#Davka

[musicarenagh]

"Davka" by Baklava Express – A Transcendent Fusion of Cultures and Traditions New York City-based Middle Eastern fusion band Baklava Express has been making waves with their mission to introduce the enchanting sounds of the Middle East to a broader audience. The band's debut album, "Davka," is a delightful mosaic of musical influences, incorporating elements from the Arab world, Turkey, Greece, Jazz, Flamenco, Rock, and Eastern European Folk music. https://open.spotify.com/album/6V39Q5PWbmbPRtPBw2irjd?si=EOizdscmQZm5Kbov7Uo-rA Baklava Express is an extraordinary collective of talented musicians, including Josh Kaye on oud and composition, Daisy Castro on violin, John Murchinson on qanun, Max O'Rourke on guitar, James Robbins on bass, and Jeremy Smith on percussion. Together, they weave a rich tapestry of sounds, effortlessly blending diverse styles and traditions. "Davka" comprises nine beautifully crafted songs, each a testament to the group's penchant for blending cultural landscapes and breaking boundaries. The album is characterized by its slow and calm tempo, soothing the soul and setting a relaxing atmosphere that carries listeners away on a voyage through various emotions and moods. This harmonious fusion of genres showcases the band's dedication to creating an inclusive and unifying musical experience. The manner in which "Davka" examines themes of individual development, identity, and togetherness is one of its most notable features. Baklava Express's unique instrumentation and style lend themselves to storytelling, with captivating melodies resonating across the album like a tapestry of intertwining narratives. This approach results in a cohesive and immersive listening experience that defies conventional genre boundaries. While firmly rooted in Arabian-style music, "Davka" effortlessly blends in elements of jazz, flamenco, rock, and Eastern European folk music, paying homage to each tradition while creating something entirely new. The album's fluidity demonstrates Baklava Express's ability to transcend cultural barriers and create an expressive, shared language of music. One can't help but draw comparisons to other artists who have seamlessly merged cultures, such as Afro Celt Sound System, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and even elements of Pink Floyd's more experimental work. For listeners new to Middle Eastern music, "Davka" serves as an accessible and enjoyable introduction. Those already familiar with the genre will undoubtedly appreciate the band's innovative approach and intricate musicianship. No matter the listener's background, "Davka" offers a profoundly moving experience that transcends geographical borders and musical conventions. Baklava Express's debut album "Davka" is a fascinating and engaging journey through a world of diverse musical traditions. The band's unmistakable ability and dedication to their craft are evident throughout the album, producing a peaceful and immersive ambiance that is guaranteed to enchant music fans of all backgrounds. It is a triumphant celebration of unity, diversity, and the power of music to bridge cultural divides. Follow Baklava Express on Facebook, Bandcamp, YouTube and Instagram.

[laineystein]

The one night I’m actually able to sleep…

What the fucking fuck is going on in this city? 😒

[stellarwaffles]

Talya meeting Dasi after she's born

[wenevergotusedtoegypt]

Stop torturing chickens

I have good news for you, Anon: I’m way ahead of you. The last time I tortured a chicken was never.

[misguidedandperplexed]

I know it's not the point of the post, but is anyone else old enough to remember when this is how your text would come out when typing in Hebrew in Word unless you typed the letters in reverse order

Ah yes, my favourite Jewish holiday, hkunch, thank you national television of Switzerland

[dearfuturehusbandblog]

Let's Get Medical, Medical 🎶

Dear Future Husband,

I normally don't talk about these things with anyone, but I think I'm at a point where I need to just lay it all out there.

My body is a mess.

And nobody knows why.

Just a heads up, I will be talking about female reproductive health here. Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.

I started writing this a month ago, but life and times got in the way, so here's where I started, and I'll update where needed:

Let's shuffle back in time a bit....

My siblings and I were all born with a lot of hair, but apparently mine was impressive for some reason. My mom had a friend who would say something like "the girl is 2 but her hair is 16!"

