Understanding the Significance of a Bar Mitzvah

Bar Mitzvah is an Aramaic term which means “son of commandment.” This is the coming-of-age that is referred to in Jewish traditions, in which a boy at age 13 becomes responsible for adhering to Jewish law. The beginning of life to accept religious responsibilities and can perform the important duties of Jewish life. 

 The celebration of the event is important part to the life of their sons. Although its not a religious obligation but many families celebrate the coming age of their sons.   It entails  a religious ceremony, which means a child becomes obligated to the ritual resposibilities of Jewish life. At this celebration he becoming a bar mitzvah. 

Historically, the religious ceremony of bar mitzvah involved the boy's first "aliya" which is the recitation of Torah reading blessings. This is done on the first Torah service following the boy's 13th birthday. Recently, the celebration has become more elaborate and involves more participation from the boy, such as reading all or some of the prayers during weekly Torah services, giving a speech about the Torah reading, and learning the tradtional chant for the weekly Torah part during a weekly Shabbat or Sabbath service. During the ceremony, the family of the bar mitzvah are also often recognized during Torah services.

After the religious celebration, a party or a reception usually follows. Some celebrate this event during the boy’s 13th birthday, instead of preceding the religious ceremony. Friends and relatives are invited to the celebration. It is only recently that parties have become as elaborate as wedding receptions. This is the part of the celebration where you give your mitzvah gift. It is also during this party that the boy, for the first time, can now say the “Birkat Hamazon” or the grace after meals. That prayer cannot be said by younger boys.

Bar mitzvah is a very remarkable stage in a young boy’s life. It is during this time, that he does not only embrace the adult responsibilities of his Jewish faith and begin to follow the commandments. It is also a time to start struggling to become a living Torah himself.

5 Interesting Facts About Bhutan That Makes It A Great Travel Destination

Bhutan is the country's of breathtaking views, beautiful sceneries and landmarks, reserved place of vibrant proud culture, their simple traditional lifestyle, a Buddhist religion and interesting festival celebrations.

Bhutan is a tiny independent kingdom located just between India and China. A country's known to be called  "Land of the Thunder Dragon".This country offers a desiring and inquisitive travel experience. With Bhutan tours they will give you a few interesting things that may take you to your next destination.

1. Breathtaking Views and Mountain Sceneries

Bhutan has a breathtaking views of fertile lands and rugged mountains sceneries. You can find the most  trekking  and mountain climbing  in Northern part in Bhutan. The country's economy is most relying on agriculture and forestry which accounts to more 90% of its people livelihood.

Bhutan has always  very conscious in safeguarding its natural resources as the country's economy is mostly relying on agriculture and forestry which accounts to more 90% of its people's livelihood. That is why vast landmarks can be seen throughout the country accompanied by animal husbandry. You will also appreciated the country's geography since its terrain is dominated by valleys, rivers, forest, and mountains in which Himalayans Mountains are the most popular.

2. Simple traditional and domesticated Lifestyle

 Bhutan preserve its rich cultural heritage and simple traditional lifestyle. This place also greatly reflects of Tibetan culture as Tibet mostly has a sole and direct contact with the kingdom according to Bhutan's history. When you happen to visit local restaurant or any typical houses, you may find that they still use clay pots and pans, and wood to cook food. Internet or cable TVs are rarely circulated around the country and you might even find that homes don't have any television or telephones at all. A visit in this country will let you experience a life filled with solemnity and utmost simplicity

3. Bhutan Religion

Buddhism is the dominant religion of the whole Bhutan population.Their Buddhist faith has played and continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of Bhutan and it's people

With monks and nuns, their religion has made a huge help primarily in preserving Bhutan’s ancient culture and enlightening Bhutan’s people about wisdom, compassion, and loving-kindness. Its richness of the country’s religion can be seen through a few temples like Taktshang and Gangteng Monastery.

