Dear friends,
It’s no coincidence that I named my short-term rental business Harmony Apartments. Harmony is what I strive for in my personal life. And in my professional life I am dedicated to delivering a harmonious guest experience from inquiry to check out.
This year has been challenging for Am Yisrael. We are divided, one against the other. It’s hard for me to even write these words, but you only have to switch on the news to see the terrible rift that has risen between us. The thing is, we are all connected, each one affecting the entire nation with our words, thoughts and deeds. Division prevents us from reaching our potential as a people, impedes us from becoming the vital, throbbing, globe of light we are born to be.
In Likutei Halachot, Rabbi Nathan explains that on Rosh Hashana it is only our complete togetherness that can bring down the sweetness that dissolves any harsh judgements decreed upon us. So we need to make changes, together. Or we will all go down, together.
Rosh Hashana is also called Yom Hazikaron – the day of remembering. Remembering what? When we stood together at Sinai, united, understanding how we emanate from the very same source as the person standing next to us.
Let us decipher the haunting cry of the shofar as the desperate call of the Other. Then we can make a first step, by recognizing and respecting the different ideas, opinions, customs and behaviors that we each defend.
I bless us all that we should have the strength to move into this New Year in a blessed state of harmony. There really is no other way.
When I travel, I’m always on the lookout for an authentic souvenir to remember my trip by, an adornment for my neck or wrist, an accessory from another land.
Hedya Jewelers is located in downtown Jerusalem, in the passage between Hillel and Shammai streets. These streets are named after the leaders of two opposing schools of thought from Talmudic times who held vigorous debates on ritual practice, ethics and theology. These debates were crucial for shaping the Oral Law and ultimately the way that Judaism is practiced today.
And it was quite a debate that raged inside me when I spied these Bedouin beads strung on a gold chain in the display cabinet. Originating from Gaza and fashioned from gold coins, each hand-made, hollow bead was a slightly different shape and length to its counterpart. The price was prohibitive, and I knew I shouldn’t even try them on.
Once I allowed myself to do exactly that, the tinkle of their desert music transported me back to Sinai where I had lived under a date palm in my teens. Nuweiba was all the rage then, safe under Israeli auspices, sun, sea, and pita breads sprinkled with sugar served by Bedouin women who trenched barefoot in the sands – and that’s when I first saw such beads glinting in the sunlight under their black robes embroidered with red and yellow flowers.
When I clasped the necklace around my neck I was not aware that they were dowry beads, traditional to the Bedouin from the Negev and Sinai deserts, fashioned in the same style and with a similar technique to ancient Egyptian jewelry. Nor did I notice the hallmark for 21 karat gold appearing on the lip of each bead. I simply knew, as I glimpsed my regal reflection in the mirror, they could not be resisted. These beads were a must have; a necklace that I would never take off - its jingle- jangle becoming part of my very own rhythm.
Coming to Jerusalem with your family? We have the perfect solution for you. Meet our Harmony Deluxe home.
This is a stunning, spacious and bright 2 bedroom apartment, with 2.5 bathrooms in the German Colony. Absolutely gorgeous, newly-renovated home, with a lovely balcony and kids' play area.
Our home has 4 beds but sleeps up to 9 with pull-out sofa beds. Includes everything you need for shabbat, books and games for children, a washer and dryer, TV, a generous kitchen and luxurious linens and towels. Loaded with treats and personal touches to make your stay extra-special.
The location is fantastic: just steps from Emek Refaim and across the street from Ramban synagogue. A few minutes to a 24-hour minimarket and right next door to an organic health food store. Everything you need right at your doorstep!
And....Did we mention the balcony?
