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?