chossid's PhotoBlog

Be Thankful!

2009-11-27T06:47:01Z

I'll really be back next week, G-d willing. I was out of town, and am making a wedding for someone on Sunday. Meetings..... Meanwhile a quick post.

Hurray! The sea!

2009-11-12T12:09:06Z

That's what the sign on the wall in the airport says. I'll be away from my computer for a bit. Please feel free to browse my old posts while I'm away.

October Travels 1

2009-11-12T02:14:53Z

The Greening of NY

2009-11-11T23:40:42Z

It was so nice to see greenery in mid-Manhattan! Some streets have been closed of to traffic, and made into pedestrian malls, with plants, tables, and chairs. Much of Broadway, from Herald Square to Times Square, is now a place to relax in the middle of all the bustle!

Cityscapes 2

2009-11-11T21:12:40Z

Pink, Purple, White

2009-11-11T09:54:07Z

Some recent photos. I'd thought everything was fall colors, but I managed to find these, for the theme. I wonder if anyone managed to photograph my favorite pink, purple, & white coated chocolate candies?

The Soul of Man is the Candle of G-d

2009-11-10T20:11:48Z

“Ner Hashem nishmas adam” – “The soul of man is the candle of G-d.” Proverbs 20:27 At the genesis of mankind, G-d breathed life into us, blowing from His innermost being into ours. Placed down here in this less than lit up world, our souls are meant to shine outward to others; as in the Temple, with windows, not to let light in but to allow it to shine out. Draw in the light, and let it shine out.

My Badly Neglected Plants In Early Morning Sunlight

2009-11-09T20:12:01Z

I was away for several weeks, with nobody to plant-sit, and I'd forgotten about wicks to a pot of water. When I saw the light on the first one, I thought "okay, this should be quick -- just one shot." Haha!

Sheva Brochos

2009-11-08T01:53:22Z

Friday afternoon, about two hours before the onset of Shabbos (when all work ceses,) I found out that a girl who had attended our school, and had just gotten married in another city, was in Simferopol. A quick call, and they were delighted for us to make them Sheva Brochos.* While I would normally spend days preparing, it was not possible on such short notice. Thank goodness my freezer was well stocked, and I pulled off two Sheva Brochos -- one in the synagogue Friday nite, and another after Shabbos. What I didn't know until the guests of honor stepped in, was that her parents were making her a reception, kind of like a second wedding at the same time, and they had slipped out in order to do this -- thus Sheindel is in her wedding gown, while we are eating on paper plates! Also by way of explanation, once a Jewish woman is married, out of modesty, she should cover her hair, which is the reason for her hair covering. *In Judaism, there is a special commandment for a bride and groom to rejoice together for the week following their wedding, during which time the newlyweds are treated like a royal couple. They don't go to work and are even escorted everywhere by an "honor-guard"! During this week, a series of small festive get-togethers are held in honor of them, which are called Sheva Brachos (“seven benedictions”), referring to the seven blessings recited following the Grace After Meals, over a cup of wine. These are the same blessings recited under the chupah (marriage canopy,) mainly consisting of requests for G-d’s blessing for the newlywed couple.

Miracle / Standing Out!

2009-11-06T06:04:54Z

One evening, after the usual battle to find a parking space, my husband and son finally found a place, around the corner. They locked the car, and started walking away, when suddenly there was a loud explosion -- the car's engine! Thank G-d they were far enough away not to be hurt. Another minute of looking for a space, and...?!?! This is the result -- certainly stood out from the rest of the parked cars!