Two weeks ago during the Shabbot evening prayers, Arabs shot a 60 kilogram bomb into our community from a house bordering Kfar Darom. The bomb made a 2 foot wide hole in the concrete wall which surrounds part of Kfar Darom. Miraculously it missed the soldiers’ barrack by just 3 feet and finally stopped in a tent which was momentarily vacant. At the time of the explosion I was with Chana visiting some friends. We were all sure that a mortar had fallen right near us, and so we grabbed our children and ran to the security room. The impact was so strong that everyone throughout the community was sure that a mortar had fallen right near them. In addition, light fixtures fell from the ceilings and pictures from the walls in homes several hundred feet away.
The next day, after the morning prayers, everyone went to see the amazing site of the hole in Kfar Darom’s wall. Even more unbelieveable, the house from which the bomb was shot still stands, even though it was used for terrorist activities.
That same Shabbot our community celebrated the birth of 6 new babies over the last 2 months. As is customary in Judaism, a festive meal is usually made after a baby’s naming. Although the babies were already named, the mothers decided to join together to make one large festive meal instead of smaller separate ones. Before Shabbot was over the whole community joined together with many guests to rejoice over G-d’s great gifts.
Now, less than 2 weeks before Purim the women of Kfar Darom are discussing what they will be giving to their Mishalach Manos - 2 food portions given to 2 different people on the holiday. The children of course have decided what costumes they will wear, but won’t tell anyone because its a surprize. In school the older children have been working hard rehearsing for their famous Purim productions which they will present (the boys and girls separately) with the school staff and parents. The children are also getting ready to “rule the school,” when in several weeks the 8th graders will assume the roles of principal, teachers and counselors for the day.
Last, but not least, our community’s supermarket now contains just about anything anyone can imagine, from Honey Nut Cherrios and Yoplait yogurt to umbrellas, hats and office supplies. Now that Purim is just around the corner, boxes of delicious looking hamentashen (jelly filled cookies) are stacked high awaiting the festive day.
The coming month of Adar is known as a month of happiness and strength for the Jewish people. During this month thousands of years ago, G-d gave us, the Jewish people, strength to stand up and defend ourselves against our enemies who sought our deaths. After one miraculous victory, a day of feasting and happiness was declared to be celebrated not only then but forever.
May we merit this year to see G-d’s hand, once again, guide us to victory and happiness.
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, February 13th, 2002 and is filed under series.