Carpool Kid:"So the Rosh is away for two weeks,. that means kids are getting kicked out this week."
Huh?? I asked what that was all about.
"When he goes away they throw out the bad kids"
(I see massive generalizations don't really end yet at high school)
Me, The Driver: " What are you talking about?"
Carpool Kid: " Well if the Rosh Yeshiva is around then he will say to the menahel, give him another chance. when he's away - chop!"
Me: (slightly horrified at that graphic image of "chop") "Don't you think the Menahel discusses these things with the Rosh? Before taking any.... action?"
Carpoolian: "Yeah, maybe, whatever. Definitely kids get suspended"
Me: " Why?" (forgetting the numerous suspensions of my own charming well behaved sons in said school)
Carpoolian: "For really stupid things. Like sitting in the Rebbi's chair"
okay, at this point the humorous conversation got upsetting.
Because this generation thinks that punishing for sitting in a rebbi's chair is stupid. Because some of these kids do not understand what being respectful is. Frightening
Thursday, December 6, 2012
They're All Americans (all)
So one night I went out with my two lovely nieces. After repeatedly asking them where we should go to eat, and both of them being too polite to say "Please! a nice restaraunt!" we went to Rimon (dairy) in the Mamilla Mall. Of course one niece and I glanced at each other when the street entertainer began playing Jingle Bells, but otherwise, a beautiful evening in an outdoor cafe with two of my favorite nieces (from among my many many favorite nieces.)
Anyway, I know why I was there with them. A treat. But what about the HORDES of girls eating out at this restaurant by themselves?? And I heard that there's a group that eat out almost every night!
The next night we went out with YBS 1, now shteiging away in the Holy City of Jerusalem- to Rimon (meat, of course. Parents don't have to come to Israel to take you out for pasta, duh). And at least 4 tables were full of Yeshiva Boys!! NOT with parents?!?! on a regular Tuesday night! and being the nosy diner that I am, I can tell you they didn't order grilled chicken salad and bottled water.
I get it, somewhat. The level of freedom not afforded our suburban children here in America.
Walking around neighborhoods with streets named after rabbis (Hey, I've been saying that since LONG before any Abie Rotenberg song :)
The spiritual atmosphere. The freedom. The pull of the smell of grilled food that is Kosher.
Parents and Principals not hovering over their every action.
Everything is Hebrew. Jewish. Am Yisroel.
and with Tatti's credit card, free
And I know the Israelis really benefit from all the American students who pump money into the economy. But it just bothered me.
Anyway, I know why I was there with them. A treat. But what about the HORDES of girls eating out at this restaurant by themselves?? And I heard that there's a group that eat out almost every night!
The next night we went out with YBS 1, now shteiging away in the Holy City of Jerusalem- to Rimon (meat, of course. Parents don't have to come to Israel to take you out for pasta, duh). And at least 4 tables were full of Yeshiva Boys!! NOT with parents?!?! on a regular Tuesday night! and being the nosy diner that I am, I can tell you they didn't order grilled chicken salad and bottled water.
I get it, somewhat. The level of freedom not afforded our suburban children here in America.
Walking around neighborhoods with streets named after rabbis (Hey, I've been saying that since LONG before any Abie Rotenberg song :)
The spiritual atmosphere. The freedom. The pull of the smell of grilled food that is Kosher.
Parents and Principals not hovering over their every action.
Everything is Hebrew. Jewish. Am Yisroel.
and with Tatti's credit card, free
And I know the Israelis really benefit from all the American students who pump money into the economy. But it just bothered me.
They're All Jewish (mostly)
I've just returned from a beautiful 2 week visit to Israel. As always, Awesome. Spiritual. Uplifting. Relaxing.
I don't usually do a lot of touring or running around, as we mainly go to visit with close family.
This time, however, I did do some of the Rechov Yafo strolling about.
I felt somewhat sad. On Thursday night, Rechov Yafo and the surrounding side streets were packed. Since the inception of the Light Rail, the street is closed to vehicular traffic, and is like a broad cobbled European thoroughfare (with really badly dressed people). So we strolled around a bit. I felt so.... unspiritual.
There were just hordes of young Israelis and Americans, drinking, hanging out, smoking, dressed like...goyim. The bars or restaurants were packed with people who looked so far removed from any knowledge of Judaism. I felt sad- who knows what most of these people's grandparents looked like?
But my ever positive, upbeat, Oheiv Yisroel husband had such a different outlook-
"Why are you kvetching? They are all Jews! They are all G-d's Children! All of 'em!"
(except the russian ones who aren't really jewish)
I don't usually do a lot of touring or running around, as we mainly go to visit with close family.
This time, however, I did do some of the Rechov Yafo strolling about.
I felt somewhat sad. On Thursday night, Rechov Yafo and the surrounding side streets were packed. Since the inception of the Light Rail, the street is closed to vehicular traffic, and is like a broad cobbled European thoroughfare (with really badly dressed people). So we strolled around a bit. I felt so.... unspiritual.
There were just hordes of young Israelis and Americans, drinking, hanging out, smoking, dressed like...goyim. The bars or restaurants were packed with people who looked so far removed from any knowledge of Judaism. I felt sad- who knows what most of these people's grandparents looked like?
But my ever positive, upbeat, Oheiv Yisroel husband had such a different outlook-
"Why are you kvetching? They are all Jews! They are all G-d's Children! All of 'em!"
(except the russian ones who aren't really jewish)
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