4. Festivals and Holidays Celebration

People in Bhutan may be living quietly and with simplicity but still they give importance to the blessings of their environment, the influence of their religion, their government, and so on. That is why they are also seen celebrating and mingling with other people. The Day of Offerings, Losar, Thimphu Drubchen, Thimphu Tsechu, Winter Solstice, Shabdung Kuchoey, and Lord Buddha’s Paranirvana are just some of their yearly celebrations or holidays displaying the richness of their culture.

5. Bhutan Beautiful Landmarks

Most foreign visitors are attracted to Bhutan’s rich landmarks. Some of which are the Textile Museum, Trashichho Dzong, Folk Heritage Museum, the National Memorial Chorten, the Centenary Farmer’s Market, the “Tiger’s Den”, Chele La Pass, Gangteng Monastery, and the Himalaya Mountains.

It is absolutely intriguing how such a small kingdom still happens to survive even with its very simple structures and a struggling culture. Visiting Bhutan will surely a fun and learning and interesting experience.

Looking At The Sky On Friday

Beautiful sunset but weird weather for the summer , cloudy but hot and humid

Mediterranean Sea - Netanya, Israel

More Here @ Crazy Working Mom

Israel Decision on Foreign Workers Children

August 4, 2010 The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv reported to the Department of Foreign  Affairs that the Israeli government has reached a decision to accept the recommendations made by an inter-ministerial committee on the issue of the status of 1,200 children of foreign workers who have their legal status in Israel.

The six guideline that must be met in order for the Israeli government to allow children and their parents to remain in Israel:

1.      The child must have been enrolled in the Israeli school system in the past year;

2.      Said child must be enlisted for the next school year in the first grade or higher;

3.      Said child must have lived at least five years in Israel;

4.      If born in another country, the child must have entered Israel before the age of 13;

5.      The child must be a Hebrew speaker; and,

6.      The parents of the child entered Israel using a valid visa.

According to the Israel government's announcement, it is estimated that out of the 1,200 children who have fallen in this category, 800 would most likely qualify while the remaining 400 children might not meet the criteria. The Embassy anticipates that many Filipino children would be eligible under the newly issued guidelines and has given applicants a period of 21 days to file their application at the Ministry of Interior. For its part, the Embassy is ready to facilitate the issuance of necessary legal documents to all applicants. In anticipation of the possible surge in the number of applicants during the 21 day period, the Embassy has set up task force in the Consular section specifically to address the needs of these children. 

On the 400 applicants whose applications might be denied and while the exact number of Filipino children is not yet known, the Embassy reported that the Israeli government has emphasized that these disqualified applicants will be departing Israel with dignity and be treated humanely. News report said that this ruling will cover children of migrant workers of Chinese, Thai and Filipino nationalities and among others.

Based on previous deportation cases, individuals are allowed to pack their belongings and leave quietly.  Also, the Israeli government shoulders their plane fare.  Deportees may also appeal the ruling with the courts.

The new policy affects children of foreign workers who arrived legally and then started families.  Under Israeli law, their children are not automatically granted residency status. 

 More report to read  here.

Scenic Sunday - Netanya Seashore

During my afternoon walk by the beach at Netanya, Israel

Discover Red Wine Health Benefits

Are you a  wine lover? Specifically red wine. Not yet? , then start drinking moderately, at least one glass a day and discover red wine benefits for our health.

Benefits of Red Wine


1. Good for bones- help build stronger  stronger bones.
2. Moderate consumption of red wine reduces stroke.
3. Best medication for common colds and respiratory ailments.
4. Resveratrol a substance presenting red wine helps to protect against Alzheimer's by preventing beta-amyloid protein which creates the plaque found in Alzheimer sufferer's brain.
5. Red wine slow down the process of dimentia.
6. Red wine kills the ulcer causing bacteria.
7. Prevents coronary heart disease.

Planning For A Short Weekend Holiday

I don't want to miss the beauty in Israel before I'm going home. So,  I plan for a short weekend trip somewhere in one of National Park in Israel. Where I can enjoy spa,massaging,  kayaking, or can have a little adventure.

I have two choices, eventually one is in  Kfar Blum - located at Upper Galilee where you can experience the magical river adventure, walk, climb and squeeze a high rope adventure and can tour the Galilee through bike cycling. 

