On the other hand
The High Holydays this year in Israel will be remembered for two events impacting all of us whether we like it or not.
First are the agreements made with the UAE and Bahrain which promise a warmer type of peace than exists with Egypt and Jordan. We hope that the benefits will outweigh the so far unrevealed small print negatives and that these pieces of paper will not turn out to be a rerun of the fatally flawed Oslo document.
Secondly, we enter the holiest time in the Jewish calendar locking down and becoming prisoners of the coronavirus. Once again we cannot celebrate with family and friends and our communal prayers will be severely truncated and restricted.
However, Jews have proven over the various millennia that they are resilient and able to overcome the greatest threats any people has ever faced. Thus, these holy days will see Israelis rejoice, argue, protest and innovate. We will emerge stronger and more determined than ever to overcome all obstacles and fulfil the prophetic destiny promised to us at the dawn of our history.
SAVING ENDANGERED SPECIES
Neither COVID nor other impediments have stopped the efforts of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority in trying to save endangered turtles.
UNMANNED HELICOPTERS
Israel Aircraft Industries has unveiled another revolutionary development. This time it is a fleet of unmanned small helicopters for non-military use.
Before we are all locked down and confined to no more than 500 meters from our house Israelis are taking the opportunity to enjoy nature in some of our lovely nature reserves.
Prior to the extended lockdown of the country Israel’s Minister of Labor & Social Services, volunteers to help in preparing food packages for those families who are vulnerable and unable to purchase food in advance of the holidays.
ANOTHER ISRAELI INNOVATION
With large crowds banned and concerts cancelled Israeli innovators have come up with a revolutionary device which could solve the problem of checking masses of people for the virus and making them safe.
Once again Israel has produced something out of the box although in this case it is out of the tunnel.
CONFESSIONS CORONA STYLE
Despite adversity Jews know how to laugh at themselves and use comedy and satire as a weapon against gloom and doom.
ENJOY:
GET IN THE MOOD
Owing to corona restrictions congregational singing will be severely curtailed or non-existent.
Here is a medley of well known songs from our Holy Days liturgy to brighten and lighten your Festival experience.
