JPECIAL COMMENTARY The Lost Kippa PLGE -1- PLUS A special program for older adults with memory impairments \JMARK A. DAVIDOFF Special to The Jewish News L the entrance to the dig was locked. So in a reenactment, I boosted myself up onto that same wall and peered over to view the area where I had recalled the kippa landed. However, after focusing on that area for a long time, it was clear to me again that the kippa was gone forever. Having been to the Kotel and now returning back toward the Dung Gate, for some unknown reason, I decided to take one more look at the dig. ast December, my family took the adventure of a life- time. My two sons, Avi, 12, and Kale, 8, and their mom, Margie, and I went to Israel during Avi's bar mitzvah year. In addition to , participating in the Jewish Federation's Partnership 2000 b'nai mitzvah trip, we joined the 10-day United Jewish Appeal Winter Family Mis- sion. As is common with most missions in Israel, we spent Shabbat in Jerusalem. Upon arriving in Jerusalem and during our first venture to ,- - Ben Yehuda Street, we pur- chased a kippa for Avi with his name inscribed in Hebrew. On Friday, as we prepared to go to the Kotel to welcome Shabbat, we walked proudly through the Dung Gate toward the promenade. En route, how- ,- _. ever, I wanted to show my children the William David- son Archeological Park, near the Western Wall. However, the park entrance was closed due to the arrival of Shabbat. In order to have an appro- priate view of the park, my son Avi boosted himself up on top of the perimeter wall that runs along the walkway toward the Kotel. While leaning over the wall to get a Avi Davidoff with his retrieved kippa. full view of the park, the wind blew his kippa into the dig, landing on the top of a berm that Once again, I boosted myself up, was 15 feet below the walkway and 20 peered over the wall and, to my feet from the bottom of the dig. amazement, immediately focused on what appeared to be a kippa lying Given the precarious location of the upside down and filled with dirt. kippa and the locked entrance to the dig, it was immediately obvious that A young Arab boy selling posters the kippa was lost forever. Avi, of near the entrance to the dig could see course, was devastated. my predicament, and asked if I want- In January, I had the opportunity ed to learn how to enter the dig through the locked entrance. He to return to Israel as part of a plan- showed me how to snake through this ning trip for Michigan Miracle Mis- locked gate, at which point I was able sion III, which is leaving April 18. to walk into the dig and climb up the Although we only spent eight hours in berm to retrieve the kippa. —T.erusalem during our quick three-day --- When I returned home and pre- trip, we, of course, wanted to visit the sented Avi with the kippa, the Kotel. enchantment of our journey to Israel As I walked down that same path as a family became even more impor- through the Dung Gate, I started to tant. Although the kippa could be think about Avi's kippa. Once again, washed and worn again, Avi has decid- ed it should remain in its current con- Mark A. Davidoff is chief operating dition as a reminder of the journey we officer of the Jewish Federation of Met- took and the memories we hold. -ropolitan Detroit. - Regent Plus, located in Regent Street of West Bloomfield, is a customized program for older adults with memory or cognitive impairments. We offer the type of care you want for your family member in a safe, secure and comfort- able environment. As the emphasis is on personalized care and attention, Regent Plus has been designed to accommodate only 14 residents. Specialized activities and programs will ensure that everyone will continue to enjoy the highest quality of living possible. we encourage people to bring their own familiar and treasured belonging, including their own furniture. Having the possessions you have lived with for many years helps to make everyone feel more at ease. Our emphasis is on care. 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