Kayaking Adventure

Top-Rope Adventure

Cycling Fun

 The second , is at Hamat Gader - located near the Sea of Galilee in Israel. Here you can have a wide range of therapies and massages to sooth and relax your body and mind. You can have bathing at the hot springs and you can have different selection of attractions in Hamat Gader Park. From alligator park, the parrot show, mini wildlife reserve and petting zoo.

Thermomineral Water Pool

 Spa Village Hotel

 The Alligator

 The Parrots

Massage

                                                                

Dead Sea - The Lowest Point On The Earth Surface

The Dead Sea is called the  Salt Lake  .The most saline lakes in the world. The surface of the Dead Sea is over 1,300 feet below sea level. The very bottom of the sea is the deepest part , is over 2,300 feet below sea level. The Dead Sea is completely landlocked ang gets saltier when increasing depth. The surface fed by the River Jordan is the least saline. Down to 130 feet ( 40 meters), the seawater comprises about 300 grams of salt per kilogram of sea water. Salt precipitates out and piles up on the bottom of the sea

Taken this file of salt during my holiday in the Dead Sea

Grand Tulip Hotel, we stayed in

There are no fish or any kind of swimming creatures living in or near the Dead Sea water. What you can see on the shores of the Sea is white, crystals of salt covering everything. No ordinary salt, either. The salt in the Dead Sea are mineral salts, just like you find in the oceans of the world. The water in the Dead Sea is deadly to most living things.

It's me floating

Dead Sea is deadly to most living things but not for us humans. It is remarkably adaptable to human. We can swim, eventually floating. You cannot make breast stroke or back stroke because salt water is bad for the eyes. Mostly people hang-out, have a chat while enjoying floating. That what so cool about the Dead Sea. Because of the extremely high concentration of dissolved mineral salts in the water, its density is way more than that of plain fresh water. I really just floating. ^_^

Ein Gedi

Ein Gedi Falls

Last year, I had an opportunity to visit of one of the most exciting places in Israel, the Ein Gedi. It is an oasis in the desert and green Garden of Eden in the wilderness. It is situated on the shore of the Dead Sea - the lowest part on Earth - at the feet of majestic mountains and cliffs.

Overlooking to the Dead Sea

Ein Gedi combines a wild natural setting with a primeval panorama, history and archeology, tourist attractions and spas. Its unique climate and atmosphere make it a place for a unique desert adventure.

Ein Gedi contains the historical and archeological remains of its first inhabitants, who discovered the magic place more than 5,000 years ago it has also served as a landmark in the history of the Jewish people throughout history. David took refuge in Ein Gedi when he was pursued by King Saul, and rebels fled there from Jerusalem. Valuable persimmon oil and rare perfumes were produce there, and temples and synagogues were established here to strengthen the Jewish stronghold in the area.

Ein Gedi has an international reputation as a health spa. Tourist from all over the world come there to take advantage of the hot springs, mineral waters, and mud baths, and to enjoy the desert climate, bathe in the healing waters of the Dead Sea, and breathe healthful bromide-filled air.

Ein Gedi is an ideal place to become familiar with the desert and its hidden wonders. Nature reserves that have water flowing through them throughout the year. Rivers run through deep canyons surrounded by lush vegetation a sharp contrast to the surrounding desert.

More entries here for Watery Wednesday

Sources: Israel Tourism

I Love Sunset

I shoot these photo when I had a walk by the beach during those times that I felt sad and only. And this is one of my favorite. It was calm and peaceful afternoon walk.

Netanya, Israel

In Jewish Religion , Shabath officially begins at sunset, not it gets dark, so no amount of clouds can bring in Shabath earlier. That being said, Jewish communities actually do have the custom of lighting Shabath candles 18 minutes before sunset. These 18 minutes provide a grace period for watches and clocks set to slightly different times, ensuring that no one begins Shabath any later that the actual sunset.

