The Beat Goes On

 בס"ד

I’m still safe here in Beit Shemesh. Thank God, There have been no missile or guerilla attacks where I live. I’m far enough away from the Gaza Strip not to be a target. The son of a friend of mine was called up for military service. Most of my friends are Haredi (ultra Orthodox) so the army in this case is not an issue. Typically there are a lot of Arabs working here, doing things like sanitation, construction, driving buses, and stocking supermarket shelves. Consequently there are inconveniences. 

The situation concerning the Arabs is multifaceted. In Gaza they are implacably hostile to a Jewish state in Israel, horribly gruesome, and total savages. The ones within the State of Israel see themselves as servants in the house of Abraham. They enjoy a comparison to Ishmael and Hagar. To the chagrin of many they see themselves like the Jews in New York, namely as well treated expatriates. They often enjoy discussing scripture and morality tales with Jews. However, one should avoid saying the word “gun” to them, because they are easily stirred up. 

The news is worrisome. There has been a large mobilization in anticipation of a major invasion of Gaza. Such an operation would be very bloody. If they consider it to be excessive, Hezbollah over the border in Lebanon and Iran have threatened to join the fray. What happened from Gaza was essentially a series of hit and run attacks. Conceivably they could be replicated by other enemies. Consequently the situation remains tense. 

Generally the social situation concerns me the most. The Jews, particularly in Israel, are spiritually confused and depleted. As a result it invites enemy attacks with a sluggish response. Sadly there is an overemphasis on guns and coercion. People all too often cannot understand the position of others much less rationally debate them. There is an emphasis on parroting the narrative without giving it a reality check. People tend to love their dogs, but not each other. I’ve started to advocate radical solutions, like instigating the CIA to put a ton of LSD into the Jerusalem water supply. The subject is lengthy and perhaps I will develop it in other blogs.

For myself the beat goes on. Today I renewed my lease at a rent that is fair to both my and my landlady. I’ve also been walking more in the park. The news is interesting but becomes repetitive fairly rapidly. Not too long ago I partook of sacred plants and it has made me much more contemplative. Some of the subjects are difficult, however, these tend to purify me and give me the best insights. I remain optimistic and in good spirits. Even if there is anxiety about the present, the hope is that the bad things that bedevil me will be destroyed and the future will be bright. To quote Psalm 91:7-8, “A thousand will fall by your side and a multitude at your right hand, but to you it will not approach. Only with your eyes take note, and the retribution of the evil, you will see”. “With the length of days, I will satisfy him, and I will show him My salvation”, (ibid 16).