Where What When

For Granted? I’ll Take It!

Among history’s popular clichés is the expression “don’t take it for granted.” What does this mean? How does one “take something for granted”?

When deriving benefit from someone or something without sufficient appreciation, it is referred to as “taking it for granted.” Unfortunately, most people don’t appreciate what they have until they no longer have it. After living in Israel for nine months, we have come to realize there were many American conveniences that we may have taken for granted. Almost all of them begin with the letter “c”: for instance, cars, corned beef, courtesy, customer service, coffee (aka Dunkin Donuts), and cheese curls, just to name a few. Living in Israel, however, one could easily come to take the spiritual for granted, as well.

Prior to aliya, one receives many brachos from family, friends, and well-wishers. The majority of these blessings relate to parnassa, acclimation, and safety. I, like others, appreciate all the blessings expressed on our behalf. One unique bracha, however, stands out in my mind.

Sometime prior to our flight, I had a conversation with a very dear friend, Rabbi Boruch Brull. Reb Boruch gave me a bracha that continues to ring in my ears each and every day: “Reb Avrohom, I wish for you that you always feel how special it is to live in Eretz Yisrael. Don’t take it for granted.”

This cherished blessing from a cherished friend gives me a renewed perspective of the zechus (privilege) of aliya.

His words come to mind each morning when hearing Birchas Kohanim in davening. In chutz la’aretz one only hears Birchas Kohanim on Yomim Tovim (with the exception of some Sefardim). Here it is given every day (and twice on Shabbos). I figured that after many weeks of Birkas Kohanim, the “novelty” would wear off. Baruch Hashem, I anticipate it with excitement each time, just as I did in chutz la’aretz (and maybe even more).

The question of “Where are we going for Chol Hamoed,” a given in every Jewish family – usually begins weeks before the chag. While in America, we did the standard zoo trips, park excursions, Lancaster, Gettysburg, and even a few runs to New York. Pitying looks from others at our matza sandwiches, and struggling to find a sukka, fill our memories of Chol Hamoed. But here, one could take it for granted. Everyone, from the bus driver to the ticket booth attendant, is eating a matza sandwich with their Osem potato chips. All publicly displayed chometz (including vending machines) is sealed up. Kosher-for-Pesach food was available everywhere we went. No more schlepping coolers and the like. Every attraction has a sukka (and Mincha as well). Just one thing to remember: the entire country is off on Chol Hamoed. Boarding busses and trains and finding parking are quite a challenge. Government offices are closed, as are many stores. One could easily take this public observance of the chag for granted. Baruch Hashem – and baruch R’ Boruch Brull – we delighted in every moment.

Buying chometz after Pesach was always an ordeal in Baltimore. Did the store sell its chometz? How long must we wait to buy Cheerios at Giant? In Eretz Yisrael, every store, kiosk, and even vending machine proudly (and wisely) displays its certificate of mechiras chometz.

On Lag B’Omer, we used to host a bonfire in our backyard. We hiked with talmidim, and our family enjoyed a BBQ in honor of the day. Our first Lag B’Omer in Eretz Yisrael was quite different. Yes, there were BBQs – try buying hot dogs or marshmallows on day 32 of the Omer). But bonfires take on a new meaning. Firstly, the preparation on the part of the children is awe-inspiring. Weeks before Pesach boys (and girls) of all ages begin hoarding wood, cardboard, and just about anything else flammable. (“No dear, you may not borrow the dining room table and yes, we are using the sukka again next year!”) The piles of materials are secured and hidden from competing fire makers. What about permits from the fire department? While the Baltimore County Fire Department looked askance at backyard pyromania, in Eretz Yisrael, fire trucks circulate throughout the neighborhoods on erev Lag B’Omer inspecting the wood piles and even giving tips on better fire building. During the night, the same firemen drive around to ensure that all is going well. Groups from various shuls and neighborhood blocks congregated around their fires, danced, and enjoyed the beautiful evening. Needless to say, we heeded the veterans’ advice and closed our windows prior to nightfall. The smell of smoke lingered for several days!

Yesterday my wife and I had the morning off. After sending all of the kids to school, we sat down to eat breakfast. While eating, we decided on a trip to Yerushalyim. An hour and 20 minutes later we were saying tehilim at the Kotel. The saying of the 15 chapters of Shir Hamaalos is in a different dimension when standing below the Har Habayis. After lunch in Geulah, we returned home in time to greet our daughter as she came home from school at 2:00 p.m. To the Kotel and back (with lunch) in less than four hours! In the past we took a plane to Yerushalayim, and now it’s a bus. What would be a dream in Baltimore has become reality for us here. How could one take this for granted?

In closing, I wish to express appreciation for another aspect of our lives that we sadly had to leave behind. Many people have told me that after making aliya they feel “forgotten” by those that they left in chutz la’aretz. Other than an occasional visit from friends or family vacationing in Israel, they never hear from those most dear to them. My family and I feel fortunate that our family, friends, and (former) neighbors continue to keep in touch. Not a day goes by without a call, note, or email from people in Baltimore. We share your joy when receiving an invitation to a simcha (and appreciate the thought and expense). Knowing that we continue to be in your thoughts shortens the distance between us. My talmidim, who write, call and visit, allow me to shep nachas as I hear about their progress. I hope to see them and their families when they come to visit, learn – or better yet – live in Eretz Yisrael. There is someone very dear to me who calls (almost) every erev Shabbos while it is still early in the morning for him. (He knows who he is, and I really appreciate his thoughtfulness).

To our friends and family, please know that just as we are thankful for the zechus of living in artzeinu hakedosha, we feel equally blessed for the zechus of our continued connections and look forward to the day when we will all be reunited here in Eretz Yisrael. Please feel free to write us via email at levenet@aol.com

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Article List - June 2006