July 14. 2008

.
What a difficult, interesting, day it was. Today I had to head out to an Arab village near Ramallah (which is also another Arab village). A friend of mine from Congo lived there and was going to do my braids.

I hadn't realized until later that this was the birthday of my brother. The one who passed away. The one who committed suicide on an L (elevated train).

Unsure of how to feel about all these things I didn't feel anything. However, my feelings for everything else was enhanced! The fresh smell of FaBreeze in my friend's bathroom (with added order killers too!), the taste of the coca cola I drank. Even in just speaking to her about things that mattered to me, I had a certain zeal in my words.

The Arab Village

While getting the braids done, we heard the call to prayer on the loud speaker. This caused us to start talking about the relationship between the Jews and the Arabs. We both agreed it was sad. I was very happy to hear what a balanced view she had -quite
different from all the TV heads who borrow the hateful sentiments without further thought simply because -as I can see clearly- they just needed some kind of justification to hate the Jews.

It is very sad, this divide. Strewn about in the Heb. Bible are interactions between the Jews (Hebrews) and the Arabs and it was not a constant clash. Abraham would still visit Hagar, to see how Ishamel was coming along in his growth; When Sarah passed away, it was Isaac who suggested Abraham go back to Hagar -then renamed Keturah; Ishmael and Isaac came together to bury their father.

Even in the Talmud, to give a story there is sometimes an Arab merchant -and its not always a bad guy!

But somehow things got twisted, and the haters -who have no business in it- come meddling in with their own hate. Okay. Let me calm down. Not to say that there is no real problem. There are some real problems that need to be solved.

Anyway, I figured as long as I didn't show any outward "Jewish" signs, I was safe. But it was interesting. Sometimes I laugh at the thought that: could blacks be ambassadors? I mean, they can be Jewish, Muslim, Christian just by putting on or taking off a head covering. I suppose also a white person, but I suspect the features may 'give them away' somehow. Is that strange?

My Brother

While there, we were watching news, the Tour de France, and other french channel programs. It was like a french refresher course.

Somewhere along our chattering, I realized and blurted out, "Oh my! Today is my brothers birthday!" Then quickly regreted it. The inevitable question ensued. "oh is he?"

Um, he passed away.

Was he sick?

No. He.... he killed himself.

* Awkward Silence *

The Good News

While talking I mentioned all the wonderful things that I had learned about from Torah, Talmud, some kabbalah about curly hair, black, blackness, etc. I wish the whole world knew. Well, for sure the black communnity. And she gave me a great suggestion. She suggested I write down all the notes as to where I found all the information.

That is a great idea -especially for whoever who may take this on and forward, or at least to make sure my kids know where to read in order to maintain a good, healthy self esteem.

Conclusion

So, to conclude, I am going to get a notebook to be a legacy and I hope to buy some Febreeze spray for my bathroom. Ha haha.