The Dark Moment of the Soul .X X X. OO VV

Hello everyone,

Detroit, Michigan

   The Hebrew school principal and his wife, who met me at the Airport, invited me to stay at their home  They helped me buy a used car and find a suitable apartment next to the temple, which was within thirty    minute ride to the university... My life seemed to be divided in half: During the the morning hours, I was  a Student at the university of Detroit (which was build in 1877)  It had a beautiful campus, lined with Elm Trees and old stone buildings, were the students attended their classes.I was working hard! During the day I was a student at the University and in the afternoons and was teaching Hebrew and Jewish Studies at a Jewish Temple's school... I used to joke that I felt as if I had a 'Split Personality'... I made several friends but was way too busy for 'Real Relationships'...There was only one good thing about being so busy I had no time to think about Paul or morn the 'Death' of our relationship...

Winter in Detroit

University of Detroit

   The month of September passed by and for the first time in   my life, I realized what a 'Cold Winter 'could be; unlike the mild winters in Israel.. Black clouds, heavy rain and freezing wind as well as much snow and slippery ice.. I was very busy rushing from the university to teach at the Temple, go over my students' Home Work, as well as doing my own...I had no time to do much else. For a few moment before falling asleep, I was able to think about Paul, the man I loved so much, who was so far away... But I was so tired, I couldn't even feel how much I missed him... The two of us exchanged letters (No money for Over Sea's phone calls...) Paul was writing how lonely he felt, how much he missed me and how painful it was, to come  back to an empty house... I tried to comfort him, writing that the time would pass fast and before we  know it the two of us would be together again... I was repressing my fears about  the 'problems' our marriage may create for the two of us, telling myself that our powerful love would be able to overcome any obstacle on our way! In the meantime I had a few serious problems to deal with... Two and a half months after the Hebrew school opened; the teachers,who were mostly Israeli students, decided to strike  calming they were not able to live on their small salary... It seems that even before I arrived, this was an on going problem between the Israeli teachers and the board of directors... After the answer which came from  from the Board was "NO!"  The teachers decided to strike and I suddenly found myself without a job! A week later my car was stolen...

   I had no insurance, since I had to save every extra dollar for car payments and had to look for rides       to the University and back. I was trying to keep up my grades and had no time to notice, that Paul's  letters were not coming as often as before... On one freezing Saturdays, the Mailman rang my bell and handed  me a special delivery letter from Tsipi... She wrote how terribly sorry she was, to give me the   bad of bad news, that Paul got married to an Austrian Journalist, he met in Israel... She asked me to be strong and never forget how powerful I am, saying she was certain I would soon get over this shock and was asking me to remember how strong I realy am and that X"Everything is happening for good reason"  She wrote X"I am sure that soon you realize, that Paul was not the right man' for you'! I Xthe mean time all our friends are sending me you their love"...

   Shortly after Tsipi's letter, I received one from Paul... He asked for my forgiveness, confessing he       was not 'Strong enough' to deal with all the X'Complications' our marriage would create'... He wrote   how much he loved me and how I changed his life... "I believe that one day you will realize, that this break up was the best thing for the two of us!" I never wrote back... I don't remember much, of the days after I received the shocking news...  It felt as if I became like the feminine 'Biblical Job', receiving one blow after the other... First  my stolen car, next the teachers strike and now Paul's betrayal... The pain was so intense, I had to numb myself!  So I closed my heart, shutting off my emotions and was functioning like a Robot; having no emotions at all! I received an A in all my classes at the university and was praises by my teachers for the papers I handed in... However, as Tsipi would tell me later:X"Reading your letters made me feel as if your soul left your body..." My parents who were in touch with Tsipi, were sick with worry...They called and begged me to come back home:"It is not the right time to be all alone in another country!" My mother said tearfully and handed the phone to my Dad..."Listen Shira'le, You are now going through a very difficult time! Through out our life we all experience Loses, Pain and Hardships. Needless to say, that you can always come back home to us, but you will be Running Away from the Battlefield. Life  is testing your endurance and strength... Remember that just as People can not survive without Light, they would not be able to survive without Darkness; which is just as important as the Light for our growth and help us build Survival kills and Spiritual Muscles... You can do it Shira! You Will do it and be stronger then ever! Remember you are not alone! Ima and I are always with you during these difficult times! We love and support you and most of all; We Believe in You!"

   The day after my parents called, I was leaving my class at the university and was walking to the next one in a farther building... It was freezing and slippery; the ground was covered with a thick carpet of snow... I was walking in slow motions, like Neil Armstrong did, when he was taking his first steps on     the moon... My heavy boots were sinking in the deep snow and I was barley able to lift one foot after    the other. The sky was covered with Black Clouds, such as I have never seen before, in  the mild winter      of Israel...  In spite of my father's reassuring words, I felt hopeless... I couldn't go on, all I wanted was     to lie down, on the inviting soft white carpet of snow, close my eyes and go to sleep, covered by blanket of white flakes... Suddenly I heard a voice, a pleasant 'Baritone' of an older man:X"This, is Also a part of the Human Experience!"It  was saying...  I looked around but no one was there... On my left was a very small chapel, which I saw many times before but payed it no attention. This time my legs took me inside There were only ten small benches in this tiny church; five on each side. I set on the last bench, watching  a Nun kneeling and praying in front of a statue of Jesus... I was never comfortable in churches, it seemed as if I was betraying my"Jewish God"... I don't know how long I was sitting there, before I realized that something strange was taking place... A Ray of Light came through the colorful stained glass window and touched my forehead, leaving me with feelings of Peace and Inner Joy, such as I have never experienced before; not even when I was a little kid  in my parents arms, or with Paul...

   In my post "The day I lost God" I wrote about the time I was a twelve years old child, who lost her belief in God... It would take fifteen years and a broken heart, to find it again, in Detroit, Michigan... I  believe that this spiritual experience, had nothing to do with religion, since God can be found in many places; Church, Synagogue, Mosque, Buddhist Temple or in any peaceful place in Nature: A top of a mountain, an open filed, a yellow sand desert, on snow covered roads, even in the middle of Manhattan where I would have another incredible spiritual awakening, eight years later...

Three "penguins"

Marygrove College

   I don't know how long I was sitting in the tiny chapel, trying to let go of my pain and hopelessness; when I noticed how my rational mind, was beginning to "X I had to pay full attention to my survival! The excruciating pain over Paul's betrayal will be  dealt with later, I have to pay full attention to my studies and get good grades!" X Luckily, I didn't have to pay Tuition since I was given a scholarship... I would have to find a place to live closer to the university, until the strike in the Hebrew school is over! X "Now is not the time or place to indulge in the pain of Broken Romances! Snap out of it and move on!"x  When I finally left the chapel I felt calmer and peaceful. On my left was the buildings of Mary Grove College; which were built around 1877... In the first building, lived an Order of Nuns, the classrooms were located in the second building and the third one served as Dormitory for Out of State and Foreign Students...  

