Over the next week, there is so much going on for the whole community – right here in Modi’in! Best thing is, we don’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic.
What are your plans for the big 70th Celebration?
Holiday
Yom HaShoah at the US Embassy in Israel
The Yom Hashoah siren was set to sound in Israel, as we waited patiently to process our children’s passports at the United States Embassy, in Tel Aviv.
I couldn’t stop thinking about the crucial place of passports, visas, and bureaucracy during the horrific years of the Shoah.
My husband’s grandparent, the Strobel’s and Weingarten’s, entire families that endured the atrocities of the Shoah.
Family members that could have been saved with a visa or passport.
I had new found respect for our American grandparents, that tirelessly worked to provide United States visas and passports to their brethren, European Jewry.
United States passports because there was no possibility of obtaining Israeli passports.
The Siren
Shortly before 10 am, an announcement was made by the US Embassy clerk.
In eight minutes the Yom Hazikron siren would sound. People were invited to exit the building and go outside for the siren. Only after the completion of the siren would the passport service continue.
Following his instructions, I quickly exited the building and waited for the siren on the balcony of the US Embassy, in Tel Aviv, Israel.
I stood facing the Tel Aviv shoreline, as the siren sounded.
Looking deep into the ocean, it hit me. These waters, the shores of Zion, was the utopian shoreline dreamed about by our people for thousands of years.
Shores that are our reality.
With our Israeli flag waving tall above the waves.
Israeli Flag Waving on the Tel Aviv Shore
Approaching next weeks 70th Yom Haatzmaut celebration, I understand that we are not living in “utopia”. However, our reality is clearly a blessing and a miracle.
We are raising our children in an environment that values commitment, dedication, and strength. As proud Israeli citizens, we are alive and recognize the bountiful gifts that we have been bestowed with.
The beauty of our independent waters.
Am Yisrael Chai.
US Embassy in the Rebuilt Jerusalem
These are unbelievable times.
The prayer and prophecy of L’shana Habah B’Yerushalayim Habenuyah continue to be fulfilled.
Our children’s United States passports will be renewed at the new US Embassy in Jerusalem.Hakarat Hatov to the United States administration and our current United States Ambassador to Israel Ambassador David Friedman.
Dreaming of the Third and Final Picture
Last night, on Yom HaShoah, tears, flowed, as I scrolled through photos, messages, and stories of personal heartache that were featured on my Facebook NewsFeed.
It was this picture that I saw and shared.
(If it is your picture, I would love to give you a photographer’s credit- please contact me :).
Past and Present and Future
Like the women in the picture,
I pray. I dream. I yearn.
I continue to believe and hope in a better, more utopian society.
The society that will be photographed in a third and final picture.
A picture of our daughters, high energy women, singing together.
עשה שלום במרומיו הוא יעשה שלום עלינו ועל כל ישראל
High Energy Pesach Shopping with Mimi
The High Energy Family is spending some of Pesach with Kosher Travelers @Hacienda Forest View Hotel in the Galil, in Israel.
So excited!
All I need is something awesome to wear.
Join me and my new friend Mimi- as we hit the fabulous Azrieli Mall in Modi’in.
You can thank my personal shoppers at @Galita Modiin @Zara @Ronen Chen for my amazing new spring wardrobe!
Thanks!
High Energy Purim in Modi’in
How was your Purim?
Here in Modi’in, we celebrated Purim for an entire month!
Snapshot of our FUN: High Energy Purim
5 Tips for Planning Your Next Multi-Generational Family Vacation
Have you started to think about your next family vacation? Whether it is Pesach or maybe you are already thinking about summer, I have some tips for you.
Over Chanukah, my family went on a quick getaway to Caesarea.
Staying at the Dan Caesarea – a three-generational win!
Tip #1: Location
How long can you spend in the car with your family?
56 minutes was the perfect amount of time for us.
The Dan Caesarea is located between Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Situated close to the ancient port on the Israel Mediterranean coastline.
Tip #2: Rooms
Our family was comfortable in the Ceasarea Room.
Each room included the choice of a king sized bed or a double bed and a couch with a pull out double bed.
The bathroom featured a spacious bathtub.
Trust me you will need it after you return from your “nature walk” through the aqueducts and swamps at Nachal Taninim.
With plenty of closet space, a television, and a view of the grounds, we were ready to move in for the week.
Tip #3: Food
When traveling with the family, I try and wake up early and sneak out of the room without waking anyone up (read: my five-year-old) in order to maximize the pleasure of a fresh cup of coffee and beautiful scenery
Coming down to breakfast at the Dan Caesarea was a pleasure.
The fully staffed dining room featured friendly waiters who greeted me with a bright smile and a delicious cup of coffee.
The dining room overlooks the scenic grounds and the pool.
The buffet was overflowing with generous servings of a traditional Isreali breakfast.
Fresh salads, aromatic pastries, eggs, and a plethora of cheeses.
Time for the Health Club
Soon (five minutes later) my kids came down and were excited to fill their plates with the delicious foods.
My kids (okay – me) loved the freshly made waffles, pizza, and toasts.
Tip #3: Activities
Our family enjoyed eating breakfast altogether.
But, after multiple spills and good-natured talking (read – yelling), we all needed some – (a lot) of space after the meal.
Our kids were content to spend some time with the experienced staff at Danyland.
Adult Time
No one under 16 allowed.
Some of the adults had time for a run on the treadmill at the health club.
Others were pampered with a Swedish massage at Whispa.
Tip #4: Grounds
After the adults had “adult time” and the kids “kid time” it was time for more quality family time.
As it was the winter, we were unable to swim.
Is there a room for me in July?
Both the kids and adults enjoyed the playground and a game of mini- golf.
The family athletes sweated on the tennis courts, soccer field, and basketball courts.
Some played ping pong.
Afterwards, we chilled on the hammocks.
Tip #5: Friendly Staff
Yes – the food was awesome!
Yes – the grounds were stunning!
Yes – I loved my massage!
But, what was really impressive to me was the cooperative and friendly staff.
From the moment we pulled up to the hotel, the staff aimed to please.
That is a smile from an Israeli Saba.
Refills of coffee, fresh lemonade and water were extended.
The Sufganiyah Story
We spent the sixth night of Chanukah at the hotel.
The lobby was festively arranged for candle lighting with a large Chanukiah (menorah), candles and plates sufganiyot.
My son was excited to light the candles.
Or eat 10 sufganiyot.
Under the watchful eyes of hotel staff members, Charlie was staring at the plates of sufganiyot.
I quickly removed my unhappy child from the plate of donuts and explained that he needed to wait.
A thoughtful member of the Dan Cesearea staff came over to where we were sitting and personally handed Charlie a sufganiyah.
Charlie appreciated your flexibility, and so did his family.
Great Getaway – Thanks
Our mini-break to Ceasarea was fabulous!
I hope my tips will help you plan your next multi-generational family vacation.
Thanks, Granny and Grandpa for treating us.
Special shout out to Galita Modi’in for dressing me! I loved my holiday outfits.
Kol hakovod to Dan Hotels for the terrific multigenerational family vacation.
Happy Chanukah
How did you spend Chanukah with your family?
What are your tips for planning a multi-generational family vacation?
What are your tips for planning a multi-generational family vacation?
Yocheved Pianko Feinerman is “leaning in” and embracing the harmony and chaos of raising four “spirited” children, juggling an active career as an educator, and writer while planning the next 24-hour getaway with her husband.
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