Which is to say that it was super noticeable when I started to lose my hair as a teenager. Mostly because by the time I was 16, my hair was as thin as a 2yo's.

Did that lady make an ayin hara? Or is it just life being life? Who even knows.

Between food allergies, migraines, obesity, emotional neglect, meal skipping, chronic stress, anxiety, and depression... it's kind of shocking I even made it to teenagehood.

Yet, there I was - 16 years old, having never had a period, obese, and losing my hair. Also I had noticeable strands of gray hair.

I was tested for anemia and that came back negative. So MotherLivelyHeart dragged me around to a few specialists who did exams and blood work, and one even tested a birth control pill on me to see if they could diagnose or rule out PCOS.

Everything came back inconclusive.

And because I was surrounded by a lot of shrugging adults and nobody pushed for real answers, everything was just kind of dropped.

When I was in seminary, away from my family for a year+, eating 3 meals a day with my peers, and walking everywhere, I actually ended up starting and maintaining a fairly regular cycle. And I lost some major weight, which I'm sure helped.

But I was manipulated into coming back and starting college immediately. Manipulated into thousands of dollars worth of student loan debt. And I was living at home again with my dysfunctional family. Fun.

My cycle stopped again in under 2 years. And over those first like 6-7 years I gained all that weight back, despite eating a balanced diet high in vegetables, whole grains, and protein. The meal-skipping probably didn't help.

It's been about 10 years since then and if I actually kept track, I could probably count the number of periods I've had on two hands.

But because I'm a mess of a human, I haven't actually tracked that properly. And at this point, if some kind of spotting I had over the summer wasn't an actual period, it's probably been 2+ years since I've had one.

Because of the lack of proper menses, the hair loss, the obesity that's hard to lose, and some significant facial hair (particularly on the chin that end up as in-grown hairs that lead to acne), the presumed diagnosis has always been somewhere in the range of PCOS, despite all the results coming back inconclusive.

Now, I'll be honest - not having a period doesn't really bother me. It probably should, but it means I don't have to deal with monthly mood swings (I deal with enough mental anguish as it is), and I don't have to spend money on pads or tampons or anything, which makes whatever this condition is pretty budget friendly for someone who's barely making it by paycheck-to-paycheck.

The biggest thing that bothers me is the hair-loss. I hate it. I hate how I look. I hate how I feel. I hate how people stare. I hate how everyone questions it. And I hate that I live in a community where only married women cover their hair, so if I cover mine I get comments on the covering.

I literally had a conversation with a woman at work a couple of years ago (stop me if I've told you this before) who asked me what my maiden name was and when I told her lightheartedly "oh, I'm not married, I'm just wearing a hat" she berated me for "being deceptive" and "lying to people."

As though I was doing it davka to offend her and not for my own self-esteem.

Yeah. She can take a long walk off a short peer.

Since I've gotten with this new doctor this year, we discussed ruling out or getting a formal diagnosis for PCOS. So I've had multiple blood tests.

And wouldn't you know...

All inconclusive.

Again.

In fact, as the doctor put it to me when I saw her in person, "it's almost abnormal how normal your bloodwork is."

Well, isn't that a relief.

It's concerning how unconcerning my results are.

Fascinating.

Aside from elevated liver enzymes (fatty liver - a family trait), low vitamin d (I'm now on a supplement), and high cholesterol (I think that's a relatively new thing because of some other things I was doing this year)... every other result came back almost smack dab in the normal range.

One of the other things she had me do for the PCOS diagnosis was get a trans-vaginal ultrasound.

I wanted to die.

I don't even like to see my own naked body, let alone let anyone else see it. Let alone insert anything into it.

The last time I'd seen anyone for anything below the belt like that was around 2007, I think. And that doctor did a gynecological exam in a brightly lit room, with my legs spread wide open.

As a minor.

I wanted to die.

So I thought this was going to be the same type of situation. But shock of all shocks, it was almost like going to a spa. The room was dimly lit with warm lighting and beautiful paintings on the walls.