For more Scenic Sunday click the badge below: 

Live In Caregiver Duties and Responsibilities

Before everyone get confused, I know some of you are. ^-^ Just want to make it clear that I am a live-in caregiver. Maybe you noticed also that I mentioning here "nursing home". Yes, because I was employed with an old lady who lived in a retirement home. So, I was with her for about four years and unfortunately she died at the age of one hundred one and half. (101.5).

When I was living with her in a retirement home , I was also a live in caregiver, works only with one person privately. A huge difference when I was there are  I didn't do any cooking, no cleaning, no laundry. The home provide everything. She even have a woman who showered her everyday and give her breakfast.  My  sole responsibility is to look after my patient with love and care. 

Unlike today  I'm  a live in caregiver  to a lady (Sara) living in her own apartment by herself.  I have to do all the household work. In short "yaya ni lola" I have to do the food shopping, I have to cook for her, to clean the house, do the laundry, ironing and etc.. even entertaining visitors. But I'm happy because I can practice my cooking and also I have a private room wherein I can have my privacy. The job is not difficult eventually, I'm  always in holiday. I sit with her every  morning by the pool or I can swim and use the pool if I want too and I have an afternoon rest for 2 hours before tea time. A wonderful job that I have difficulty to give it up.

Fundamentally, a caregiver provides compassion, care and assistance to those who need help in everyday living. Thus, caregiver should have patience, understanding, and compassionate. I have listed few duties and responsibilities as a caregiver based on my experience. 

Personal Care :

1. Assist in shower and personal hygiene

2. Provide personal grooming, nails, hair and oral care.

3. If the patient is in the wheelchair - transfer her/him from bed to wheelchair.

4. Toileting assistance and incontinent care.

5. Encourage activities in accordance to patient's needs and capabilities.

Health Care

1. Make an appointment if patient's needs to see a doctor.

2. Report of sudden changes of the patient's physical mental or emotional health to his/her family or if your in a retirement home, report it to the nurse on duty.

3. Provide good skin care and avoid bed sores.

4. Give the right medication according to doctor prescription.

Household Management :

1. Maintain the cleanliness of the patient's house or apartment.

2. Make the patient bed and change the bed sheet regularly.

3. Wash and dry the patient's clothes regularly.

4. Wash the dishes and all kitchen utensils.

5. Do food shopping and etc.. 

Changes or Things To Be Aware Off:

1. If your patient's has a high blood pressure - Be sure to check her/his blood pressure regularly and report it quickly if there is high and low changes. 

2. Changes in Blood Sugar

3. If the patient falls

4. Swelling part of the body

5. Vomiting

6. Confusion and Hallucination

My New Template

Hello dear friends!

You might think your lost asking "Where am I?" "Is these the blog I visited before?" Yes, it is the same blog.

 I got tired looking with my old template and I find it so messy too ( katag ang arrangement). So, with my new template, it gives cool viewing and friendly background.  Hope you agree with me. I started loving it now and I hope it will be my stable layout.

Keep visiting and thank you all!:)

Netanya Beach

Netanya beaches is the most  desirable tourist attraction. It has one of the longest costlines in Israel, with some of the best beaches. A day in the beach is always a good option , especially during those hot summer days.

Here are some scenic views I took yesterday on the beach.

 outside the red flag sign is a danger zone area

For more scenic views click the Scenic Sunday badge:

The Voice of Reason

She is 92 years old, petite, well poised, and proud. She is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair fashionably coiffed, and her make up perfectly applied, in spite of the fact she is legally blind.

Today, she has moved to a nursing home. Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making this moved necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home,  as I was asked to accompany her, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready. As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided the visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet curtains that had been hung on her window.

I love it, she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight year old having just been presented with a new puppy. Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room.. just wait, I said. Then she spoke these words that I will never forget; "That does not have anything to do with it she said gently. Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged. It is how I arranged my mind. I have already decided to love it." "It is a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice. I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body had no longer work, or can get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do work. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes is open, I will focus on the new day and all the happy memories I have stored away... just for the time in my life"

In addition , she said "old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you have already put in. And she believed that the background of circumstances may influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become".

With what she said , I realized that she is a very optimistic, and strong woman. She didn't fell sorry of what she got. In fact she accepted it with all her heart. I wish all the people are like her. But it's not, everybody is different.

