Ephraim Yoel's Upsherin

Mazal Tov to the Gerstens of Baltimore on the upsherin of Ephraim Yoel. Red plush Torah only $19.95 -- batteries not included.

Come see Ephraim Yoel trade in his ponytail for a kippah and a pair of tzitzit. It will be this Sunday, January 4, at 1100 AM. The address is 3308 Clarks Lane (not exactly Yeshiva Lane) in Baltimore.

...And A Dreidel In A Latke Tree

Chanukah has been fun. The kids have been off from school -- Israel's version of winter vacation. The weather has been chilly and rain threatening all week with intermittent drizzling. We waited until Motzai Shabbos to take a picture by the menorah since we were all dressed nicely

I have been trying to take Elisheva and Ezra to Chanukah parties every night so that I can learn in the mornings in the Yeshiva while Ima watches the kids and Ima can rest while I take the kids in the evenings

Sunday Night we went to R' Wolff, one of the Derech Etz Chaim rebbeim, who lives in Rechavia as we reported in the previous blog.

Monday Night we decided to go to Rabbi Katz's mesibah over R' Sheftel's mainly because the weather was cold and R' Katz's was local, although R' Sheftel's kids are closer in age with Elisheva, Ezra and Elazar. It was a barbeque and more like a dinner than a party. The kids and I had plenty to eat and Yoni kept them occupied in the playroom during the d'var Torah.

Tuesday Night, the weather was bad so we stayed home and played with all the stuff Bubby, Grandpa, Saba and Savta sent the kids for Chanukah. Fay made some latkes and we went to sleep early

Wednesday we went to the to see the Bostoner Rebbe light his Chanukah candles. His apartment is about a three minute walk from the house. We got their early so we shouldn't miss it, but we were told to come back in ten minutes, the Rebbe was still resting. So I took the kids to the shul next door and we practice reading from the siddur. Ezra is still on the letters, but Elisheva is starting to read with vowels.

When we came back we took a front row seat and waited for the Rebbe's. He was assisted by his son and probably a great grandson to his special chair. They placed the giant silver menorah on a low silver tray in front of him. We grabbed a siddur and followed along -- apparently the rebbe's custom includes many Tehillim and other prayers in addition to standard siddurim. It was almost fifteen minutes until we sang Ma'oz Tzur, which the rebbe has his own Bostoner tune for.

The kids were very good even though it was hard for them to sit so still for so long. They were interested in the uniqueness of the moment, but that only lasts for so long. After we finished singing the Rebbe gave everyone a shekel of Chanukah gelt, including the kids and me.

Elisheva asked why I got Chanukah gelt?

I tried to explain that to the Bostoner Rebbe there was no difference between Abba, Ezra and Elisheva, we are all little children to the Bostoner

Sunday afternoon will be our own family Chanukah party.

Turning a Rainy Day Into Something Special

The kids had off for Chanukah all week and Thursday was the best day for me to go down to Misrad HaPanim to take care of something for the Yeshiva. The weather was miserable and drizzling all day. So I went to an early minyan hoping to go early and come back early.

In the Israeli computer system I was listed as "not being in the country". Apparently my passport was properly swiped when I left, but not when I reentered. I had to go down to the Minister of the Interior to prove I was in the country or the Yeshiva couldn't list me as a member of the yeshiva. So we headed down to the Misrad HaPanim in Gilo which supposedly is the 'secret' Misrad HaPnim, which no one really knows about so there is minimal lines and wait time.

And so it was. I walked in the door around 9:45 with the kids and the lady behind the glass counter said, "Ken B'vakasha". It took about two minutes to prove I was in the country and get it corrected in the computer. Then I remebered I would need to renew my passport anyway since it expired in a month, so I might as well take care of it now.

I needed two pictures for my passport application. I checked my teudat zehut for any spare pictures I might have shoved in there and I could only find one of me, two of Elisheva, one of Elazar and one of Ezra. So I was sent downstairs to the convenient store across the street which took passport photos. I took a number from the "Number-o-matic", even thought the place was empty and shoved it in my pocket, #609 (important later).

