Rebbezin Rochel

It’s motzie shabbos, the week of Purim. This week at shul we read Parshas Zachor, remembering what Amalek did to us when we were traveling in the desert. All I could think about ,while reading Parshas Zachor, is what is happening in Isreal. B”H I’ve had a peaceful life. Besides for the war here a year and a half ago I’ve never experienced real “confrontations” with the enemy. But lately I’ve become a bit worried. Tzefat is ,B”H for the mostpart a quiet and safe community, but it is unfortunately surrounded by Arabs. A lot of areas around us have reported rock throwings and other problems. I know Hashem protects, and I honestly feel safer here then any other place in the world, but we’re dealing with Amalek here. They’re entire desire and purpose to they’re lives is to erraricate us, and these are my neighbors. In America you have plenty of Anti-Semitism but you don’t know who those are that hate you, but here when you walking the streets you are looking strait into the eyes of a person who die in order to kill you, and you know it. This is the first time in my life I’m fulfilling the mitzvah of remembering Amalek and wanting them gone.

Life is finally starting to get back to normal around here. It’s amazing how such a little person can change a house hold. I’ve been doing some soul searching lately. Here I am, B”H, 28 years old, married for seven years, and the the mother of four. I live in Tsefat and my life has totally changed. It’s in a lot of ways overwhelming to look back and see how much has happened in such a short time. I’m so busy being a wife and mother that I don’t even know who I am anymore. I don’t even remember what it’s like to be me. So with this new revelation I’m tring to get back into some of my old favorite hobbies. It’s not easy to fit these things in with all I have to do in general but it’s not healthy for a person to become a robot and lose their identity. So what if the laundry is piling up a bit more or diner isn’t as beautiful. I work hard and deserve to feel satisfaction with myself.

It is the little things that the children do that truly touch my heart. Today, Yaakov who has been practicing doing handstands for months, finally was able to stay upright for 10 seconds. To see his smile at this accomplishment, was refreshing and made me feel like being a parent was the greatest thing in the world.