    An idea hit me like a bolt of lightening!  Ten minutes later I found myself sitting across the desk of    the 'Mother Superior'', telling her about my problems... "I hope it doesn't make a difference to you that       I am Jewish"... I said. "I came from Israel recently, never expecting to face such serious difficulties...        would be most grateful, if I could stay at your dormitory, so I don't miss classes and be happy to pay  when the strike in the school I teach in, would be over!"  Not only did she say I was welcome to stay      in  the Dorms and take my meals in the dining room, for as long as I need: free of charge, she  also       said it was an Honor and Privilege, to extend hospitality to a young woman from the Holy Land!"        Our lord  Jesus was also Jewish you know!" She smiled...To show my appreciation, I offered to share  with the students information about Israel and use the slide show, which I brought with me from Israel      It would enable the students, to see the places were Jesus lived, traveled and created Miracles... The Mother Superior was delighted! She stood up and asked :"Are we the nuns invited as well, or is it for students only?"  I was laughing for the first time in many days: "You will be the guests of honor!" I answered. "Is there anything else I can help you with, my child?" The kind Nun asked, as she walked     me to the door..."Well, I was wondering if I could take extra classes during Summer School, so I may      be able to graduate early..."The Mother Superior said she would talk to the 'Dean' and a few days later      I was told my request was granted!

    Next I met with the Temple's President and told him about my situation... It was Friday morning and   on the afternoon, his wife came to pick me up for the Sabbath Dinner in their home...The Rabbi who heard about my 'Predicaments', spoke to the Temple Committee and I was assured of getting my salary each month during the strike! My hostess jokingly expressed her concern, that the nuns may try to convert me to Christianity..."If any one would be doing conversions; it would be Shira who will convert the nuns to Judaism!" The Rabbi said... A few days later I received a used car, donated by one of the congregants    I wrote to thank him, saying that since Christmas and our Hanukah, are so close; I feel as if there must be  a Jewish Santa Clause..."I do not thank you for the car only, I am thanking you for teaching me a lesson  in Generosity! When I start working, I am going to be as Generous to people in need, as all of you were   to me!" I kept and still keep my promise! 

   Even though the strike came to an end and I had a car again, I gave up my apartment...I was comfortable in the dormitory, made friends and the nuns were very happy to have X"A gust from from the Holy Land! At one point I realized that if I attend Summer School, I would be able to graduate earlier then I expected by combining the credits from the University of Huston, the University of Detroit and that of Mary Grove Collage... My new challenge was to have enough money to survive during the summer, when the Hebrew school and Dorm were closed for vacation...  An elderly couple from the congregation, whose children left home, invited me to stay in their house for the summer... I had several private students, but still needed an additional income to cover my basic needs and prayed for a miracle...    

Ruthy and I (standing

)

"The Two Sabras"

   My new friend Ruthy, was an Israeli woman who lived in Detroit, with her American husband Bob and their five years old daughter...Ruthy loved to play her guitar and sing. I was  often invited to celebrated Friday nights dinners with them After dinner we would sit in the garden, where Ruthy was playing her guitar and the two of us sang Israeli songs. One evening an idea crossed mind: What if the two of us would describe the history of Israel through the songs of the early Pioneers, who came from Russia to settle in Palestine (our present Israel) Their songs were about draining the swamps cultivating fields and planting vines and citrus trees... Ruthy and I sang the songs of these pioneers, who came from Russia to Palestine (present time Israel) which was then under the Turkish rule...  Someone heard us singing and to our surprise, we were invited to sing at Jewish organizations, several Hebrew schools and eventually at privet parties...

Click to enlarge

The two Sabras

    In between songs I used the Slideshow and was praying that the photos together with the verbal History lesson I gave in between the songs, would divert the audience attention, from the fact we were not realy 'Professional Singers'... To my total amazement it worked! We named ourselves:"The Two Sabras"(Israeli born") and appeared in Jewish temples as well as private parties...To our surprise or rather shock, we were getting swamped with invitations...After graduating and receiving my B.A; I was getting ready to move on, despite Ruth urging me to stay and continue singing. Never before did I consider myself to be a singer... I always planed to become a writer, a psychologist or both... My next step was to look for a graduate school in N.Y."Why New York when there are graduate schools right here in Detroit?"  My friends asked... But my mind was made up! I was going to fulfill my old dream of living in Manhattan and write my first book! I said Goodbye to all the wonderful people I got to know in Detroit,  the teachers in the the Hebrew school and the dear Nuns. I did not have enough money for a Plain ticket; so I carried my two heavy suitcases, to the bus station (no wheels for suitcases yet...)  and took the a Greyhound bus    to N,Y city and was ready to start my new adventure in the "Big Apple"...

With Love and Light
Shira

Love Story and my Metaphysical/Spiritual Experience".((Change color of Red to black ) OO. X V

Hello everyone,

   A few of my of my blog's readers, expressed frustrations, when I wrote about 'Spirituality and Metaphysical Experiences'; calming: "It was kind of scary"...  At one point in my life, I realized              that many people fear certain wards; like 'Past Lives', 'Future Life' or 'Out of the Body Experience'           The ward 'Metaphysics would become clearer, after I share with you a part of my life's story; the         time I met my 'First Love': "Paul Liefer", who was on his way to Israel, where he would be serving            as the First Secretary of the Austrian Embassy... At one point I offered Paul to take him on him on             a trip which would help him become more familiar with Israel: The old city of Cesarea... The two           of us, were walking in one of the ancient streets of this newly discovered city, when I suddenly found myself going through a strange and scary experience, which left me confused and a bit scared...                              

             My First M.S.E (Metaphysical/ Spiritual Experience.  Change red to black

   I was excperiencing some kind of a powerful 'Knowing', almost a memory, of a time      when Paul and I, were "Walking Together in this same street "... It was during the Roman occupation of Judea (present time Israel) Paul was warped in a Roman Toga and I was dressed in a White Gown, with gold embroidery near the neck and the sides of the sleeves  The two of us were walking in a busy city, where stores with wide open doors, displayed   Meat, Fish , Vegetables, Bread and other kinds of food... Across the narrow street, were  other kind of stores... We were listening to the lively conversations, going on and could     hear sounds of 'good nature' bargaining, mixed with joyful and loud laughter....  

  When I was telling Paul about this strange experience, I was going through he said:" What you are   telling me now, makes me feel very Uncomfortable"... A sharp pain pierced my heart and a brief heart  braking thought was crossing my mind: 'He doesn't remember'... An unbearable wave of sadness, mixed with sharp and intense confusion, was feeling my heart and I had to 'choke down' my tears.. Later as we set in Paul's car on our way back to his place, the two of us were silent...I couldn't quite comprehend what was going on, or why I felt so Sad... The idea of having a "Past Life Experience", was unfamiliar to me      I could see from the corner of my eye, how Paul was sending me 'Inquisitive Glances', but I didn't say a ward; he was used to my bubbly, talkative personality and seemed to be confused, by my strange silence  he did not ask me what was going on and I was very grateful he didn't; because I could not understand it myself...