The sonogram tech walked me through how the whole procedure works, she had me use the bathroom to fully empty my bladder, and then back in the room she handed me a sheet to cover myself and situate myself on the table, and then...

She instructed me to insert the f***** thing into myself.

I wanted to die.

"You need to do it because you can tell what's most comfortable for you," she says to the mid-30s woman who has never had sex a day in her life.... "I'm going to put some lubricant on it and hand it to you under the sheet, insert it into yourself and when you're comfortable, I'll take over."

She was very nice, very respectful, and the whole thing was over relatively quickly without her seeing any of my nether regions.

But I still wanted to drive into a brick wall when I left.

Especially because, although the appointment didn't take that long, the hospital had recently moved the department to another "zone" of their campus and google led me to the old entrance, so I parked in the wrong parking garage and had to trek 10-15 minutes through the hospital each way to/from my car and ended up overshooting the free 1 hour parking by like 6 minutes, and I forgot to ask for validation, so I had to pay for parking.

But I digress...

The results of that ultrasound came back and there was no evidence of PCOS on my ovaries. In fact, quite the opposite. Not only were there no cysts, but the ovaries for people with PCOS are apparently usually larger and mine are on the smaller side. Also there were no visible follicles.

Lack of visible follicles can usually be attributed to a hormone imbalance, but... my hormones are all in the normal ranges.

So yet again, everything is inconclusive.

And none of it makes any sense.

The last thing of note from that exam was that my endometrium is a bit on the thicker side and has an irregular texture.

This means that I now have a gyno appointment in a month for further exam and a pap smear.

I want to die.

I don't think I can fully express to you how visceral my body reacts to even thinking about these appointments. I literally want to throw myself out a window.

But whatever. It was one moment in my life and I can forget it ever happened, right? These people are professionals. They do this all the time for countless individuals. I'm one of a billion and they'll never remember me.

"But what if they do......?"

Yeah, I can't shut my brain off.

In addition to all of that, I attempted to get a celiac diagnosis because I've been off of gluten for almost a decade now because even a 1/4tsp of pasta water sent my stomach into convulsions.

And yet.... in order to do the celiac testing I've had to eat gluten every single day for about two months and not only did the antibody results come back negative, but I've been able to eat gluten every day for two months without pain.

I also did the genetic blood test and that came back with only one of two markers for celiac, so yet again negative/inconclusive results.

Nobody knows why for almost a decade I had to avoid gluten.

Nobody knows why all of a sudden I can eat it again with no problems.

NOTHING MAKES SENSE.

It's like when you take the car to the mechanic and describe the insane noise it's been making for the last week and the mechanic turns it on and it won't make the noise.

I can describe in great detail all the issues I have but from a scientific standpoint, all my blood markers say I'm relatively normal and healthy.

Other things have been upsetting my digestive system, so the doctor also wants me to see a gastrointestinal doctor.

Which means more probes. And probably a colonoscopy. Fantastic.

And I have to get glasses.

And I have to get the fillings that were just refilled for the first time since like 2009 rechecked because I'm having sensitivity in one of those teeth.

And figure out what the hell is wrong with my feet.

And maybe see an audiologist or neurologist to figure out why I have tinnitus in my 30s.

And then probably see a dermatologist to determine what the hell is causing the hair loss because after all of this, if it's not a hormone imbalance and isn't associated with PCOS, "it's probably alopecia" which doesn't explain why it came along with delayed puberty, underdevelopment, and is more like male pattern baldness....

Because FML, right?

Because everything is wrong and nobody knows why.

On paper, I'm a healthy individual.

In reality, I haven't had a proper menstrual cycle in like 15 years, I'm wildly overweight, and have almost no hair on my head.

The wild thing about this state of "infertility" is that it would be nice to have a diagnosis. It would be nice to have an explanation. It would be nice to know why this is happening and have a clear path as to how to fix it.

But I don't have that.

I have vagueties. (Is that a word?)

And the vagueties are what allow room for miracles. Because Hashem works in the gray areas.

