago (you can look up Crazy Flights if you wish.) This prejudice is not helped by the political attitudes of many religious, although of course not, by any means, all of them. Look up Rabbis for Human Rights and the incredible and brave work they do.
Meals at the center are self service, and many times I found myself having to sit with people I might have tried to avoid. - Men in skullcaps, women in head scarves. Once we began talking I discovered ---- human beings. Intelligent, curious, senses of humour, compassion - we could laugh together, commiserate together, understand each other. For me, a miraculous pre Hanukah gift in these dark times.
Cyprus is a mere 40 minute flight from Israel, but on the way to Paphos it was a rather frightening 40 minutes - turbulence, jolting, a heavy landingl. I found that being in a plane of predominantly religious people was a comfort - I was sure they were praying, I know I was!
What a blessing to have been there before the first day of Chanukah and the slaughter at Bondi Beach. I feel I have no words left. As it is, my vocabulary has been greatly diminished since Covid. I have basically uttered two words, "Unbelievable" and "horrendous." Now unbelievable has been replaced by "You'd better believe it."
And so 2025 soon ends. We have but one thing to do, I believe, and that is to carry on. To try to be nice and understanding to our fellow beings, because we are all in this together. That includes to be nice and understanding to ourselves as well.
Love and blessings to all of you.
