Pink Parasols and the Knerret

For months, I did not see one drop of rain hit Israeli soil. I think it may have rained once in Ashkelon during our three month stay. This said rainfall brought about the same response kids in the northeast US have when seeing the first snow fall of the season. I can definitely now say that we are in the rainy season in Israel. Everytime it rains, Israelis respond by saying its good for the Knerret, the largest freshwater lake in Israel. The Knerret, also known as the Sea of Galilee, is currently suffering from dangerously low water levels and is at risk of becoming irreversibly salinized by the salt water springs under the lake. It is common for Americans to teach their children the song “Rain, Rain Go Away” when rain puts a damper on their plans. Israelis on the other hand thank G-d (“Baruch Hashem”) and pray for it to keep falling.

(The Knerret)

Not to sound like I am anti-Knerret, but I don’t know if I or my hair can stand one more day of this rain. I think Noah and his ark and not far away…It has rained on and off for the past three weeks creating lots of runoff and flooding. Today truly takes the cake. First the rain prevented me from going to the gym, then it stopped me from leaving the gym. And yes, I know I won’t melt but I prefer to not work out seeping wet or be pelted by hail.

In the early evening, I walked to my adopt a family’s home for Shabbat dinner. If I take the shortcut across the dirt hill, it takes 8 minutes. Due to the mudslide, I decided to take the long way and arrived at their home soaking wet. Once my belly was filled to capacity and the inevitable sleepiness that accompanies a large delicious meal was setting it, I decided it was time to journey back to my apartment. Of course, I opened the front door only to see pouring rain and wind. I asked my adopt a mom for an umbrella. We went on a hunt for one, but the best we could find was her granddaughter’s hot pink “That’s Funky” sun parasol and some green garbage bags. So of course, I threw a garbage bag on over my coat and took on the rain with my funky parasol tight in hand. I definitely came home a lot more colorful and wetter than I left. Moral of the story: Rain jackets may be better options than peacoats despite the cold. Oh, and I hear Philadelphia is currently being impacted by the Winter Storm of the Year with two inches falling an hour. I never thought I would miss the snow so much! Let is snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

(Philly Forecast!)

**UPDATE: Philly was hit with its second biggest snow storm in history. Over 2ft total! WOW**

(Mia playing in the snow back home in Philly)

(View of the street where I live after the Blizzard)