Ok, here's the life and times update:

So, since I started writing this a month ago, the appointment with the gyno was actually yesterday.

And I'm an idiot.

I scheduled my whole life to be there at 3pm, assuming that the 2:45pm I had put on my calendar was me factoring in an additional 15 minutes for traffic and paperwork or whatever, but it turns out that's when the appointment started. And after dealing with stupid traffic and everything, I walked in at 2:57pm.

Because I'm an idiot.

The gynecologist is super nice and super pretty, which sucks. Why does a pretty person have to look at my ugly body?

We did the initial "tell me about your life" stuff (kind of rushing through which I didn't realize was my own damn fault) during which she mentioned that she would probably diagnose me with PCOS but she wants new tests just to double check everything.

Apparently there's something called the Rotterdam Criteria for PCOS, which she recommended I look up. Turns out it's essentially the same criteria I had discussed with my primary doctor, but without the fancy terminology, yet my primary came to the conclusion it wasn't PCOS.

So... huh?

The criteria are:

Irregular menses Menstrual cycles that are shorter than 21 days, longer than 35 days, or fewer than eight cycles in a year 

Hyperandrogenism Elevated levels of testosterone, DHEA-S, or clinical signs like acne, hirsutism, or alopecia 

Polycystic ovaries At least 12 ovarian follicles measuring 2–9 mm in diameter in one ovary, or an ovarian volume of more than 10 mL in one ovary 

And for diagnosis, 2 of the three are required.

My primary doctor's conclusion was based on no polycysts on the ovaries and my hormones coming back normal.

My gynecologist, however, said that since I have things like the hair issues, that's a clear indication of hormone imbalance, even if when tested the hormones are coming back normal.

I literally don't understand the science of medicine.

Either way, that's what we're looking at diagnosing now.

Again.

Then she sent me off to an exam room, instructing me to "get fully undressed, put on the gown and tie it in front, and sit up on the table with the sheet across your lap."

Fun.

And I guess it makes sense that the exam room has to be sterile and brightly lit.

But I still wanted to die.

Like, you talk about vulnerable positions to be in, but damn. Being an ugly human, mostly naked in a brightly lit room, legs open wide with a beautiful lady poking around your nether regions... this is immediately something I want to erase from my brain as something I've done in my life.

"I know this is uncomfortable, but just remember I do this every day, so it's not as uncomfortable for me."

*super awkward laugh of "ok, that literally doesn't make me feel better but thanks"*

She did the pap smear and a breast exam (which I didn't even know gynecologists do, but I guess you learn something new every day, eh?) and I should note that she asked me if I wanted each of those things, so I did consent to them, despite neither being strictly necessary.

For those who don't know, a pap smear is a test they do to check for cervical cancer. Which is primarily associated with the HPV virus, which is generally spread by sexual contact in that region.

Reminder: I have never had sexual contact in that region.

Here's the fun explanation I found online of what they do: A speculum is inserted into the vagina to widen it. Then, a brush is inserted into the vagina to collect cells from the cervix. The cells are checked under a microscope for signs of disease.

She said she didn't see me as being a high candidate for the virus or for that type of cancer, and that as I'm an adult woman I have the right to say no, but she would recommend it just to be able to check the overall health of the region and rule things out.

According to the internet, a pap smear may be uncomfortable, but it should not hurt. For some reason, for me, it stung. I have literally no idea why. As I'm writing this, it's been over 12 hours and I'm still having mild discomfort in that region. So, that's fun.

Maybe it's cuz I've never had sex before and don't make a habit of sticking things down there that stretch the space open? I have no clue. She didn't seem all that concerned, despite me clearly stating it was stinging. So maybe it's just nothing.

She didn't spend a lot of time down there, so I'm not sure how much of an exam she actually did aside from the pap smear part, but after informing me that my breast tissue feels normal, which is a good sign, she sent me off down the hall for some blood work, then I scheduled a follow up for two weeks from now to discuss results, and that was really the end of the visit.

At this point, I have no idea what the future holds.