An entrance to Cesarea	Main street...	Foundations of  a house	Excavated homes

   "A coincidence, is God's way of remaining anonymous!"X I read somewhere... Was it destiny which brought us together? Is there such a thing as 'Past Life?' "I don't think so!" I heard my Inner  Cynic was saying. "It was just a coincident, which brought you and Paul together! Don't be silly, neither God nor Destiny, were behind the fact that the two of you Fell in Love!" Francine Du Plesix Grey says :Flaubert believed that all of us are victims of Romanticism: We have been victimized by the Propaganda Machine  of the Western Novel"... This saying, may have more than a grain of truth to it, since besides the books about Romantic Love I devoured in my youth, I must have been 'Hypnotized', by the Hollywood movies, where the camera captures the 'Hero and Heroine', saying a tearful goodbye, before one of them  is boarding an airplane, a ship or a moving train while the other stands on the pavement and waving "Good By", from the open window... 

   Since I worked as a Drama Teacher in several schools (Often writing and directing some of the plays) My 'Inner Cynic',was telling me, I must have also, written the script for this 'love affair' and selected Paul and myself to Star in this "Movie"... After all, what could be more dramatic or romantic then a story or      movie about a tragic young love... Was I trying to create a new version of "Romeo and Juliet"?  Could      it be that my 'Inner Optimist', was hoping, that by falling in love with the "Enemy"(Paul) I may bring 'a closure', to the deep hatred of my people in Israel, towards any German and Austrian; by falling in love with one of "the enemy"? Paul told me about the parting wards, he heard from his Mother and aunt, just before he came to Israel:X"Just don't bring us any 'Jewess' from the Holy land... Was my romantic Inner Author, trying to create a modern version, of 'Romeo and Juliet', by giving the story a happy ending? Was  I over- analyzing and our Love affair took place, simply because Paul and I, were two young people at the prime of their lives, who simply fell madly in love with one another...

"Glamor Girl"		Paul in the Austrian Army		"Reflective"

    The two of us were avid readers, enjoyed Theater, Art and Music, especially Classical and Jaz..X        We bouth liked intellectual discussions...(even heated arguments at times!) Sheared a similar sense of humor and were romantic, loving and passionate... On the other hand after two cocktail parties, given     by the Austrian Embassy, I told Paul that X 'This Kind of Socializing'  was not for me... I found the gathering group of people, talking and sipping their cocktails; 'Shallow and Phony' the Conversations 'Forced' and the' Hilarity Fake'... I had a feeling that many of the people, were Social Climbers...I have    to admit that in those years, I was 'A bit  'Intolerant and  Judgmental; though I was able to 'Camouflage'    it quite well... After meeting me the Ambassador told Paul, he found me to be"Beautiful and Charming Highly Intelligent and very Genuine!" Asking him, to bring me to other formal dinners and (the dreadful) Cocktail Parties... I politely refused to go, encouraging Paul to go by himself, delighted to stay in the small, rented house, busy writing plays for my students in the Drama Class... Paul had a large Record Collection and one of my favorites was Jacques Brell sad love song: "Ne me quite pas" (If you go away)  which broke my heart whenever I listened to it.Was it kind of a 'Premonition' of our future relationship?

    The group of friends, Tsipi and I created while serving in the army, learned to like and even 'love Paul' after criticizing me at the beginning, for getting involved with an Austrian..."(The Austrians were worse then the Germans during the Second World War!”)  My friends, repeated what their parents were saying However, after meeting and getting to know Paul better, they changed their minds... Paul had three single friends at the embassy, who joined our group... We used to gather at his place, talk, sip wine and watch slides from Paul's trips to Russia and other countries he visited...We went to the movies, danced in night-clubs and ate in popular restaurants... However, the two of us preferred to spend most of our weekends alone... Going to the beach and travel to well known Historic and Biblical places which Paul read about My Archeologist best friend 'Berkowitz', was delighted to take us....

   We went to the Movies and Concerts at the Israeli Philharmonic, visited art galleries, shopped and   cooked together and spent long and leisurely hours in bed; stroking each other's skin...We reviled a      few intimate details from our lives to each other, sharing the horrors of the wars we bouth experienced      as young kids... Paul who was six years older then me, told me about the 'Non Stop' bombing of Austria during the Second World War and the Hunger people suffered, before the allies invaded his country and   I  was describing my scary experiences in Jerusalem, during the War of Independence, when I was only  four years old... The two of us talked for hours, laughing and at times wiping a tear, as the topic of our separation would come up; the day Paul leaves Israel and moves on to another country, in order to serve  as an Ambassador in different countries, around the world... 

   Growing up is not easy, it is hard to create one own 'Unique Personality' and stop being our parents 'Beloved baby"... I was going through a period of painful, but amazing experience of 'giving birth' to emotions of Humility and Surrender; which would help me open a the doors to the Spirituality and Mistesism. X.. I believe, it gave me the strength and ability, to go through the process of getting over     the attachment to Parents, by transferring to Paul, the emotions of Unconditional Love, Loyalty and Dependency on my parents; I had was finally growing up and becoming a Woman...It was thrilling and scary at the same time... As the months passed by Paul and I were invited time and again to the weddings of my friends and the dreaded subject, of the 'future of our relationship', kept on raising its head...We were both terrified that if we get married, Paul's career may suffer. After all how could he serve as Ambassador  in a Pro -Arab country; when his wife, is a former soldier in the IDF? (Israel Defense Forces). Paul was also concerned, that if we get married, I may be suffering from Antisemitism, which he admitted still prevailed in Austria and was afraid he would be unable to protect me...

  Since Tel -Aviv University refused to give me credit, for some of the classes I took in the U.S, I told myself (and Paul) it must be a sighn, that I should go to the U.S and complete my collage education...  Once again faith intervened: My Hebrew school principal from Texas, wrote to tell me he was now heading the Hebrew School of a large Jewish Congregation, in Detroit Michigan and inviting me to      teach there and registered for the Fall Semester at the University of Detroit! Paul was overdue for           his 'Home Vacation'; so we decided to meet in Italy, on his way back to Israel and my trip to the U.S    Paul left first and two weeks later, after parting from my family and friends, I met him in Italy, where      we boarded a ship sailing to Genoa; the place where the two of us met... We traveled in a rented car throughout Italy, taking in the magnificent view... l enjoying the soft Italian Sunlight, Olive groves        and Cypresses...We were staying in small inns, visited Monasteries and listened to beautiful Gregorian Chant, Paul enjoyed and I fell in love with...

