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CANDLELIGHTING

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THE JEWISH VIEW

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JUDAISM 101

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{weblog_name} - Snapshot from Israel: Seniors Count
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Picture this:  An elderly man is sitting on a bench on a street corner at dusk, a white napkin spread across his knees.  On his lap is half of a large watermelon, which he is eating with a spoon and enjoying with obvious relish.  Occasionally a passer-by gives him a friendly greeting. I saw this scene in the quiet Jerusalem neighborhood of Bak’a, where I lived for three weeks this summer.  Side by side with the fruit and vegetable stands, cafes, little laundries, and homes, I counted three day centers and residences for seniors within a couple of square blocks of my apartment.  In the afternoons and evenings, the seniors were sitting outdoors, chatting with each other and with visiting friends and family.  A peek inside two of these places revealed homey furnishings, dining areas, and a little synagogue. … read more