JINGLE BELLS

Since moving to Jerusalem, Christmas hasn't had any affect on me at all. We don't have the massive commercials on television urging us to buy this or that for our loved ones.

The commentators don't remind us how many days there are left until Christmas.

There are no lights in any windows except for Channukah menorahs and candles at this time of year.

But, somewhere, deep down, I can still feel it. The excitement of the season. The snow falling. The beauty of everyone's homes, both inside and out with Santa Claus and twinkling lights.

The awe my Christian friends felt at the birth of Jesus. The ceremony of Midnight Mass. The smell and taste of special foods being prepared for the holidays.

With all the good wishes and all the sharing, I still felt like an outsider looking in. It was kinda like pen*s envy...you liked what you had, but that one over there looked interesting.

I love living in Israel. I feel honoured to be a citizen of Jerusalem. I have walked the Via Dolorosa. I have visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. I have seen Gesthemane. And been awed.

Bethlehem is five and a half miles from Jerusalem. And in the days when it wasn't so dangerous, I used to go visit all the time. I have been to the Church of the Nativity.

See, I live with ghosts. I live with the Original Cast. Yours, Mine, and Theirs. And, no, I'm not going to go into a political debate on the subject today.

Today I just want to send you all my Season's Greetings.

To all my friends who are celebrating Christmas tonight, let me wish you a very Merry Christmas. I wish you a holiday of joy, good health, peace, love of family and friends, a few extra shekels in your pockets and a pinch of mazal along the way.

Eat something fattening for me too. And as my brother Dovidle always says at this time of year: Jesus is the reason for the season. Noel.

Have a great day...stay safe...and thanks for dropping in.