Monday, June 22, 2009

A Time to Move

I said that there would be exciting news coming- here it is! I'm moving at the end of the summer!

Yup, you heard that one right. No, I'm not leaving Israel. I'm not even leaving Yerushalayim. I'm just moving to a new neighborhood in this Holy City for a more permanent stay. I've been quite transient for the last 4-5 years, so I'm hoping that this will be my final move.

I will miss my neighborhood that I've lived in for the past year (well, almost), very much. The people, the neighbors, the atmosphere- all were perfectly conducive to any and everything I could have ever wanted. Unfortunately, the price of living in this neighborhood was just too high for us- so we have to move somewhere where we can afford to stay. In addition, we want to permanently live in Israel- so this next move is the final stroke of the hammer.

Mr. NMF, NBD, and I took a trip to Ashdod- to check out the giant boat (well, not really, they wouldn't let us see it) that was carrying our stuff from the States to Israel. We had to deal with taxes, shipping costs, and delivery. We sent a lift from the US, so we haven't seen our stuff in about a year.

Now comes all the stuff that I missed doing as a serious newlywed: (My neighbor here says Shana Rishona lasts the first 5 years, and you're still a newlywed for 15. So, I guess I'm NMF for a long time!) Appliance shopping, furniture shopping, unpacking, repacking, and settling down. (Any advice from native Israelis would come in handy- feel free to comment/email me!)

I really can't wait to settle down in Yerushalayim. It'll make me feel like I have a real place in this world, in this land. Something tangible, that I can actually feel. Plus, the neighborhood we're moving to is a great place, with a community I can't wait to join.

Ashdod was rather fun- although we didn't get to see much of it besides the port area. Gila Penina gave us great directions. We did have a bit of trouble with customs- so we headed to the customs office to sort that one out. NBD helped there- any Israeli that saw my sweet daughter said, "Aize Chamuda! (Such a cutie!)", which effectively helped us get through there rather quickly.

On our way back, we stopped at the beach in Ashkelon- such blue water and salty breezes. There, Mr. NMF said a wonderful Dvar Torah- which I will remember for a long time.

He mentioned that our stuff is just that: stuff. Gashmiyus. Items. Things that won't travel with us- like the 'chicken fat' in that famous mashal. But when we use it to build a Jewish home- it becomes far more than just stuff. A plain old bookcase becomes something to hold Sefarim. Plates and dishes are used for Shabbos, Yom Tov, and Hachnosas Orchim (inviting guests). We elevate all we use into a Mitzva. And that's truly phenomenal!

There is a time to move. But at least we're lucky enough to stay in Israel, the most wonderful land of all.

9 comments:

corner point said...

Titchadshi al ha dira hachadasha! [insert thick Israeli accent here]

Sounds really wonderful :-)

May Hashem bless you and your family with many years of simcha, shalom, briyus, and nachas, and may your home always be filled with mitzvos, ma'asim tovim, chasadim, children, guests, and shalom bayis!

smb said...

What she said :)

Man, I wish to be there

tembow said...

WOW! like CP said, "titchadshi"
i hope the move goes smoothly and uneventfully :)

Qtap said...

I'm so excited for you. I know you've been talking, to me at least, about wanting to move for a bit. that you finally are is such a bracha! And, speaking of, your new home should bring you many.

As for Mr. NMF's dvar Torah, well. He's starting to sound a bit chassidish their. Yasher koach!

itsagift said...

Wow! Soo happy for you to be settling down! And lucky you to be able to stay in such a special place - E"Y!! What could be better?!
Hope everythig goes real well!
(And whatever could go wrong SHOULDN'T!!)
All the brachos mentioned above plus - it should be a home where the shechina stays always!!

Anonymous said...

Mazel and brocha with the move - hope it goes smoothly. Where will your new abode be located?
Enjoy the moving process - its bound to be fun for NBD!
Kol tuv
Anon613-London

nmf #7 said...

CP- LOL! Exactly the right accent!I can just hear the rolling reishes! AMEN, And thank you for all your brachos- iy"H- all of us should share such wonderful things!

Lvnsm27- Wish you could come too! Here's your invitation. Next time you're in Israel- look me up!

Tembow- Me too. Moving is driving me bonkers already- so a smooth move is a great wish to make!

Qtap- I know! I can't wait to actually do it though :) It'll be nice to settle down a bit. And, AMEN!

You would know all about chassidish though :) It's more chassidish than Lubavitch- but I like a bit of chassidish every once in a while. It puts life on a rosier plane.

Itsagift- Thank you so much- AMEN!
Well, things do go wrong- it's Murphy's Law at work (do Jews believe in Murphy's Law?)- but somehow, I'm sure it'll all turn out right.

Anon613, London- Thank you! Well, I'm not sure NBD will love the whole process- new faces, new walls, new room...but it'll be fun in the end!

Jewish Side of Babysitter said...

Congrats on your move to a more permanent place, now I understand the other post.

That is a great D'var Torah!

nmf #7 said...

Jewish Side- Thanks!