maozisrael's Blog

Just imagine in your country that God calls a fast, and because of this, the whole country stops No cars are allowed to drive Nothing is allowed to play on the TV or radio stations All the stores are closed And everybody comes out that night on the streets after prayers in the Synagogue and enjoys a huge block party with kid's riding bikes, skateboards, or inline skating. This is Israel and the Holiday is Yom Kippur. Thousands of years ago, God created a commandment that we as a nation observe a day of fasting for the atonement of our sins. To this day, Jews around the world observe this commandment. But to see how it is done in Israel is amazing. Because there were no cars allowed, I had to walk from Hod Hasharon to Kfar Saba, 15 min by car, or 1 hour by foot. Not once did I walk on the side walk, only on the street with thousands of other residents who enjoyed the peace and quiet of no horns honking or car fumes. Instead, kids enjoyed their newly acquired bikes, and battery operated mini-cars. I was amazed as I walked on main street Kfar Saba and saw what appeared as all the inhabitants of that booming city out on the street by the thousands. It looked exactly like Times Square in anticipation of the dropping of the ball on New Year's Eve! I marveled standing in the middle of what usually is the busiest intersection in the city and seeing the sea of people on every side. The stoplights ignored, and the voices enjoying the ever so quiet moment. I used to live in the vast expanses of Tucson, Arizona. Where the country promised quiet with an occasional bird singing. But Tucson's quietness paled in comparison to this night, and the next day. It was as if a day of reverence was even honored in the voices along the street. No cell phones ring, no bars open, no one shopping to get the "Yom Kippur Sales", for the stores are all closed. What a change of pace to holidays spent in the states. I guess you can call it one of those "on location" things. For you really have to be here to see it!