Paul and I

Outdoor café

    The two of us were 'Miserably Happy'... Knowing our time together  was coming to an end in Milan...We spent hours in beautiful old hotels with 'Plaster Angels' on the high ceilings above us and were making love... We talked very little; with our eyes closed, we were trying to memorize with our finger tips, each other's face and the way our skin felt... From time to time, we ventured out for a leisurely walk and set at one of the Sidewalk Cafes, sipping Cappuccino... People looked at us with tender smiles and turned around, to take a second look...At one point Paul broke down...He said he never experienced such Love as ours and was doubting he would ever be able to do so again...Suddenly, he hit the table with his fist, saying we should forget all our doubts and   get married in Italy right away! A primal fear flooded my heart. I loved Paul so much and so desperately  I wished nothing else, but spend the rest of my life with him! But I was Terrified my pain was almost  unbearable!" I will tell you what w Paul, I have a plain ticket to the U.S, a good job is waiting for me in Atlanta and I am registered at the University of Detroit... It would be wiser, if I go to the U.S, where I'll  get my B.A and study German, before we get married!". The look in his eyes broke my heart. I guess we bouth knew, this was the last time we are going to be together and will never see each other again... Our pain was almost unbearable... 

Milan train station

Paul gone...

    We parted at the Milan's Train Station. I was leaning out the window and Paul was holding my hand, running beside the train, when it began to move until our hands separated... I was watching him as he stood on  the platform with his his arm raised..."He looks Just like the Statue of Liberty"X My  Inner Cynic was joking, trying to cheer me up, but I did not laugh... I was watching Paul getting smaller and smaller:"Just Like Elise in Wounder Land"!" XMy 'Inner Cynic' said again, as I was trying to stop the flow of the tears, running down my checks... People were sending me curious looks, but I was unable to stop crying and didn't realy care... My heart was broken; crushed, smashed into thousands little pieces, as if it knew, that in spite of our 'Amazing love', the two of us will never see each other again... There was  'Deep dark grief', pulsating in my stomach; as if it was a premonition, that I am about to go through one of the most difficult and painful chapters of my life: "The Dark Moments of the Soul": My life without Paul...

With Love and Light,
Shira

Love Potion . V, XX OO

The Queen Anna Maria  

 
   From the moment I stepped on the deck of the the Queen Anna Maria, it seemed as if I sipped some kind of "Love Potion"... I was surrounded by men!  There was not one man on that ship, who wasn't paying me attention...  Every morning the sleazy captain (who gave me the 'creeps'...) would phone me at my cabin whispering in my ear:"Good morning sleeping beauty..."He insisted I sit by his side at the Captain's table during formal dinners and asked me to act as the 'Hostess', which I have to admit after resisting, was a lot of fun... After the fifth day of the voyage, the Ship's doctor asked me to marry him and the Photographer was snapping my photos every time I turned a corner... I was constantly being trailed by adoring crew members and their officers, the band leader, the musicians, the bartenders, the entertainers, young and old passengers, the waiters in the dining room and even the steward of my first class cabin... It was uncanny! Was I so relieved to escape the unwanted marriage, that I was radiating some kind of heavenly joy?

 

With the ship’s captain	Introducing the show	The Queen Anna Maria		Enjoying the wind	With hostess Rita

   I am sure that canceling my wedding with Ari, was a Divine Intervention! (Escaping the Trap) Not that  there was anything wrong with the poor man, it is just that he did not fit in to the puzzle of my destiny! Fate it seems, had different planes for me... I had to meet my real true love, loose him and go through the process of ''Suffering from a Broken Heart, in order to develop my soul and grow up spiritually... "There is no spiritual growth without suffering!" Says Carl Jung, and Rumi wrote that "Our heart has to be broken again and again, until it stays Wide Open..."  I now believe that in order to become a good therapist, as well as a spiritual teacher, I had to know 'Real emotional pain' first hand and heal, in order to help others in my Spiritual Journey, which eventually would leads me, to the 5th Dimension... Since Fate or Destiny are parts of the Divine, a Higher Power had to intervene, in order to prevent me from making a terrible and fatal mistake by marrying Ari, who was a very nice man, but the wrong one for me... 

  

  I believe that the attention I was receiving on the cruise, came to reassure me I have done the right thing by escaping the "Marriage Trap", marrying the wrong man and changed the course of my life ... I must have known all this deep inside and was radiating such heavenly joy, that the people around me, wished to be a part of it... Thinking back, men were not the only people, who were seeking my company, the single women gravitated towards me . wishing to be my friends...... They were not at all jealous, at the attention I was receiving from their 'potential suitors' on the ship and wished to be in my company... Without even realizing it, I must have been radiating some kind of Joyful Energy, which made people want to be a part of... I danced the nights away, along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and kept on dancing, as we crossed the Atlantic Ocean, even during a few fierce storms, while most passengers, were moaning in their cabins with "Sea Sickness", I was dancing with the few who didn't and with a few crew members..... Once in the middle of a small hurricane, we were sliding up and down the dance floor, shrieking with laughter as the 'Queen Anna Maria' ,was rising and falling through dangerous highs and laws of gigantic waves... The evening before arriving to the U.S, I put together a show with some of talented passengers and a few members of the crew. My Play Directing skills (my minor at the university of Huston) in addition to my experience as a Drama Teacher in Israel for the past two years, came handy and I was later told, how professional the production was :" Almost like a Broadway Show!  

 
   When we finally reached the N.Y harbor, I sadly said goodbye to my new friends... Watching them disembark, made me realize how close people get when they spend long time together, in close proximity almost as if they have known each other for years, rather then just a few short weeks...  At the beginning. it was very strange to see the new people, who boarded the ship in N,Y, sitting at the tables of the former passengers... However, we soon got to know each other and became close friends. Shortly before we arrived back to Haifa, we stopped at the Italian port of Genoa, to pick up more passengers, on their way   to Israel... I was standing on the pier, with my new German friend Rita, one of the crew members, talking with her parents, who came to meet her at the port and was using my broken German... Little did I know that the man of my destiny, who was ready to board the ship, was standing nearby watching and listening to my 'broken German' with amusement... I had no idea, or any premonition, that the 'love of my life, was standing looking at me, just a few feet away... 

 

  We left Genoa, moving on back to Israel our final destination... I was busy getting ready for the show I directed, which was to take place the evening before we arrived to Haifa's harbor and was stressed, since some of the participants in the show, failed to show up for the final rehearsal... Since it was lunch time, I went to look for them at the two dining rooms of the ship. As I entered the Kosher dining room, where the religious Jewish passengers dined, I saw one of my 'admirers' waving to me... I didn't particularly care for this person, so I pretended not to see him and turned to leave. "Shira!" he yelled across the dining room waving his arms, "Come here!" Heads were turning and in order to silence him, I harried to his table. He was seated across another man, who stood up and introduced himself as Paul... I declined the invitation  for coffee, telling them how busy I was with the rehearsal, and had to look for and collect the rest of the 'amateur singers, dancers and actors for the the final rehearsal, before the show on the next day...

