STEEL RESISTANCE!

Having had the much needed retreat from Eilat----- a needed contrast, shall we say, there is the return and the desire to share (especially when asked ) about our experience and impressions.

I did this openly in last week's blog, (not sure I really like that word!), but, here, I am with all Jews, especially older ones who cannot even hear the German language being spoken or referred to. Many have asked:"How could you want to go to Germany?"

.

I have been pretty apologetic about our enjoyment, appreciation of the hospitality we received, and the new look of Berlin, so diverse in its population, it pretty much spells out:

W-E-L-CO-M-E.

I have been warned about the past being repeating itself. This can also be true in families, I retort.

We have to live our lives alert, to be sure. Can there ever be a second chance offered to the young people growing up there? An interesting statistic: 52% of the people currently living in Berlin were not born there!

Now, that does not mean all are of a non- German nationality. It is an indication, though, that the population is far more diverse than in the time of Hitler. War is strife. Prejudice is strife. Inability to forgive and to blame us for the sins of our fathers is strife. Do we also receive the blessing of the good deeds of our fathers (mothers understood)?

What was brilliant and very clear during our interactions and what we were able to perceive there, is that Germany is far ahead insofar as city planning, education, and social equality (all pay 10% of their income to rebuild East Germany) even though it does not get a 100% vote, and opportunity for higher education.

Manners seem to come naturally. Humor is dry, that I will concur.

Physical attention to one's body seems to be taken seriously---their bikes are NOT electric as they are here in Israel. That appears to be the major mode of transport. Having been to many parts of Germany in the past I was very sad, indeed, no, appalled, to see the growth of astounding obesity that has already developed earlier in Israel, visited upon us as we strolled around the myriad of monuments, fountains, and palaces. There is a stark contrast between healthy bodies and ones so overfed (young and old) that they no longer resemble human beings!

All in all we made new friends ---our hosts---a young arty couple--- who were genuinely welcoming not having known us before at all--a connection through friends gave us the kindness of true hospitality and the beginning of an honest friendship.

I have hope and belief that the Germany of the future will lead us all to more conscious living, if we give them a chance. Who is "we"? Let's start with the Jews---the holiday of Rosh Ha Shana (NEW YEAR) is coming right up.

It is a practice to ask forgiveness and to extend it offering an acceptance of someone's apology.

Three times is the maximum---then it is to be let go!

In the Torah it is written: "We are to be the light unto the nations"---I do not care who picks up that role---but some group has to! Individuals alone do not appear to have been sufficient.

Can't we learn to live together? At my approaching demise, that is all I would want to witness --- (that and perhaps smoother skin!) Ok, Vanity , thy name is woman! Shakespeare nailed it.

Tchuss (Ciaou in German),

Miss Rheingold