Tel Aviv - Open Minded City in the Middle East

Tel Aviv is the most modern and westernized place in Israel. Jerusalem is the official capital and the religiuos capital, but Tel Aviv is the center of economic, cultural and social life. Known for their liberation and open minded City in the Middle East. 

When you walk the streets at night you can hardly imagine you are in the holy land. Sidewalk cafes give the city a  European flavor, especially in the areas with buildings. Shopping at the enclosed Dizengoff Center is pleasant. Tel Aviv is also the business center of Israel, and has the largest percentage of young people. Jaffa is the old arabic part of Tel Aviv. It is much older (Tel Aviv was founded in 1909) and is now some sort of the Quartier Latin of the city. Although it has many small and trendy boutiques it still retains some of its flavour as an arabic city. The best reason to come to Tel Aviv is to have a good time, the nightlife is great, there are good restaurants, there are so many shops, the beaches are wonderful and there is always something going on. 

A good place for trendy shopping would be Sheinkin street; Kikar Hamedina is known for its upscale (and expensive) shops; and Azriely center, Ramat Aviv mall and Dizengoff center would answer all your shopping mall needs. Alternatively, you can check out Shuk HaCarmel, a large street market held daily on Carmel St. Bazel and Rotschild streets have the best coffee places; Allenby, Lilienblum streets and the Tel Aviv port is where you'll find all night parties and bars; and you shouldn't miss the beach - for sunbathing and babe watching. Watch the attached video ^-^

Vacation Paradise - Miami Florida

With money you can buy honey - you can go anywhere , whenever you want too. That was the life of my old lady on her early senior years. She and her husband used to have a vacation in Miami Florida. According to her, Miami Florida is like a paradise. Blessed with mild weather and incomparable beaches. A number one  choice for an active travelers of all ages and skill levels, wherein you can do everything such as diving, fishing, boating, or any water sports that you might interested. With my interest with this place, Sara's information wasn't enough. So, I did further research and I found at ehow.com and miami.abouut.com on some things to do in Miami.

10 Things to do in Miami, Florida

1. Visit Metrozoo -  Animals enjoy a free-range atmosphere in the cageless MetroZoo, where residents are sorted by geographic territory. Miami climate provides ideal habitat conditions for animals hailing from Asia, Australia and Africa. Home to white tigers, gibbons, Cuban crocodiles, lions, bears and a komodo dragon, the zoo offers hands-on-activities including the Samburu Giraffe Feeding Station, where you come to face-to-face with the tallest animal in the world.

2. South Beach - South Beach is the quintenssential Miami hot spot. From shopping to partying, this are of Miami Beach is well-known for being a trendy locale.

Heading to the shores of Miami beaches and along harbors and canals allows tourists to catch sight of manatees in the wild. At the intersection of Old Cutler Road, Sunset Drive and Douglas Road, Coral Gables offers a decent location for viewing the herbivore known as the sea cow. Other sites in the wild to consider include Black Point Marina, Oleta Park and Dante Fascell Visitor Center. For an indoor experience, the Miami Seaquarium offers a manatee exhibit in the Celebrity Pool with above and underwater viewing.

Read more: 10 Things to Do in Miami | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_5481685_things-do-miami.html#ixzz0t7n0Kg59

Heading to the shores of Miami beaches and along harbors and canals allows tourists to catch sight of manatees in the wild. At the intersection of Old Cutler Road, Sunset Drive and Douglas Road, Coral Gables offers a decent location for viewing the herbivore known as the sea cow. Other sites in the wild to consider include Black Point Marina, Oleta Park and Dante Fascell Visitor Center. For an indoor experience, the Miami Seaquarium offers a manatee exhibit in the Celebrity Pool with above and underwater viewing.

Read more: 10 Things to Do in Miami | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_5481685_things-do-miami.html#ixzz0t7n0Kg59

3. Seaquarium - The Miami Seaquarium is located right in the middle of the tourist area, on the causeway between downtown Miami and Miami Beach. It's a fabulous stop where you can witness an outdoor aquarium experience that's only possible in our tropical. Be sure to budget enough time to spend at least a half a day there.