   The show was a smashing success, even better than the one before arriving to N.Y! After several curtain calls, bouquets of flowers and a shower of complements ,I received for the evening performance, we all left the theater and moved to the Gala room, in order to formally celebrate the end of the voyage.. A group

of men was waiting for the captain, to end the first dance with me, so they could have their turn... I was dancing non stop, moving from one partner to another, floating like a cloud on the shiny dance floor. At one point I found myself in the arms of an excellent dancer, who swept me in a dizzying waltz, when suddenly, something felt different... I Looks around me and was shocked to find myself with my dancing partner outside, on the Deck of the ship!!!  The strong wind was blowing my hair and my dress and the sound of the waves was replacing the music inside...

   "How did we get here?" I asked this stranger who was looking at me smiling with with amazement...     "I thought we can use some fresh air, so I waltzed with you right through the first door I could find! I wanted to be alone with you and this was the only way, to get rid of the competition!" This stranger was smiling with amusement, when he was looking at my confused and astonished expression and I was looking at him, somewhat confused and completely speechless..."You don't remember me, do you Shira?   I am Paul, we met yesterday at the Kosher dining room! Would you forgive me for kidnapping you like this? XX It was the only way, I could get to be alone with you!" When I did not answer he said :"Please let me make amends, by allowing me to buy you a drink!"  Without waiting for my answer, he held my elbow and navigated me through a door of an empty bar, where a pianist was playing the Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue... He then puled a chair for me and set across the small table smiling... "What would  you have to drink?" He asked. "I don't drink alcohol" I answered, feeling confused and disoreanted...        It seemed that things were moving way too fast and out of my control... "Well, you are over twenty one right? Don't you think it is about time you try it?" Paul said and turned to the waiter; "Campari on the rocks for the lady and a Brandy for me!" He then looked at me and said smiling: "Please try it Shira        it  is a very mild drink, you would like it!" and smiled...

  "Oh, no!" I heard myself moaning inwardly, "This is all I need right now, to be stuck in a corner of an empty dark bar on my last evening on the ship, with an arrogant, controlling Alcoholic, who is also an Orthodox Jew!"  I was eying him suspiciously, thinking that this man, was way too commending and    self assured; but in spite of my judgment, I found myself listening with a growing interest and curiosity   to this stranger, who so far seemed to Outsmart me... Paul turned out to be well mannered and a very good conversationalist. "Not bad looking either" I admitted to myself... He told me that he is the new   First Secretary at the Austrian Embassy in Tel Aviv and his reason for choosing a career as a diplomat was partially because he wanted to live in many countries as he could... Paul spoke about the time he was studying in NY, on a Fulbright scholarship and his impression of "The city which doesn't sleep". I found myself talking about the last few years of my life, my army service and the various adventures I had with Tsipi and by myself in the U.S and Europe... I also spoke about The Six Days War and of my resent escape from the 'Marriage trap'...

  "You are a very unusual woman!" Paul said smiling."Do you really think so?" I asked with genuine surprise "You don't even know me! " The fact you don't realize it, makes you even more unusual...!" He smiled, telling me how much he is looking forward to get to know Israel, for the first time, even though  he had a glimpse of Jerusalem, from the other side, when he was traveling in Jordan, across the border from Israel. "How come a Jewish man is visiting an Arab country, before visiting Israel? "I asked with surprise... "But I am not Jewish" Paul said. I was confused, frantically searching my mind for the reason    I made such embarrassing mistake, then I remembered..."But you were sitting in the 'Kosher Dining Room when I first met you..." I said confused.  "I was curios to know what kosher food tastes like..." Paul smiled and started to laugh, when he saw the expression on my face... I was a bit confused, a fact which for some reason, seemed to amuse him...

   Although Paul was unusually charm and good looks (part of the observation single people make when they meet for the first time...) I realized there was not a chance for any romantic involvement with this man... Not so much because he wasn't Jewish, but mainly because he was Austrian... In the 60's, Israel  was still populated with many victims, who survived the Nazis concentration camps... There was not  much love for anything German or Austrian, in our little country...  Not even the second generation          of those who were just children (like Paul was) when the horrors of the Concentration Camps were discovered; like the phony 'Medical experiments' and the 'Gas Chambers', which took place in these camps..."Austria was as bad as Germany!" People in Israel were saying, "Even worse!" 

 

   The piano music was delightful, our conversation was stimulating, we laughed a lot and somehow Paul convinced me, to take a sip of his Campari, after I told him I do not drink Alcoholic Beverages..." Just taste it..." he said. To my great surprise I enjoyed the drink and Paul ordered me a glass of my own...This wine had a deep red color, almost the color of a perfect Ruby, sparkling in the light... It tasted sweet and bitter at the same time, as if it was some kind of a premonition about our destiny... I became 'tipsy' After   a few sips and Paulwas laughing, when I described to him my one and only drinking experience, with the champagne which I had in Italy... (European Vacation). He said that he would like to learn Hebrew and asked if I knew anyone who could give him privet lessons. "Actually, why don't You? since you are a teacher?" He asked. "I'll be happy to!" I said with the typical Israeli hospitality, saved for visitors... We chatted for quiet a while and finally got up to leave. Paul walked me to my cabin and to my big surprise instead of trying to kiss me (like others did) he picked up my hand and brought it to his lips, wished me    a good night and left...  We saw each other once again on deck, on the following day, just before the ship reached Haifa. Paul asked for my phone number and I welcomed him to Israel, wishing him a good luck with with his new career...

 

  I knew that shipboard friendships and romances, usually fade away almost as soon as the people's feet touch the solid ground... It was Friday and my mother invited some of our family members and a few of my close friends for the Sabbath dinner. Not even one of the guests, including my parents, had ever been away from Israel and they seemed to be living this trip vicariously, through my stories and photographs of my trip... I was always a good 'story teller' and was entertaining my gusts with stories about the cruse by describing funny episodes which took place, with the ship's crew and passengers... I told him about the stops we made in Europe and the islands we visited, on the way to the U.S and back. We were talking and laughing late in to the night, he waljed me to my cabin and I completely forgot this handsome, young Austrian diplomat, I met on the ship, until three days later, when he phoned...

With Love and Light,

Shira

Escaping the Marriage Trap . V, XX. OO

Hello everyone!