When we were doing the patient history portion of our conversation she clarified with me that I wasn't and hadn't been pregnant and then she asked if I would like to be.

And I honestly didn't know how to answer that.

Because I honestly don't know.

I joked that I don't mind so much not having to deal with periods like my friends and family members, especially because my family members get crazy when hormones factor in, which obviously happens around that time of the month.

But that's not a real answer.

On the one hand, I would love to know what it feels like to carry a child inside me. To have a child literally built out of love. To hold that baby in my arms and know that I worked so hard to bring that being into life. To see which of my features this tiny human has.

On the other hand, I don't want to repopulate my genetics. I don't know how my body will respond to the stress of a developing human. I don't know if I have the emotional or physical strength to be a mother. And I don't know if I want to raise children is this screwed up world that seems to be getting worse every single day.

And I don't know if you, my dear future husband, actually exist or if this is all just a hypothetical anyway.

Every day of my life right now is one step closer to 40 years old.

And in the great scheme of things, especially in this age where people are living older and we still bless "to 120," 40 years is literally just the first third of life. That's not even middle aged. Yet at the same time, being a first-time parent at 40 is tough. Especially when you consider that the body starts breaking down at that point and my body is already a mess. I've felt like I'm 80 years old since I was like 8 years old. I guess if that age were accurate I'd be closer to 120 already....

And I'm still dealing with financial problems.

And family problems.

And emotional problems.

And the world just flat out suuuuuucks right now.

And I still don't see an escape from any of this.

So... do I want to get pregnant?

I guess in an ideal world, yeah.

In a realistic world, I would say "that's up to Hashem" except that it seems that "up to Hashem" is my body not functioning in a way conducive to having children, so I guess that's my answer.

They say that every single problem you could possibly have in life can be found in the Torah. And barrenness is something that afflicted 3/4 of our imahos as well as Chana, all of whom eventually bore their own children.

But I'm not a Sarah, I'm not a Rivka, I'm not a Rachel, and I'm not a Chana. And I don't see how knowing that they were able to have natural children when I still know some amazing women who haven't is supposed to make me feel better about my circumstances.

Women are supposedly on a higher spiritual plane than men. We're supposed to be more in tune with our neshamos, with our connection to Hashem, which is what allows us to be the bearers of new life.

What does that say about me? My connection to Hashem sucks and this doesn't really make it better.

I know everyone has a different role in life, and some aren't meant to marry or have children because they wouldn't be able to accomplish what they're sent here to accomplish with those commitments in their lives.

But some people seem to be able to accomplish great things while juggling staying healthy and having a family and working high powered jobs, etc.

And I suck at literally the bare minimum. Literally just existing sucks for me.

And knowing that "my role" isn't "their role" and "that's ok" doesn't make me feel better about any of it.

But it's almost 6am and I'm awake for no reason and heading off on tangents of mental health sadness while the whole point of this was just the physical stuff.

Oh! And speaking of physical stuff, I literally forgot to mention that when I went to get the blood work done, I got a medical text telling me to schedule an appointment. It said "advanced radiology" and stupid me just closed the text, thinking it was for the blood work which was what I was already doing.

But no.

Apparently the gyno put me down for ANOTHER transvaginal ultrasound.

And by the time I realized that, the doctor's office was already closed so I couldn't ask her about that, because we went over the fact I'd had that done recently and didn't recall her mentioning I'd need another one.

So FML.

#1 thing on today's to-do list.

Fun.

So anyways, that's where we're at now. I either might have PCOS or definitely not have PCOS. Regardless, I will probably have to be poked and prodded yet again in regions of my body I'd rather forget exist. All to get a diagnosis for something that may or may not be meaningful, depending on whether I can figure out if having children is something I ever even want to do in this life.

And I don't know. I just don't know.

I'd say I'd leave that up to Hashem, but He's the reason I'm fat, ugly, balding, unmarried, and childless now, so.... that's helpful.

-LivelyHeart

Edited to add: I contacted the gyno and it turns out the second sonogram was ordered by mistake. Good thing I contacted her and didn't just schedule the exam!

