Motzai Shabbos Update

I got to Israel Wednesday early AM Israel time. Davened Shacharit at the Kotel then had a mellow day and then walked back to the Kotel at around 3 AM. Blame jetlag (if you like). Thurday I spent many hours in town, mostly in a cafe, online.

Met a dear old friend for dinner on Thursday. There are no words for close friendships that go unharmed by how long it's been since you spoke last, riding above time as these connections do. Four hours of soulful soul sharing: worth more than all the money and possessions in the world.

Davened at the kotel again Friday morning. Is it just me, or is there something about that place?

Just had a wonderful Shabbos with one of my dearest and holiest friends and his dear and wonderful and holy family (not all the kids/grandkids were home) (he's my age and has 7 kids and a bunch of grandchildren from the 3 married kids - poo poo poo). It is an honor to have a friend who is an baki in Shas, as he's learned it many times. In his Daf Yomi shiur this morning he caught them up (and got them a bit ahead) by doing a blatt and a half in an hour in the most clear and beautiful way. There is so much to write and yet so much to store in my heart. For now I'll leave a lot unsaid.

Here are two haiku written on a late night walk to the Kotel:

I'm above your steps
Pausing before my approach
The summer wind blows

Soon I'll visit. Soon.
Something is holding me back
Shy, even with you