I get downstairs and the cost is 8 pictures for 25 shekel, even though they know that we only need 1 -- too bad, they come in a set of 8. In Har Nof 8 photos cost 12 shekel. I refused to be pushed around. I was sure there were other photo places in Gilo. The Misrad HaPanim closes at 12 PM. Plenty of time. The kids and I enter the nearby mall looking for a photo place.

We found a pet shop, a candy store, a drug store, and plenty of other stores, but no photo place. I call the Fox's who live in Gilo and they confirm there is no other place to get passport photos closeby. I'm going to have to "bite the bullet" and get ripped off, because its not worth it to come back another time with transportation costs to save 13 shekel. The kids are hungry even though they just had breakfast before we left. I blame myself for not bringing anything along in my knapsack. So we head into the Supersol. Time check 10:26.

We go around looking for things to eat, the kids have a much different idea than I do as to what is a proper snack. We settle on 11 rolls for 11 shekel, a 10 pack of Chitos, a 10 pack of Bizli. Ima also called to see how we are doing and wanted 200 grams of grated Mehadrin cheese which we buy at the dairy counter.

Elisheva points out the popcorn, but I explain to her that it is microwave popcorn -- but then I figure having microwavable parve popcorn in the house isn't a bad idea instead of having to go to Geulah for popcorn. All the dairy popcorns are 2 for 22 shekel. The parve brand that they have is 1 for 20 shekel, but buy one get one free if you are a member of Supersol (which is free to join)

So we grab two boxes and head to the Kupah Reishit to sign up our Supersol Membership. The lady keeps trying to convince me to sign up for the Supersol Credit Card, but after debating with her why I don't need it she finally signs me up for the regular free membership and we head to the checkout line. Time check 11:03

We head back to the photo place and it's packed. Uh-oh. We head up to the misrad hapanim and it's also packed. I grab a number from the "Number-O-Matic", #653. Now serving #612, but I have to get my pictures. I've come this far it doesn't pay to go home. Time check 11:24

The line for photos is super slow. There are dozen people in front of me. One lady is taking forever, because her baby won't smile and cries every time she holds the baby up by the white background to take a shot. Lady, it's a passport photo not something you frame or put in your kid's photo album! I'm kicking myself I didn't just get the pictures the first time. I'm wondering if I'm going to make it, but then it's finally my turn to go. Time check 11:47

He asks me if I like my picture -- whatever, just print them. I get my prints finally, believe me I wasn't smiling in the photos, and it's painful to hand over the 25 shekel. We get in the door before the guard closes the door, but the place is packed with people. Now serving 621. That's it! To wait for 30 people will take at least an hour and a half.

When the bell hits #622 I go over and show the lady my ticket for #609. I explain that I went to get pictures and missed my number. She remembers me and the kids from the morning and says that she will take me next after #622. Baruch Hashem.

I quietly slip in after #622 gets up and give her my form, two pictures and the 225 shekel, hoping the crowd behind me won't cause a riot, noticing I just walked in a little while ago. Baruch Hashem there is no stampede and we leave the Misrad HaPanim, with a pyrrhic victory.

The kids are bored and complaining. They were hoping for a fun day and other than the supermarket and some snacks it's been pretty uneventful. The proof is the lack of pictures up until now. There is a huge park across the street with an enormous slide and the kids want to go to the park. Even though it is raining and probably dangerous to climb up to the top of the slide, I play the role of the fun but negligent father and risk our lives on the big slide.

The only place dry is in the slide, so I grab the camera, stick my body into the bottom and took these pictures upside down (rotated them afterwards). Ezra is on his way down and Elisheva is behind him waiting for her turn.


The videos were guesswork just sticking the camera in and hoping for the best.
Here are the movies of Elisheva and Ezra coming down the giant slide.

Elisheva came down a little faster

It's really starting to come down, so it's time to leave. As we get out of the park, we see the #33 bus that we need to take us home on the other side of the street approaching the bus stop. It's too dangerous to cross this large street here. We'll have to go around to the traffic light and we'll have to wait for the next one.

