Shehecheyanu, v’kiy’manu, v’higiyanu laz’man ha-zeh.
Blessèd are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, for having granted us life, for having sustained us, and for enabling us to reach this day.
This is the prayer Jews recite when reaching a milestone in life... on any kind of Special Occasion, no matter whether trivial or earthshaking. Are you wearing a new suit of clothes for the first time? Is it your wedding anniversary? Are you celebrating a holiday or family event? You say a Shehecheyanu. Seeing an old friend for the first time in 50 years? Shehecheyanu.
Today I turn 59¾ - my 60th birthday is exactly three months away. But that’s not why the Missus and I are saying a Shehecheyanu today.
We’re on our way to Israel!
Shocking as it may seem, neither of us has ever been there. People are always amazed when I tell them that this is our first time.
“But Elisson! I can’t believe you’ve never been to Israel! You’re so... Jewy!”
Well, there’s a first time for everything. And SWMBO and I figured, what’s the point of waiting any longer? This year, we’ve been married 35 years... and (as noted above) in three months I hit the Big Six-Oh. So this is a present we’re giving ourselves.
As the great sage Hillel said, if not now, when?
Posting will be sporadic. Until we get back, Esteemed Readers, play nice amongst yourselves!
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