A Labyrinth

I always leave extra time,
in case of an emergency,
like the urgent need,
to suddenly,
stick my feet,
in the fountain,
and stare up at the descending ivy.
I wonder,
if I jumped like Tarzan,
would it support my weight?

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Batel was my mother for nine months. Of all the people in my life who have been taken on a mentor role she has been the most influential. She grew up with the name Beth and took on Batel when she moved to Israel. For her, it was not just a name. She really made herself a daughter of God. She not only constantly learns and teaches Torah but she lives it. She has done so much for some many people that there would never be a way to pay her back.

She got married in Tekoa. One of my favorite places in Israel and not just because my good friends Chaim and Leora live there (I love you both so much). It was so beautiful and appropriate for her. However, it really didn’t matter where she got married. The important part was that she married Shlomo. I have gotten to spend a llittle time with Shlomo and hopefully will get to see him more as time goes on. He has a beautiful understanding of Torah, he is outgoing, funny and sarcastic, he writes poetry and he loves Batel with a love that is true and beautiful. I was nearby a couple weeks prior when someone asked Batel when the wedding was going to be. Shlomo said “not soon enough.” They are perfect for each other. Both enviromentalist who love God and the world.

Batel teaches me all the time just by being herself. She taught me to be more environmentally conscious, more conscious of myself and more concious of God. She is the number one person who made it possible for me to make Aliyah. To say I love and appriciate her could not begin to encompass how I feel about her. She is a daughter of God.

And she continues to teach me. I see from her example what is important to look for in a partner and how to behave with that partner. I hope I am strong enough to follow in her very large footsteps.

Mazel Tov my beloved friend!

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I am strong.
I am strong enough.
I am strong enough to walk alone.
I am strong enough to walk with you.

I am wise.
I am wise enough.
I am wise enough to speak.
I am wise enough to remain silent.

I strong.
I am strong enough.
I am strong enough to carry my own baggage.
I am strong enough to carry yours.

I am wise.
I am wise enough.
I am wise enough to build bridges.
I am wise enough to burn them.

I am strong.
I am strong enough.
I am strong enough to take care of myself.
I am strong enough to let you take care of me.

I am wise.
I am strong.

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I walked the streets of Jerusalem,
trying to get lost
in love with every imprint.
Searching for signs
of other wanderers,
looking to connect
with every footstep.

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You say you love God,
but not Man,
you love God not.
You say you love Man,
but not God,
you are more religious than you thought.

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I have never fallen in love with the lights on.
We were always in the dark,
groping,
tripping,
squinting,
hiding.

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