We are all getting pretty wet, and the bus won't come for about a half hour. The kids are also hungry again and it is past lunch time. I see a Mehadrin Schwarma place near the bus stop. It is a good place to escape the rain, warm up and get something for the kids to eat. The kids are happy that there is a TV, but I don't like the music videos on the screen. I find the remote and change it to some Children's station which seems harmless enough.

As I expected, a hot dog and french fries for the kids comes out to 26 shekel each. I can wait to eat until we get home at these prices. The kids want soda, but I convince them to take tap water, because I'll let them drink with straws. I'm getting hungry, but I have already been ripped off once today. The kids don't see me snatch a french fry or two as they are glued to the TV. We take our time, as we warm up from the rain and wait for the next bus.

We time the bus well and don't wait too long outside until the #33 comes along. It's pretty much the begining of the route and we take three seats together knowing the bus will fill up when we pass the Malcha Mall and the Biblical Zoo. Excruciating traffic, but at least the bus is warm and dry and the kids fall asleep, it's been an exhausting day even though by the time we get home it's only 2:30.

Fay is in a good mood when we get home since she was able to rest, while the baby took a long nap and I took the kids for the entire morning. We all change into dry clothes and tell Ima about our adventurous morning.

Derech Etz Chaim Chanukah Party

It's really great having Joshua in yeshiva at Derech Etz Chaim. For example, when we had a Chanukah event at R' Binyamin Wolff's house in Rechavia, Joshua was there with the rest of the yeshiva as well as the kids and me. Ima stayed home for a much needed rest...

Aside from good food and sufganyot, Elisheva and Ezra played very nicely with R' Wolff's children. Abba also gave a very nice d'var Torah to the boys of the yeshiva. After dinner, it was around 8:30 PM, but instead of heading straight home Abba took the kids on a short walk through the side streets of Rechavia. The last stop was the park on Ramban street where we played on the swings in the mild December air for about 15 minutes before taking a cab back to Har Nof.

Helping with Elazar (a.k.a. "Mr. Crawler")

Now that Elazar is crawling around we need Elisheva and Ezra to help Ima watch the baby from picking up little things on the floor and putting them in his mouth. The best method, demonstrated by Ezra below, is to sit on the floor with the baby and give him something that he is allowed to put in his mouth and sing him songs, listen to Uncle Moishe or someother activity to keep Elazar's attention.

Other Things Elazar Does With Ima Each Day

Elazar and Ima actually do a lot each day when Abba is at Yeshiva and Elisheva and Ezra are in School. First thing they do is have breakfast. Elazar is eating some foods already like rice cereal, cooked vegetables and rice cakes as demonstrated below:

Ima and Elazar play and hopefully Elazar naps in the morning so Ima can get some rest or have some time to catch up on her reading or online shopping. But Ima and Elazar will also go for walks if the weather is nice and of course Elazar is always very helpful with household chores like washing the dishes, tidying up and folding the laundry

A Shabbos with Cousin Avi

Cousin Avi had some time off from school during and after Succos so he decided to spend some time in Eretz Yisrael. We were lucky enough to have him join us for a Shabbos before he headed back to the States. There is nothing the kids like more than when their relatives visit (especially when they bring along presents). But they especially like big tall strong relatives that pick them up high in the air and they can climb on like a playground, especially now that Abba is getting older and doesn't have the koach anymore.

I know we are about a month behind, but we hope to catch up soon. Stay tuned.

Elazar: The Movie

It's the blockbuster movie you have all been waiting to see...



Share your movie reviews!!!!

A Tiyul in the Forest

On the second day of Succos it was Yom Tov for Josh, but it was Chol HaMoed for the rest of us, so we decided to have a fun family activity that everyone could do. We took a tiyul through the Jerusalem forest that surrounds Har Nof. It is wonderful that you can literally cross the street and enter the Jerusalem forest from our apartment. It's kind of like exploring the brook outside of 22 Essex Road -- only bigger!!!

Ima was the photographer so you won't see her in any of these pictures. The pictures are chronological and after taking the dirt path for cars off the main road, you can take the many trails that lead through the forest.

