Friday, 24 April 2015

I got up early this morning and had an excellent walk. I even saw my little black-and-white outdoor feline friend, and he walked a bit with me (until he noticed a large dog ahead!).

I went out again before breakfast to recycle cardboard and buy challah for Shabbat.

After breakfast, I went to the vet's office to get more food for the cats so that they won't run out.

I had one 1-unit Berlitz lesson scheduled today, but it turned out to be a late cancellation.

I ate my traditional whole-wheat spaghetti with Palermo sauce at Il Pentolino today.

In the afternoon, I did more recycling (bottles, paper, and containers), and I also did a little more work on my HaTikva variations for orchestra.

As I watched the waning sunlight reflect off windows of houses and the hospital in Aqaba, I lit candles, drank a bit of sweet red wine, and ate a little challah to welcome Shabbat.

In honor or this week of national holidays, I share with you the first part of the prayer for the State of Israel:

אבינו שבשמים, צור ישראל וגואלו, ברך את-מדינת-ישראל, ראשית צמיחת גאלתנו. הגן עליה באברת חסדך ופרש עליה סכת שלומך ושלח אורך ואמתך לראשיה, שריה ויועציה, ותקנם בעצה טובה מלפניך

Our Father in heaven, Rock of Israel and its redeemer, bless the State of Israel, the first flowering of our redemption. Shield it with Your favor and spread over it the sukkah of Your peace and send Your light and truth to its leaders, ministers, and advisors, and correct them with good counsel from your presence.