MARCH 21 • 2024 | 47

There we were, driving on the 
dark dirt roads, Waze wasn’t 
working and knowing that 
Arab villages were just over the 
wall gave me a ominous feel-
ing. Finally, I said, “Elana, I’ll 
drive. If there’s a need for you 
to shoot, then shoot — but you 
can’t do both.
” 
Thankfully, we got there 
without incident.
I was also in Israel during 
the ceasefire. All Shabbat, we 
were on tenterhooks, waiting 
anxiously for the first batch 
of hostages to be released, but 
they were delayed for some 
reason. What a simchah when 
they were finally released!
It was so strange to visit 
Israel at war. Being so aware 
of what was happening but 
still living life as usual. One 
juxtaposition was attending 

the wedding of Daniel Selesny 
from Detroit to Alli Weinberg 
from Wesley Hills, New York; 
both had been Lone Soldiers. 
I’ve been to many weddings in 
Israel of former soldiers, but 
this wedding was something 
special. So many soldiers in 
their army greens, so many 
guns slung over wedding 
finery. The ruach was unbe-
lievable. Even though as a 
nation we’re in so much pain, 
there are still incredible Jewish 
celebrations happening in the 
thick of it. 
Too soon, my trip was over; 
I was so sad to leave. Walking 
through that same airport 
hallway, seeing new gaps in the 
pictures of the hostages — the 
pictures of the released hostag-
es had been removed — was 
especially powerful. 
In December 2023, Elana 
started Bar-Ilan University, 
studying physics and life sci-
ence. And, of course, I’m here, 
living my life, constantly wor-
rying, my heart still in Israel, 
praying for the hostages, the 
soldiers and for peace. 

Jessica Chanofsky is a mom, dog-mom 

and substitute teacher. She lives in Oak 

Park with her husband, Avy. 

ABOVE: Jessica 
Chanofsky volunteers. 
LEFT: Avy Shreiber at a 
volunteer opportunity.

 

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Solution to puzzle in 3/14/24 issue.

1. 
Bissel: A little it
2. 
Chutzpah: real nerve
3. 
Kanipshin: A fit or a tantrum
4. 
Mishegas: One of my favorite Yiddish 
words, personally. It means insanity, 
craziness, or silliness. 
5. 
Schmaltzy: Overly emotional or sentimental.
6. 
Shepping Naches: To feel extremely proud 
of someone
7. 
Schlub: Sloppy dresser. 
8. 
Shpilkes: Impatience, restlessness. 
9. 
Verklempt: Feeling overwhelmed with 
emotions. 
10. Bubuleh! A term of endearment meaning 
sweetheart
11. Keppie: A lighthearted and endearing way 
to refer to a head or forehead
12. Mamosh: Really?