Now many years ago, (and probably today as well), Jews from all over the world give money to קרן קיימת לישראל [Keren Kayamet L'Yisrael] or קק"ל for short. They use that money, among other things, to put playgrounds, picnic tabels and other nice areas all throughout the forest. So you will see קק"ל etched into many plaques and signs with Jews from all over the world throughout the forest.

As usual Elazar was such a good boy the whole journey. You didn't hear a peep from him. He didn't get to see much of the forest. Most of the time he slept when he wasn't admiring Abba's white shirt.

The great thing about the forest is that instead of us shleping to distant parts of Israel the kids are able to step out of the city life of Har Nof anytime. We just pack some snacks and drinks and its like exploring the Golan, Galeel, etc. The forest is so big that we can explore a new part each time just by taking a different trail. If there is someone gets hurt or doesn't feel well we can get back to Har Nof rather quickly.

Next time you come to Israel you don't have to book some expensive tour. You can just visit the Gerstens in Har Nof and join us for our next expedition.

Elazar Starting to Crawl

A short video of Elazar starting to crawl.



He is pretty good with his feet, but his arms need work.

Getting Ready for Rosh HaShana

The kids are learning all about Rosh HaShana in school. They like when Abba comes home and blows the shofar for them during Elul. Most of all they like to try themselves.

Here is Elisheva with a tekiah, shevarim, teruah combination



Here is Ezra with his tekiyah gedolah.

First Day of First Grade

Our little girls is all grown up and starting Ketah Alef (First Grade). She has a brand new teek (knapsack) courtesy of Savta, which Uncle Josh should be bringing on Wednesday. Her walk school is about six minutes, but she only has to be crossed over the street outside of our building and she can walk the rest of the way down the sidewalk by herself.

That's life in Israel. We are proud to send our daughter to public school.

Family Photo Shoot

In lieu of taking the kids to JCPenneys we just dress the kids up in Israeli "blue and white", sit them on the washed floor, and say "bathroom words" until we get the shot we want

Just Because...

Here is a picture of Elazar just because he is so cute.

Trip with Ezra to Chavot Beit HaYa'ar

Ezra's camp ended last week, while Elisheva still has Camp until Tuesday, so we had some special time to spend with Ezra before school starts next week.

About a 25 minute walk from our house, through the Jerusalem forest is a little ranch which opens for kids in the summer called Chavot Beit HaYa'ar. It has pony rides, blow up trampolines, a petting zoo and other play areas. It also has a waterslide for the kids (alternating boys and girls hours of course)

Here is a picture of Ezra on his horse...

and heading down the water slide frame by frame...

We also have a video so you can see it in real time

Elisheva's 6th birthday

Elisheva celebrated her 6th birthday with friends Chani and Saraleh from the building. Ima played a nice game of Rummicub with everyone until the Jerusalem II Pizza arrived. Cake and balloon were courtesy of Bubbie and Grandpa who "flew-a-cake" to us from Elizabeth, NJ. Once Elazar found out he was to young for birthday cake he refused to participate further in the celebration. Instead he secluded himself to the living room floor and would not let anyone share his toys or come on his blanket. Our new nickname for Elazar is the "party pooper".

Our summer guest

Back for his third year in Israel , Eli came back a month early to finalize his yeshiva plans here. He has been living somewhere in between the Netiv Aryeh dorms and our house. He has been commuting by bus, taxi and bicycle. And for the past month we have gotten used to having Eli around.

Abba and Eli have been trying to learn every afternoon from 12-2 before the kids get back from camp. Eli has been eating meals with us, he took the kids to the park once, he has done his share of holding Elazar, but he has yet to do any dishes.

The Day the Girls Stopped By...

Aunt Basheva came to Har Nof for a dental cleaning from her personal hygenist (her sister) who works in Har Nof on Mondays. So we babysat for Esti and Tova while their mom was in the dentist chair. It has been a long time since we all got together and the kids played nicely for the 45 minute appointment.


The bad news is that Basheva had a cavity. The good news is that Basheva had a cavity and will have to come back with the Esti and Tova again soon.

Grandpa Comes to Town

Grandpa came to Israel for two weeks in June with Margaret. He treated Eli, Josh and the rest of us for lunch on the second day of Shavuot at the Sheraton Hotel. They were only in Yerushalayim briefly as they spent time in Netanya and other points west of Yerushalyim. If anyone has any information on Grandpa's rental cell phone from Talk'n'save, please leave a comment.