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

By DAVID M. WEINBERG

Only an idiot can forgive Western politicians for continuing to support UNRWA, instead of collapsing and replacing it with aid mechanisms that do not brazenly serve as a platform for the never-ending Palestinian “war of return” against Israel, and with facilities that do not serve as actual armed bases for Hamas. The fact that the aid agency is a leading contender for the Nobel Peace Prize (to be awarded this weekend!) is proof of the utter-gutter rank hostility of some Europeans to Israel. Ugh.

The Jewish People and true defenders of freedom globally never should forgive United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who will be remembered, if at all, as a slimy stain on the history of the UN. He has yet to denounce the massacre and sexual atrocities committed by Hamas murderers on October 7, and has not led any efforts to declare them a terrorist organization, nor has he unequivocally condemned Iran’s direct missile attacks on Israel.

And oh yeah, he loves and defends UNRWA with a passion matched only by his gushing embrace of every dictator (like the Turkish and Iranian presidents) who seek to destroy Israel.

Guterres and his wretched army of high-minded diplomats are all about promoting Israeli perfidy instead of resisting real evil. No forgiveness.

I am at a loss to understand, and certainly cannot forgive, Western leaders who davka in the wake of October 7 have doubled down on the drive for Palestinian statehood; people like US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as European leaders who have unilaterally “recognized” Palestinian statehood to defiantly dump on Israel. This beggars the imagination. It is strategic insanity. And it is profoundly antagonistic.

[greatdividecomic]

Can we please see simping davkas (='><'=)

This is for you and the person who asked for pining Davkas (which might have also been you XD)

Sorry it took a while to answer!

[revolutionaryletters]

Some vintage Jewish lapel buttons via davka

[softness-and-shattering]

Lets call this a cry for hair help bc I swear its curlier than it used to be and I dont kmow what Im doing.

Firstly Im disabled and poor. I cant keep track of or follow a fifteen step process with ten different products. Probably 3 products 4 steps max is my limit.

Im at like a 2c/3a and quite thin. The longest is about ear length but really frizzy so on top its more like a wispy seaweed halo.

I wash twice condition once, 2-3 times a week if Im feeling up to it, to like once a fortnight when Im not.

I know about not drying w towel movement, and I know about satin pillowcases and hair bonnets, im just struggling with the amount of choice because they all look the same, is pillowcase or bonnet better or both, what do you mean target sells five different types of satin pillowcases WHATS THE DIFFERENCE JUST GIVE ME *SOMETHING* THAT WORKS. Yeah thats where Im at thats inspired this rn 😅.I know seaweed puff ball sounds charming but thats me outting on rose coloured glasses, I would like to look like a neat, put together, ideally queer human. (Dye would be great also but thats step 2).

I know I can go to a salon but thats money and effort and mobility which are all in short supply. I suppose I could try get back into ticheling in more of a masc way? I dont think kippot as traditionalnare davka protective.

Yeah uh, help please? Ideally if youre also curly and disabled, but ill take any simple achievable advice that doesnt involve tons of shelling out for products especially....not perishables bc its not food, usables? Replacables?

I just want hair look nice again.

[meayefet]

I find myself half-assing projects these days or doing nothing at all, but here is a snippet from a recent project I'm kind of happy with. It still feels a little half-assed but I feel like I'm finally learning how to use watercolors outside of my sketchbook.

The illustration is based on a photo of my grandfather conducting the Kfar Aza choire during the Kibbutz's anniversary celebrations in 1957.

On a personal note - "davka" is a very nice Hebrew word to describe things done out of pure spite. So out of pure spite we will build a good life for everyone who lives on this land, with our without your help, you privileged antisemites. You know nothing about us and about this conflict and yet you allow yourself talk nonesense, to import capitalist identity politics into it, and to send us, who have lived here our entire lives, to """educate ourselves"""". How dare you. How dare you do this while we, who have been protesting against our government and against the occupation, are still counting the (barely recognizable due to Hamas' atrocities) bodies. So DAVKA we will overthrow Hamas and Bibi and build a good life for every person who lives on this land.

