jews d in the FALL CLEAN-UP RUG CLEANING 2 FOR 1 Bring your rugs to any of our drop-off locations and we’ll clean every other one FREE! some restrictions apply CARPET CLEANING 3 ROOMS 89 . 99 $ some restrictions apply 1-800-HAGOPIAN (424-6742) SCHEDULE ONLINE! OriginalHagopian.com OAK PARK BIRMINGHAM CLARKSTON NOVI PLYMOUTH UTICA ANN ARBOR OAKLAND ALLERGY & ASTHMA CENTER SPECIALIZING IN ADULT AND PEDIATRIC ALLERGY, ASTHMA AND IMMUNOLOGY Thorny Shrubs Make For Better Neighbors Dear Debra S end your questions to deardebra@ renmedia.us. DEAR DEBRA, My neighbor’s children use my backyard as their thoroughfare. And Debra Darvick if that is not bad enough, recently the daughter came up and knocked on my window while I was watching TV. She scared the heck out of me. I have asked the mother to speak to her children about boundaries and that I do not want them crossing my property again. And again, this eve- ning, the mother and her son and dog went waltzing through my backyard as if they owned it. Come fall I will plant shrubbery to limit access, but how does one deal with neighbors who have no regard for other people’s privacy? — Noxious Neighbors — shrubbery that limits access. Try some blackberry shrubs. They form a dense thorny thicket which will deter your noxious neighbors and you can make jam with the berries. Or try a hedge of holly. The plant’s barbed leaves are no picnic in the park to brush up against. And then there is Pyracantha (Orange Glow) which will offer you defense and beauty. Not only does it have thorny stems, but it flowers white in June followed by beautiful clusters of bright orange-red berries. I wish you luck. There’s nothing worse than neighbors who are anything but neighborly. DEAR DEBRA, A cousin moved back to town a few years ago after retiring and having lived on the other side of the country her entire adult life. I was very excited to have her back in town. My husband and I have invited her to our home for many occasions and because she doesn’t drive, he has also picked her up and brought her home each time. She always brings a hostess gift and sends a thank-you card, but she has never once reciprocated. You would think after all these years, she would have invited us for dinner in her home at least once. But no. What’s up with some people? — Uninvited DEAR UNINVITED, DEAR NOXIOUS NEIGHBORS, 30/%"#"3",/033*4 M.D. Board Certified in Allergy and Immunology University of Michigan Medical School Over 25 years experience Find relief for: r Allergies & Hay Fever r Food Allergies r Asthma r Pet Allergies r Eye Allergies r Hives r Eczema r Drug Allergies r Sinus Infections r Immune Deficiencies 248-737-4099 www.oaklandallergy.com There is much wisdom in the old saw, “Good fences make good neighbors.” It’s a pity so many com- munities forbid them. Although you didn’t say, I wonder why these miscreants can’t get where they are going using the public spaces — as in the sidewalk or road — in front of your homes. Since you’ve tried the polite route and gotten nowhere, can you turn on your sprinkler during the times they tend to trespass? Part of me would like to suggest turning a water cannon or super soaker on them, but I’ll override that impulse. If you cannot install a fence, barbed wire or otherwise, your best bet is to do what you already plan Judaism values hachnasat orchim (hospitality to guests) so greatly that it is a mitzvah (commandment) to welcome guests into our homes. Abraham and Sarah are our first hospitality role models. Abraham sits at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day when he sees three men approaching. He runs to greet them, bows, offers to wash their feet and bring them a bit of bread. He then rushes to Sarah’s tent to have her prepare food for them and then goes and finds a calf to be prepared as well. (And remember, in the prior week’s portion Abraham had just circumcised himself !) From these actions, we learn that we are to meet and welcome our guests and move with haste to make them feel comfortable and well fed. Interesting to note that while Abraham offered his visitors bread, he brought them a full meal. Had he offered bread, curds and meat they continued on page 48 46 September 14 • 2017 jn