Israel, 1965

   From the deck of the Ship, I came from Italy to Haifa, I could see my mom and Zipi, standing on        the pier, waving enthusiastically! After living the 'American Dream' for two years, I living in a Large  apartment, owning a car and have total freedom; I was afraid that coming back Israel, my tiny country  which was 82 square kilometers compared to Texas (696,241) I worried, that living  again with  my parents,  after having my own apartment, for two years may be a disaster, and was pleasantly surprised      by the smooth adjustment! Besides majoring in Psychology, my minor, at the University of Huston, was Theater Directing...I decided not to go back to work as a teacher, but direct plays in several schools and was planing, to eventually be able to work as a Drama teacher in schools, or in small theaters in Tel Aviv

   The first step I took, to accomplish this new dream was to make an appointment, with the director of   the Education Bureau in Tel Aviv and charm him... I was 'armed' with raving letters of recommendation    I made sure to collect, from the Hebrew school in Texas, as well as some of my students parents, who praised the plays I have written and staged; plays which dealt with Biblical and Jewish history. I had with me similar letters from the leader of the X Summer Camp in North Carolina... It all helped! I was now able to get a job as the Drama teacher and be a director, in two public schools next to my parents home,where I stayed at the beginning... In my new position I no longer had to check homework, grade tests, answer to parents, sit in long meetings, submit lesson plans, issue report cards and have to report to the principle! I was now my Own Boss! I even created for myself a two days Weekend (like in the U.S) instead of having only Saturdays off... The social group which Tsipi, Henia and I put together during our military service, welcomed me back as if I have never left... Several of our friends got married; Henia, Daniela and my best friend Zipi..." X "It is now your turn!" My mother said...X "Not yet Ima!" Came  my answer...

Tsipi, Daniella and me (on the right)		with Zippi  Zippi		Henia' wedding

   My friends weddings gave my mother more 'ammunition', to pressure me to find a husband!              After all (she was saying) I was already twenty three years old! My friends, family members and even   our neighbors joined in and the phone, did not stop ringing with 'Prospective candidates'. It was a Real Nightmare! Eventually, I greed to meet Ari ("A dentist"!) who was introduced to me by Stella, our dear Bulgarian neighbor, from the years we lived in the Arabic house (Moving Again).  My parents kept in touch with our former neighbors, even after "My beautiful Palace" was demolished by bulldozers, in  order to build a 'high rise' apartment building, for the growing population in Israel. My mom asked Stella (without my knowledge) if she knew a 'Good marriage candidate' for me and if she did not, maybe one of her friends did. (I would learn all this later on) Ari, Stella's nephew was a Dentist... He was six years older then me, a nice enough guy, but I wasn't attracted to him... I began to wounder if I would ever find the kind of a man, who would 'sweep me off my feet' and weather the real 'True Love", I have been looking for, existed only in romantic books and movies ... No one among my friends married the 'kind of man'    we all read about or seen in the movies "Maybe it is time to compromise!" I told myself. Ari and I were together for about a year and I had to tolerate the 'constant pressure' from my parents, his parents, the 'Mach maker' Stella, my friends and Ari himself... They were all pushing me to get married!  I was tormented by doubts and deep confusion, when the Hand of Fate intervened... On June 5th,1967, the     'Six Days War' broke out! Ari who was a 'Medic' in the army, was mobilized together with my brother  our cousins, neighbors and many of my close friends...

   For two long weeks, the streets of Israel were, Highs School kids were filling up Sandbags (to stop  bullets from entering windows) clearing shelters and helping create new ones...Women took the place      of  the men,  who were ready to fight and were driving buses, ambulances, delivering milk and mail and running grocery stores, pumping gas and doing other 'Men Jobs', in order to provide help for the needs of the civilian population... We were all busy in preparing food packages for the soldiers, who were spread across the borders... Israel was sharing four borders with four united Arab countries, which Declared War against us: Egypt, Syria, Lebanon  and Jordan, and were supported and encouraged by the rest of the Arab world "To wipe Israel completly from the map! of the world!" While our men, were in trenches, during the scorching sun, wearing "Full battle gear", the rest of us were holding our breath, waiting for the decisions of the U.N, the U.S and other major powers,and sending representatives who were flying back and forth between Israel and it's enemies, trying to find a Peaceful Solution for the crisis... We were not afraid, just frustrated! "Israel was not the one which started this war! Why doesn't the U.N let us defend ourselves?! We can do it!! Why should our destiny depend on decisions made by other countries?!"  There were frequent Air Raid sirens... I helped our neighbors, whose husbands were fighting, to carry their babies and small children to the shelter, whenever the sirens went off, during the day or the middle  of the night... My Mom and her sister Ruth, were calling each other several times a day, to see if there      was news from their sons, my cousins Noam and Uri and my brother Rami, who were fighting...They  comforted each other by saying: "No news is Good news!" Israel did not have Television yet and everyone was garbing the newspapers, looking with fear at the names printed under the black and white photos, of the solders who were killed... During the day, I helped my sister-in-law Dalia, take care of the two little boys; my nephews Eran and Eldar and then travel by two buses, to my parent's home... Israelis a small country and almost every one knew someone who was fighting: A son, a father, a husband, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a friend or a neighbor... We were all dreading the sound of the phone and the frightening unexpected knock on the door, which may be telling us that we lost a family member...

   On the third night of the war, at 1:30 a.m, the bell rang at my parents home... I was the first to arrive    My Mom followed, her face white and Aba (dad) was standing right behind her, ready to catch her in   case she was going to collapse... The three of us feared the worst:"Are they coming to tell us that my brother Rami is gone?" We were relieved to see my 'boyfriend' Ari, standing at the door, wearing stained uniform...Ari served in the army as a Medic, bringing ambulances full of wounded solders to the crowded  hospitals. He was on his way back to the Front and stopped for a moment to see me... Ari asked  fior my parents permission, to talk to me alone and after they left he said:"I want you to promise me, that if I do not get killed, we are going to get married!" To be completely honest, I wasn't worried so much that Ari may be killed, as much as I feared he will be wounded or crippled... In such case (according to the Israeli 'cod of honer') it would be my duty and obligation to marry him , if I did not I would be 'Ex comunicted   by my friends, neighbors and maybe even by my family... What could I do? I promissed... 

Victory for Israel

  On June 10th, the Six Days War came to an end, with an amazing victory for our tiny country, which fought against the combined armies of four Arab nations! Ari came back with out a scratch... Our parents met, gifts were exchanged and the arrangements and preparation for the wedding, began to take place... A date was picked and my mom was calling everyone she knew, to announce the good tiding Her Shira is finally getting married! (To a Dentist!) My parents began to search for the right place for the wedding and Ima hired a Seamstress for my wedding gown as well as a special dress for herself and my sister-in-law Dalia! She was urging me to complete the list of gusts in order to print and send the invitations...XThred is so much to be don! "She was saying,"so much!"

