It's Raining, It's Pouring- Do Something!

Baruch Hashem for rain. At least, rain in Israel- since that's a blessing we really need in these times. After all, the Kinneret is below its appropriate level, the government is soon to level a water tax (if it hasn't already) on the public, and we generally just need rain, living in a desert and all.

Last night, at the dinner table, we engaged in a resounding chorus of Mashiv HaRuach- the prayer for rain and wind- and today, look what happens. I actually got to say the blessing on lightning and thunder last night as well.

But rain also means that both NBD and I are down with colds. We also don't really leave the house on rainy days, due to the fact that I prefer not get soaked.

When I lived in the big old city of New York, I didn't have a car. I used to walk, or take public transportation, everywhere I went. As I walked down the streets, carrying one heavy bag on my back and other one wheeling behind me- I sometimes wondered why no one even thought to stop and see if I needed help, or a ride. I assumed they had other pressing business to take care of, and I was grateful if when I got to my destination, someone offered me a ride for the way back. I can remember one time when a newlywed and her husband offered me a ride as they saw me trudging down the street- they were even going in the opposite direction! But that's about it for random rides throughout my time in NY.

JerusalemStoned- a not so well known blogger, but an excellent writer and mommy living in Yerushalayim- has an interesting take on rain and people. After all, this is the season when people can do a lot of kindness to one another. Like loaning umbrellas, hitching rides- like Mr. NMF did this morning as he waited for yet another bus to slowly make its way through the traffic, or even just watching a neighbor's child so she can go pick up the other one from Gan.

Let's make this rainy season one where we reach out our hands and use the Gishmei Bracha- rain of blessing- to actually bestow tangible blessing on our friends and neighbors.

Oh yeah, and have fun splashing in those puddles!

Daven hard- V'Sein Tal O'Matar

Yep- we're in the rainy season- and the rain hasn't really gotten here yet.

It rained a bit yesterday....but I'm starting to look up at the sunny and beautiful sky- and get nervous.
A letter came in the mail for me that my water bill is going up, due to lack of rain.

We need the rain, however uncomfortable it is for us.
We have crops growing, right after the shmitta year, and they all need water if they are to provide us with food. Of course, it's not like it used to be, where there was no water to be had if it didn't rain. We can still pipe water in, or convert it from salt water (an expensive process).

But, we need rain. So for all those out there, all over the world- say today an extra-special tefilla, or daven V'Sein Tal O'Matar with more Kavana (concentration), thinking about those of us out here who look up at the sun's sparkling face, and sigh- and pray.

Thanks.

Rain, Rain, Baruch Hashem (Thank G-d)

I peer outside my window- yet another gloomy, rainy day in Yerushalyim. Baruch Hashem.

I mean, we do start praying for rain, and here it is.

The farmers need it desperately, especially since Shmitta is now over and they can plant again.
And the water supply in the Kinneret is quite low- so we need it as well.

So, we all say, thank G-d it's raining, but it's so miserable outside!

The rain turns my Yerushalayim of gold into a gray sky, complete with storm clouds hovering.

All the Israelis turn to their winter clothes- light sweaters and rain coats, complete with hoods.

And the kids have fun trying out the slip and slide down the hills of their neighborhood.

It's a strange concept, no? Here we pray for rain, and we need it- yet we, the people, don't necessarily enjoy the rainy season.

And heaven forbid we say that- it's always said, "Oh, what a rainy, gross day- Thank G-d."
Rain is a blessing, whether or not we see it as that.

Ugh. I'm staying home and drinking hot cocoa. But, thank G-d for the rain.