Josh Finishes His First Year at Derech Etz Chaim

After his first year shteiging at Derech Etz Chaim, Josh will head home for the summer to work at NeSHAma day camp in Great Neck. It was great to have Joshua this year, and Elisheva, Ezra and Elazar appreciated having their uncle around

Here are some pictures of Josh from our most recent trip to the Golan. Abba and Uncle Josh spent some quality time together on these long hikes. We also shared a kayak and paddled down the Jordan River
Josh has become quite the backyard chef with his handy skills on the barbeque. Josh also helps a lot in the DEC kitchen on Shabbos to help with the yeshiva Shabbos meals.

We look forward to having Josh back for shana bet

Watching Elazar Grow

Elazar all wrapped up after bathtime:

Elazar getting some tummy time:

This is Elazar making his best "funny face":

The other siblings seem to be happy to have Elazar, but Elazar doesn't seem thrilled to be left with Ezra and Elisheva:

Ezra's 4th Birthday in Gan

Ezra is sporting the lovely pink flower crown in honor of his 4th birthday at Gan Esther (along with Yosef his co-birthday friend)

The teacher presented Ezra with a book and a candy. The children danced around Ezra. Yosef's mother brought cake for everyone and Ima brought ice pops (igloos) for all the children.

Chol HaMoed Trip to Chevron

So Abba, Elisheva, Ezra, Grandma Rhoda, Bubby and Grandpa left at around 11:30 AM and took a #11 bus to Chizkiyahu Street. From there we caught the charter bus to Chevron. We just got there as the bus was about to pull away. We couldn't all sit together so Ezra and Elisheva found some new friends to sit with. Elisheva had five or six teenage girls fawning over her and Ezra's neighbor gave him half of his candybar. We arrived at 1:00 PM and headed to the back of the Gutnik building for the children activities.

First was the donkey rides.
The boy leading the donkey was about a year older than Elisheva.

Next the kids each got to paint a small vase of pottery and made an afikomen cover.

They also had a little dress up corner called "tachposhet" (costumes), which was really a box full of cut up rectangles of random covered fabrics. Luckily Elisheva and Ezra thought it was a lot of fun.
Abba told Grandpa, Bubby and Grandma Rhoda to go into the Ma'arat HaMachpayla and I would stay with the kids. The lines were very long. Grandpa came back after about an hour, but Bubby and Grandma Rhoda were nowhere to be found. He figured they would have been here by now because he had davened Mincha inside.

Abba set up home base in the kiddy area hoping the missing party would return there while Grandpa took the kids to buy a treat. Ten minutes later when the kids returned with ice pops and still no sign of the ladies, Abba gave the kids lunch and listened to the concert with them, while Grandpa single handedly organized the search party. The plan was to check back at headquarters with Abba and the kids every ten minutes or so to see if Grandma Rhoda and Bubby had surfaced. The kids were getting a bit antsy -- literally climbing the walls.

Finally, Grandma Rhoda and Bubby showed up and then all we had to do is wait for Grandpa to come back from his last patrol. We all finished up the rest of the food we had taken with us and walked back to the parking lot and headed for our bus home.

Elazar's first Pesach

So Elazar wasn't exactly able to "spit out" the Mah Nishtanah, but he did play the "Sh'ayno Yodaya L'shoel". Ezra was a little shy and said it quietly with Ema. Elisheva was ready for Broadway. She stood up on her chair and belted it out.

For Seder we had the Gersten Family, Bubby and Grandpa; Grandma Rhoda, Cousin Eli and Moshe and Ari Schaffer from Teaneck, NY. Moshe is a student at Derech Etz Chaim and his brother was visiting for Pesach.

We got a late start, but we were able to get the afikomen in before 12:37 AM (Halachic Chatzot Israel Standard Time). We were only able to get pictures of the Second Seder (of the Diaspora) starring Grandpa, Bubby and Grandma Rhoda. Happy Passover and Chag Pesach Kasher V'Samayach