  As the days passed by, I found myself sinking deeper and deeper into darkness        and depression, which was the exact opposite of my usual sunny personality. I even stopped talking to my friends and family members, claiming to be way too busy to talk... One day my mom came to my room and set by my side on the bed...The same mother who was always there for me when I was in trouble... She took my hand in hers and said:"Shira'le, I am  very concerned, you are not yourself; I have never seen you so unhappy! Tell me what's going on?" "I don't love him Ima," I burst into tears  "I just can't see myself, living with him for the rest of my life, waking up each morning and see him in bed next to me!" Ima hugged me. "Then break it off! I have never before seen you so depressed! You are still young, I know you will find someone else, someone you realy love!" X But I promised him and he loves me so much, I am afraid he will kill himself, if I call the wedding of!" I was weepingX un controllable..."The way he made you promise to marry him, was unfair!" Ima said "I now realize it! I am sorry that I pushed you so much, please forgive me!",X my mother said.X "You don't know him Ima, he is not very strong, I an afraid he may Xcomite suicide and everyone will blame me!" X I cried... "People don't kill themselves so fast! And if he does, blame it on me!" Came my mother's answer;"It would be My Fault! X for pushing you too much!"x She said, trying to wipe off my tears with her Xaprin . My fear lifted immediately! In  the 'typical selfishness' of the young, I was relieved to know, that if the worst happens, I will not be blamed! I also realized ,that my mother, whom I resented for pushing me to get married, is totally loyal and devoted to me after all!  How difficult it must have been for her to overcome her Fear (almost an obsession) that I will become an Old Maid, like my three aunts and how brave she was, to give up her dream of finally seeing me getting married to a Dentist and have to go through the embarrassment' of canceling the wedding'... How courageous was my 'Ima', to assume responsibility for Ari's "possible suicide", in case he would realy kill himself!  If I ever doubted my mother's love and loyalty to me            I realized it then...

  Ari was not killed, nor did he kill himself... I was free!!! I walked, practically floating, in the streets       of  Tel Aviv, like a bird who got back her lost wings... A week later, I took the train to Jerusalem and    met with Sam, one of the Reserve Officers ,I made friends with, during my military service. Sami was       A Public Relations Specialist, working for the Bureau of Tourism. One of his jobs was to train people how to encourage Tourism to Israel... I set in his specious office, drinking Turkish coffee. We were  talking about the two years I spent in the U.S, my 'Adventures' in Europe and the canceled wedding...     At one point I looked him in the eye and said: "Sami , I need a change! I want to  forget the war, this drama of the canceled wedding and the questions, everyone is asking me about it! How can you help     me? What can you do for me? I will be for ever greatfull!  Sami laughed, he knew about my 'Wonder  Lust' and told me with a fatherly smile: "How about arranging for you a four week Trip, on the Greek Cruise Ship The"Queen Anna Maria", from Israel to the US and back? Stoping in several European    ports and acrossing the Atlantic ocean on the way to N.Y, then come back with new passengers... Your   job would be to give a few lectures about the history, geography and the culture of Israel, using a small projector for slides and teach the History of Israel as well as a few spoken wards in Hebrew... You will    be the Hebrew Translator, on the 'Sight Seeing Tour Buses', when the ship stops in Cyprus, Greece, Italy Spain, Portugal and a few small islands, when you cross the Atlantic Ocean... Coming back, you will do the same with new travelers, who are coming to Israel... Your job includes organizing a Talent Show, from among the Israeli passengers, the night before arriving to N.Y and another one, the evening before you come back to Israel... You will not be paid, but you'll have a cabin of your own in First Class and the bus tours will be free of charge for you, since you will have to translate the English for the Hebrew speaking passengers... Do you think you can handle it Shira?" Could I d handle it? "I was born to do it! From this moment on I am no longer an Atheist!" I yelled" There is a God and his name is Sam!" I stood up, gave him a wink, a big hug and planted a kiss on top of his shiny bald head..."Don't tell your wife about the kiss!" I winked at him, as I danced out of the room... When summer vacation arrived and my work in the schools ended, my mom Tsipi and I, in addition of a very big suitcase, boarded the bus to Haifa's Harbor arriving to the same spot where the two of them picked me up, after I came back from the U.S and Europe not that long ago! These two loving and loyal women, were watching me going up the stairs of the Queen Anna Maria, to take one more trip, this time as a Member of the Crew! How could I realize that another page in the 'Book of My Life' was turning and a new, important chapter was about to begin...

With Love and Light,
Shira

Traveling Through the USA . X OO This is to Go down, bellow European Vacation!. FIX photos, and large print OO. X

Hello everyone
Summer 1964  

   The Greyhound bus were very luxurious; big and spacious with comfortable upholstered seats and a toilet at the back! Our destination was California, where Tsipi's uncle and his family lived. We started our journey by traveling from Houston to New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada... Since we didn't have enough money for hotels, Zipi and I slept on the bus, traveling through out the night and felt sad about missing some of the sights... ("Beggars can't be choosers") as the saying goes... Not that we felt like beggars,we were just two 'Poor Students' who have no extra money for hotels... Occasionally, we would get off the bus, stay in a small motel, take a bath and enjoy the luxury of a normal night's sleep in a real bed...

Rock formations
and cactus

 Indian Reservation

   What we saw was beyond our expectations! Amazing sunsets, like brush strokes of enormous paintings, which took our breath away...We passed near orange painted mountains and rocks, through 'forests' of tall cactus... were traveling for miles through huge deserts, without seeing any signs of life, besides an occasional animals   At times, we would see a cluster of brown wood adobe huts, baked by the hot scorching sun or stop at an Indian reservation, in order to stretch our legs, buy cold drinks , and took many photographs, to show our trip to our families and friends when we come back to Israel...      
                                                       Up?

Las Vegas'
colorful lights

Horseshoe Bend,
Grand Canyon

  After several days of traveling and sleeping on  the bus, we became disconnected from reality...  Our nights and days were beginning to merge together and we began to experience strange Hallucinations... Tsipi, insisted that she saw several Indians, riding on horses, following our bus and got angry with me when I told her it was not so... I on the other hand, thought that I heard my Mom's voice, calling my name at the middle  of the desert... Finally, a kind of "Mirage" materialized in front of our eyes: Shimmering city with Neon lights, tall buildings, restaurants, hotels and casinos, with blinking electric signs: "Welcome to Las Vegas!" Instead of trees we saw "Forests" of hotels, as well as many restaurants and shops, where one could find card tables and Gambling Machines... My greater shock came when I went to the bathroom in our Motel and found a Gambling "Money Machine" next to the Toilet...We played Black Jack and other card games tried our luck at the gambling machines, doubling, tripling and losing all the money we have budgeted for gambling... At the end, we agreed that in spite of the loses, we truly enjoyed every moment! X "Lets not feel so bad for the loses and remember the Great Fun we had, while we are playing!" I told Zipi  XI am realy trying!" she said sadly X"But it could have been so much fun if we won!" After another day and a sleepless night, we boarded the bus for Los Angeles, waving goodby to "Sin City" (as some people call Los Vegas.) The two of us were very  tired, actually X exhosted , after being up most of the night and  immediate fell into a deep sleep, missing the view and the moment we crossed the border, from Nevada   to California and woke up in the Central Bus Station of Los Angeles; waiting to shower and sleep...

