Contrary to what the author of the Lifetakes about the level of materialism available in Israel today might think, having access to creature comforts like a choice of laundry detergent or ice cream flavors does not have to detract from a person’s potential spirituality. Perhaps Shifra Seidman would have a different perspective if she actually lived in Israel instead of just dropping by for a summer wedding. Perhaps she would appreciate that life in Eretz Yisrael is a big challenge for many reasons and we all need a little pampering in order to carry on.
Israel is populated by Jews who live in fear of rocket attacks and terrorism, struggle to make a parnassah and to raise their kids with good, sane values. I say, if the author is so keen on The Simple Life in a 50-square meter apartment, she is more than welcome to come here to live the life, not just talk the talk. And yeah, it would be interesting to see how focused she can stay on spiritual issues when the material ones are so overwhelming.
Here for 45 Years
(Ann Bar-Dov, Eshhar)
After reading the Lifetakes written by the woman who was struck by the materialism around her — and then the dedication to Torah that she saw — as well as the sharply conflicting responses to the piece, I was reminded of the well-worn joke: Two men are arguing before the Rabbi. The Rabbi turns to one and says, “You’re right.” He turns to the other and says, “You’re right.” An observer declares, “They can’t both be right!” to which the Rabbi replies, “You’re also right!”
The author of this piece herself was clearly somewhat conflicted, and the article shows her progression from judgment to ayin tovah (or maybe somewhere in between). Don’t we all experience this from time to time? Our initial response is not something we are always proud of, and with a bit of contemplation, we see there is another perspective — that doesn’t always negate the original.
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