Heart with Israeli flag colors. I Love My Country – Israel
Steve Ornstein: Reflections As Passover Approaches in Israel
I wonder if someone would have told me that getting old wasn’t worth it if I had believed them.
Yes, to the newfound aches and pains. The aging body and its internal organs are becoming more problematic. Yet at 80-plus, the issues I thought important become less so, and the realization that change will happen through the younger generations.
My children and their children. It is their journey that will make this country a better place. Yes, better, I believe, a strong and loving community embraces all that is good as a people. Yet, being blessed by my children and grandchildren, and not having my sweet, wonderful wife by my side, has changed me over the last 7 years, and only now have I truly awakened to the full consequences.
What we shared just the two of us is now just dreams, memories, and warmth that my soul still yearns for today. While I make an effort to reach out to friends, family, and community, I am more withdrawn than ever before.
Despite the political insanity and war at the moment, I am not willing to indulge in the fear and hate of this insane present government to feel alive.
My presence is my guide. All the religious/ spiritual teachers I have been blessed with over the years, only now, have their teachings become embedded fully in my soul.
Here and Now I Am. Fully within the world but not quite. Not as active as in the past. More contemplative.
Feeling a sense of being on a mountain, meditating and listening to heaven’s song being sung by all. The pain, suffering, love, happiness, longing, loneliness, companionship, children playing, and an old man listening to it all as the celestial music plays.
Living in a Jewish homeland is impossible to describe in words. No matter how articulate one may be, in the end, it only scratches the surface. Deep within this amazing country are the vibrations of generations that have sung the same song we sing today as Jews.
Deep soulful heart embracing activity called LIFE.
To life L’Chaiim..to life.
