May 08, 2020: Veranda voices

As usual, Herb Keinon’s column was enjoyable (Out There, May 1). I’d like to add two more important pluses for davening on the balcony, if already we’re collecting points. 

One, I get to sit next to my husband. Two, I can sing as loud as I want, even though the only other person who may enjoy my singing is little ole me (I don’t even think my husband does, but his voice is worse than mine), and no one in the immediate or distant area can say one word or make one grimace. 

Praying on the balcony definitely has its strong points.

“Isolation can be a good thing” (May 1) made me feel like someone was reading my mind. As a young family with three preschoolers, our first reflections on the life under COVID-19 regulations were overall positive. Family breakfasts, lunches and suppers; bedtime with Dad; doing artworks and experiments all day long with the kids – all these were new to us, and pretty refreshing, albeit sometimes not easy and exhausting. The idea of no escape options and the need to communicate spoke very much to me and gave a push to turn the tension into opportunity. 

Dr. Mike Gropper highlighted important “positive” benefits that he has discovered in his personal and professional life (“Unexpected emotional benefits in a difficult time,” May 1). Using these past seven weeks as a time of discovery to be productive, build self-confidence, appreciate family and be mindful of simple pleasures has been so important. 

At the same time, it would be helpful to share tools to deal with the mounting stress – emotional, physical and financial. As the days and weeks of unknown continue, the father who is at home trying to work may be losing his patience and lash out at his wife and children. The single woman who has now been unemployed for weeks with no end in sight may be falling into depression. Sadly, as the country has seen an increase in domestic violence and recent suicides due to the financial pressures, the darker side of being home must also be addressed.

I loved Dvora Waysman’s “Keeping busy under lockdown” (May 1), which left me with a big smile on my face!

I thought I was the only one with a voice that could launch 1,000 ships – they all seem to be in such a hurry to leave, when I go out on my balcony and start to sing.

Please continue to publish Dvora’s articles, as she is always so interesting, and truly reflects the ways of thinking that we – of the same generation – all share.

A breath of fresh air in these difficult times!

A poem about corona:

Sitting alone

in the depths

of my purse

ignored and forgotten:

my appointment book.

Pages once full of notations,

long long ago,

now blank and barren

appointments crossed out

events postponed

occasions unattended

reminders forgotten.

I found it there

in the depths

and retrieved it

barely remembering that we once

would meet daily,

long long ago.

I glanced at the cover and laughed,

it says “Plan Your Year.”

 

We are grateful to many who help the Israeli public with their continued regularity in doing their work even in these difficult times. I have seen a number of thank-yous to the devoted medical workers who continue with their dangerous jobs. We are all beholden to them. 

Today, when I took out my garbage, I realized that I am also appreciative of the workers who do this onerous task and think they deserve to be praised for their service. Kol hakavod to them.