4. Miami Beaches - Miami's beaches offer a great opportunity to get some exercise or just enjoy some time in the sun.

5. Everglades - With 1.5 million of swamps, saw- grass prairies and sub-tropical jungles. Everglades National Park is one of the most unusual public park in the United States. Located on the southern tip of Florida, the park is home to 14 rare and endangered species, including the American Crocodile, the Florida panther and the Western Indian Manatee. A large portion of the park is primitive, explored only by adventurist and researchers- but visitors have ample opportunity to walk, camp and canoe.

6. Miami Museum of Science - Check out the latest kid-friendly exhibits at the Miami Museum of Science. You're bound to find a learning adventure for the whole family. The museum is home to the Bird of Prey Research Center and the Weintraub Observatory.

 7. Miami Children Museum - If you have kids (or just like to act like them!), the Miami Children's Museum is a must-see destination. Their motto of "Play, Learn, Imagine, Create" shines through in the wide variety of interactive exhibits that allow children to explore everything from a supermarket to a television studio, picking up valuable lessons along the way.

8. Parrot Jungle Islannd -  Parrot Jungle offers visitors a fun, educational opportunity to get an up-close look at tropical birds in replicas of their natural habitats. The attraction routinely hosts field trips and offers frequent educational programs.

9. Monkey Jungle - "Where the humans are caged and the monkeys run wild" - it's more than a catch-phrase. Monkey Jungle in southern Miami-Dade County is a truly unique park. While homo sapiens walk through carefully constructed wire pathways, many species of primates scamper above your head, swing through trees and interact with each other in ways difficult to observe in captivity. Keep your eyes open; you never know who's hanging around!

 10. Coral Castle - Coral Castle is truly a monument to the uniqueness of Miami! This attractions was built by a Latvian-born Miami resident named Ed Leedskalnin as a monument to his lover. After 28 years of effort, he introduced his 1100-ton coral creation to the world. It's a bit of a trip from downtown, but well worth the time.

Spectacular Canadian Cities

Canada is always my dream. A dream that hopefully someday it will come true. ^-^

Why I love Canada? I never been in these country but I heard so much about Canada through my friends who are living and working there. Aside from the stories they were telling me I did further research in these country and  I found interesting facts that you might want to know. Thanks for gocanada.about.com.

Canada is a country of  outstanding natural beauty. They has a wide variety of landscapes,  the mountains, the prairies, lakes and rivers with many national and provincial parks to protect the habitats.

I have listed spectacular Canadian cities, the most popular destination for visitors.  Although it's doubtful you'll get all of them in one trip.

Vancouver

Is a great to visit if you love the outdoors, but also wants the convenience and benefits of beauty

Calgary

It has a youngest population in the country - and they're always up for an adventure

Niagara Falls

A falls that situated in Ontario, Canada, the most powerful falls in North America. It is probably known as a honeymoon destination, attracting million of newlyweds or just plain romantic couple each year 

Toronto

Canada's largest city and financial center. Comparable to Chicago or New York in that all are big, lively, multicultural cities that offer a lot to Visitors.

Ottowa 

Canada's capital, sits on the border between the provinces of Ontario and Quebec in Central Canada. It's a home to eight national museums, store houses of Canadian culture.

Montreal

Is a unique among cities in North America, comparable perhaps to New Orleans in the depth and the pervasiveness of European history.  Visitors can enjoy a modern city with all conveniences , outstanding shopping and dining but also get a taste of Europe and glimpse back  Canada's rich French heritage in Old Montreal.

Quebec City

A provincial capital, steeped in history and European in flavor. The Old town is the only fortified city north of Mexico in North America and is a world heritage site. 

Halifax

A region has an exciting variety of sights, and attraction. Nature has blessed this area with sandy beaches, rugged shorelines, and colorful gardens.

Victoria

Intimate sophisticated seaside city, is the vacation capital of Canada and the premiere tourist spot in the Pacific Northwest.