Los Angeles

Walk of Fame imprints

Walk of Fame stars

   California is so large, it is impossible to get around without a car...Luckily, Tsipi's uncle and aunt,with whom we stayed, offered to take us to a few Tourist Attractions  Our first stop was at the "City's signature: "Hollywood  Walk of Fame" where the sidewalks are stamped with the feet and hand prints of Movie Stars... Next came Disney-land, Universal Studios, Beverly Hills and the beautiful fancy neighborhood of Bel Air, where tourists are taken by special tour buses, to look at the houses of the 'Luminaries', hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite movie stars and snap photos with them; to show the family and friends at home! We also visited the old cemetery, where famous movie stars names are engraved on marble tombstones... We were taken to the Los Angeles Pet Cemetery, where well known beloved dogs, cats and monkeys, that appeared in the movies were berried: like the famous Chitah, Tarzan's monkey as well as several other famous 'Animal Stars'... We went for lunch at the famous Polo Lounge, in to the Beverly Hills Hotel, which is supposed to be the gathering place for famous movie stars and were disappointed, since although we craned our necks and looked around,we didn't see one familiar face from the silver screen...The two of us wanted so much to impress our friends and families when we got back to Israel, by showing them these photos and say: "Guess who we saw in Hollywood?!" But we didn't see any of those luminaries and had to be satisfied  with their photos which covered the walls of the polo lounge.. .

Stewart Granger	Elizabeth Taylor	Rock Hudson	Hollywood and Me!	Ava Gardner	Robert Taylor	Doris Day

   Tsipi planned to stay at her Uncle's house for two more weeks and then fly back to Israel. I on the other hand, was not quite ready to go bacK  planing to take at least one more trip, before going home and settle down for the rest of my life... I had to see London, Belgium, Holland, Spain, Rome, Naples and Greece; places which I didn't have the time or means to visit, during my first trip in Europe... I said goodbye to Los Angeles, took a photo in front of the Hollywood Blvd sign, to prove that I was really there and boarded a Greyhound bus to North Carolina, where I was about to work as a Unit Leader at the summer camp of "Young Judea; an American Zionist youth movement, which was delighted to have a "Real Israeli born Sabra "like me, who served in the Israeli Army! I was selected to work as a Unit Leader, besides being being the Drama concealer, who would direct a show about Israel for the final day, when the patents come to 'collect their kids', before going back home... 

    It was very strange, to travel on the bus without Tsipi and being unable to share with her, the discovery of the new places on my way to North Carolina... I traveled through stats like Utah, Colorado and Kansas changing buses and getting to know a variety of people: all Americans... I met students on their summer vacation and solders on home leave, as well as young men, who were tired of their jobs and were looking for something more exciting in another state... I once met an old Indian medicine man, who was coming back home from a visit to another Tribe... He entertained me with stories about his tribe's history culture legends and myths... The meaning of his Indian name was: "The One who Heals"..."How did they know you are going to become a Medicine Man when they named you?" I asked.  He explained that he was coming from a long line of healers, where the gift of healing is hereditary... Before we parted he mumbled an Indian blessing, moving his hands around my head and wished me to find a good, strong husband and have many sons... As we said goodbye, 'The One who Heals', gave me a small "Magic Wand as a gift which I keep until this very day...  A student from the university of Berkley in California, who was traveling on the same bus, was telling me about a new Psychedelic drug called LSD and how it expands people's mind and consciousness, as well as enabling the user, to see different shades of Colors, Angels and Fairies dancing in the trees... He said that when you use it, 'plain food' becomes an amazing Culinary Experience and regular Soda, could taste like the Nectar of the Gods on Mount Olympus... I didn't judge him, nor those who experimented with drugs, but in spite of my great curiosity, there was no way I was  ever going to partake in such activities!

North Carolina

 As the unit leader
(second from left)

Young Judea Camp

   My work at the camp was a new and exciting experience... I enjoyed the beauty     of North Carolina, as well as the campers   who came from all over the U.S and were making fun of each others' accent'...The one thing they all had in common was Judaism  and their love for Israel... I was moved by their  strong ties to our Biblical homeland and  culture, which were intertwined in the camp's curriculum... The use of the  Hebrew language was everywhere: Signs in English and Hebrew were written on the doors where activities were taking place: Chadar-Ochel -- Dining room, Mirpeah -- Infirmary, Misrad -- office  Moadon -- club, Miklachot -- showers, Brecha -- swimming pool, and Batey -Shimush -- toilets...

   The fact I was a real "Sabra" (Israeli born) who served in the Israeli army, gave me a special brand of respect and popularity; especially after I showed the kids some photos from my military days, holding my Uzi ... During the two years at the University of Houston, my minor was Theater Directing and a major in Psychology I used my new skills to direct a play (which I have written) about the bitter War for Independence in 1947.  The play was ready for the day of graduation, when the parents arrive to pick up their kids from the summer camp... It was a great success! The fact that I lived through this war as a child, added to the drama and reality of the play... The parents as well as the kids, showered me with love and admiration... I was invited to come and stay in their homes before I go back to Israel and  they all promised to visit me there, when they would finally be able to come to our beautiful Biblical country... I gave them my parents phone number and asked them to please call!

 The Queen Mary

Queen Mary

Goodbye Statue
of Liberty

    At the end of the two months in the camp, I took my final long trip on a Greyhound bus to N.Y. and boarded the Queen Mary, for its trip to England; where I planed to visit first, before the rest of the other countries in Europe I didn't see during my first trip... I was standing on the deck of the ship, which began it's voyage from the harbor in Manhattan to the open sea, and was looking at the white wake it left behind, taking photos of Manhattan's sky line and of the Statue of Liberty, watching them getting smaller and smaller... "Goodbye Statue of liberty goodbye Manhattan, Goodbye America, I will never see you again!" I whispered and letting one or two sentimental tears. go down my chicks..... I had no clue, nor the slightest premonition, that in three years    I would be back in the US, which would eventually become my permanent home, where I will be happily married, have a child and get a PHD degree in Psychology... Bellow is a page from in my diar about the journey from N.Y to England...

 " My trip across the Ocean is incredible... What an amazing freedom it is, to have no responsibilities... Just be able to sit and listen to the waves, enjoy the sun on my face, the wind playing with my hair and feeling care free, young and beautiful... How easy it is to become addicted to cruising"...  I wrote in my diary as I was sitting on my deck chair, covered with a blanket and taking in the familiar salty air of the Atlantic ocean... As always, I made friends easily... We ate together, had long conversations and played ping pong, shuffle board and Trivia... We went to the shows, watched movies and the biggest problem    we seemed to have, was our inability to decide which of the bands we should choose, for our dancing   that evening... We were flirting and enjoyed the typical light shipboard romances, which changed daily like falling leaves in the X Autem. The cruise came to an end at the port of Southampton... It was earl y     in the morning, but the passengers were already lined up on the deck, leaning on the rails, watching the shores of England materializing through the fog... After exchanging addresses with my new friend, we hugged each other and went on our separate ways...I got on the train to London and found a seat by the window... As it began to move, my hart was beating with excitement, matching the rhythm of the wheels   I was looking forward, to finally see London, the city I have seen in the movies and got to know so well through some of my beloved books...

With Love and Light,
Shira