A Deeper Shade of Galus

For quite a long time now, I have had the great privilege of working for the Jewish community. Officially. With a business card, a name tag and a paycheck. And a very, very integrated life. Now that's all going to change.

My position has been abolished, effective at the end of the month. And, anticipating the need to secure employment outside the Jewish community for the first time in 10 years, I find myself simultaneously anticipating a deep plunge into galus. No longer working in Jewish time. Working on the calendar of the host country. Having to negotiate for early Friday afternoons in the winter and time off for chagim, with enough time left in the year to get to Israel. Having to pack lunch every single day because there won't be kosher food close by. Working with colleagues from a diverse cross-section of America. Working on building someone else's dreams

How ironic that, as my future in Israel draws closer, my experience in America draws me deeper into galus.

When Rivkah Goes Away

I know I haven't written in more than a month, but that doesn't mean that I am not thinking Israel thoughts all the time. For now, I just saw something that I have to share. This is a video of Yishai Fleisher of Israel National Radio talking to a group of Christian Zionists. Notice how often they give him verbal approval. I wish I could speak this directly to American Jews.