[stellarwaffles]

1) Talya losing one of it's baby tusks

2) Sunfall parents have to leave + join the army when Dasi isn't a baby anymore since Ari is old enough to watch over her siblings

[wenevergotusedtoegypt]

When I thought I was going to be starting that one job a couple months ago, we had hired a babysitter who was going to be with the boys after school. She was a high schooler but she seemed responsible and had enough experience to do the job.

Ummm, yeah.

So obviously we didn't end up having her work after school in the end because I didn't take the job, but there was one Friday that I had to take 5yo to an appointment and wouldn't be back in time to pick up 2yo, so I asked her to pick him up, bring him home, and just watch him for like an hour-ish til we got back. So first of all, she calls me in a panic shortly after pickup saying that none of the keys I left will unlock the door. Now. I left 1 keychain with 3 keys. I used that exact keychain of keys to lock that exact door on my way out that morning, then left it somewhere for her. So this was obviously not true. I told her it's the biggest key (the other 2 are nowhere near the same size as that one) and contacted my landlady to help her. Next thing I hear is that the door still isn't open and now the key is stuck in the lock. I spent almost the entire way home trying to get this figured out with her, with 2yo just sitting in the hallway with her. Guess wha-at!!! Turned out she had shoved the incorrect key into the lock. She finally got it open.

Then a few minutes before I get home she messages me saying that 2yo pooped and asking if she can just wait for me to get home to change it. We had davka asked her when we interviewed her if she was ok with diapers. She was supposed to be with him 5 afternoons a week. He was, inevitably, going to poop during that time sometimes. Like ?????

Anyway.

So today I had an important thing I needed to be at on time and I was worried I wouldn't make it if I couldn't leave til after I took 2yo to daycare. I asked this same girl to come over for literally just 20 minutes. She didn't need to do basically anything. He was dressed, I had him use the potty before she was scheduled to arrive, and I'd already gotten together all of his things. She literally just needed to show up, play with him for like 5-10 minutes, put his jacket and hat on, and take him to daycare.

She.

Didn't.

Show.

🙃🙃🙃

Because she "slept through all her alarms" (she told me almost half an hour after she was supposed to be at my house), which is a little sus considering that when I messaged her at the time she was supposed to have arrived asking if she was on her way, I saw that she'd been online about an hour before. Like she woke up, spent some time on whatsapp, and then went back to sleep for an hour and a half despite the fact that she had somewhere to be in an hour.

B"H I was still able to make it on time to my thing, but this was strike 3 and she only ever actually worked for me once for like an hour (also she wasn't nearly apologetic enough). I can't believe I was going to be relying on this girl to pick up my kids every day??? Apparently my babysitter interviewing skills need some leveling up (also apparently references are utterly meaningless even when they're people the prospective sitter babysat for relatively long term and they reported that she was reliable).

[laineystein]

I really used to hate it here but davka today wasn’t bad 🙃

[bennistar]

So, I've been in Boro Park and am finally flying back. I'm currently at the gate, waiting for boarding to start.

Moments ago a non-Jewish cleaner, with a broken English, approached me:

"Hey"

Me: Hi?

"You[r] people come and leaving a Bible. Please take the Bible. You people leave [left]. Please take the Bible. No one here knows the Bible. But you people yes".

*proceeds to give me this "Bible"*

I look at it and it happens to be a siddur only in Hebrew; which the cleaner thought was a Bible.

What happened is that someone left his siddur before boarding the Elal flight next to our gate. The cleaner found it. And didn't want to throw it, and wanted to give it davka to a frum Jew. "Because only you people (the Yidden) really know the Bible".

A powerful lesson that whenever a Jew behaves, and truly learns, how we're supposed to be; even the goyim will come to recognize and appreciate it.

והיה ה' למלך על כל הארץ ביום ההוא יהיה ה' אחד ושמו אחד