Talk 'bout that hot Texas weather! What is going on over there? Even here in Israel there are many reports about the heat hovering over Dallas. It used to be that upon discovering my origins the folk here would ask me about Mishpachat Ewing or to explain to them exactly what is a "grassy knoll". Nowadays we talk about the weather. As if there's nothing else to talk about in Israel.
The summer brings the heat to us as well, though I admit there's no room for comparison. What it also brings though are the many festivals which are an annual ritual for the Israeli public. Many cities stake their claim to a cultural event, sponsor the festivities for a few continuous days, and become the talk of the Nation. Jerusalem has her film festival; Eilat - jazz music; Carmiel - Israeli folk dancing; and so forth. Next week I plan to make my way up North to Safed, where the Klezmer Music Festival should be swaying the Holy City from Monday through Wednesday.
Summertime here also brings with it similar sentiments as it does in Dallas. That is, without the Fourth of July and Texas Ranger baseball games. Instead, it's the Chofesh HaGadol (the big vacation) for students, many people travel to Chutz L'Aretz (out of the country), which actually covers quite a nice amount of territory if you think about it, and there is an easy, relaxed feeling - provided you're not a Knesset member...or ever voted for one. Just kidding there. If I haven't so much as written it before, this is truly a great place to be in the summertime...and spring, autumn, winter - for those who haven't been before, I urge you to see for yourselves.
Almost without fail since my Aliya, every summer brings with it several Metroplex groups to tour the country - synagogues, Federation, and others - and there I find myself in some fine Israeli hotel meeting with friends...or friends of friends. So to my friends out there: anyone coming to Zion soon?
Joseph Abrams made Aliyah from Dallas. He is a partner in the Tel-Aviv law firm of Abrams & Schreck, and a Legal Officer (res.) in the IDF. He awaits your comments at abandsc@ibm.net
Back to the Culture page