I know I'm a day late, but over here its called Chag Hamolad

Molad, meaning, birth, so it's translated as the "Holiday of the Birth". I don't really have much to say about it, just to wish a good one to those of you who do celebrate. You do know, of course, that this is the place where it all started and there is plenty for you to see here that involves Christian history. So to all my friends that celebrate, you can come visit and see all those sites, and I'd be happy to show other sites as well. I know this sounds crazy, but Israel is a fun country!

It's kinda weird being here and not feeling a "Christmas season". I read somewhere (should have kept the source) about an American Christian family living in Jerusalem; the father talked about how strange it felt to not be the dominant culture. From my point of view it feels good to be the dominant culture.

Last year, my first here in Israel, I was surprised to see this here in my hometown of Modi'in. This year I was less surprised when I took a tiyul down to Tsomet Bilu for some shopping and I saw this:



Yep, it's the "alte zeide mit di roite bekeshe"--please! I'm from Chassidishe Williamsburg, read it the right way!*

In any case, Happy Holidays to all, whatever you're celebrating.

* (Yiddish for the old grandfather in the red coat, which is what some people call Mr. Claus).



Note: I just heard about a terrible accident at a chabad event in the Five Towns, where we used to live. It seems that a driver lost control of his vehicle, which careened into a room where Chabad was holding its Chanukah party. Apparently, there were a number of injuries, some of them critical. My heart goes out to the injured and their families and I will include a special prayer when I light candles, in a few minutes.