[img]96|left|||no_popup[/img] Dateline Jerusalem — I am home! After six weeks in California, I am finally back in Israel. As usual, TSA (Transportation Security Administration) at the airport in Los Angeles pulled me out of line into a special area, called out “no alarm” (of course no alarm went off, I had no contraband), and had me searched. When I arrived in Israel and opened my suitcases at home, I found a pre-printed note in my baggage saying that TSA had chosen my luggage to be physically opened and inspected.

I asked the TSA searchers if I were on some kind of a “watch list.” I am always searched in the U.S., whether in California, New York or Florida. This, however, was the first time to my knowledge that my luggage was particularly chosen for inspection. I was told that I was pulled out of line because I was wearing a skirt. Does that mean that all religious Jewish women get searched since they tend to wear only skirts? Of course not. None of my friends get searched. In fact, this flight I wore a short skirt (mid calf) instead of ankle length to avoid a search. No such luck. Am I paranoid to think I am on a list of some kind when nothing ever is found on me or in my luggage? Every time I travel I am searched.

The flight was long, 15½ hours non-stop, taking the polar route. I. SAt was not un-eventful. At one point over Canada the plane suddenly dropped in altitude due to extreme weather conditions. It was like being on a downward accelerating roller coaster. The flight attendants who had been pouring coffee and tea “for” and literally “on” passengers at the time were instructed to stop and find their seats immediately. Needless to say it was scary. I said the “Shema” blessing, thinking that this was “it” and the plane was going down. But, thank G-d and the excellent quick thinking El Al pilots who had control of the plane, we made it safely home.

Passover Is Near

When arriving in Israel, we were greeted with “Chag sameach,” happy holiday, because next week is Pesach (Passover). The entire country prepares for it. I walk down the street and strangers greet me with “Chag sameach.” I get in the elevator in my apartment building, I am greeted with it. I cannot wait for the holiday to come next week. What a festive atmosphere it will be here in Israel. It is said that the most observed holiday by Jews, whether they be religious, secular or in between, is Pesach, even more than the high holy days of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. In Israel there is only one seder as compared to two seders celebrated in the rest of the world. I must admit that I miss preparing for two nights of seders for up to 35 people each night in the U.S. when my family and friends gathered together in my home. Of course, I cannot claim that I miss the Pesach cleaning, which makes “spring cleaning” look easy. In Israel I have been invited for the Pesach seder at a friend's home so I do not have to cook for it. Still, my apartment must be “Pesach clean.”

It is good to be home, but I already miss my family and friends in the U.S. Chag sameach to you all.

L'hitraot. Shachar.