Dear Colleagues, My son's ceremony for the completion of basic training brought me to the far north yesterday. On the way there we saw the overwhelming pillars of smoke blackening the Carmel area, and on the way back we passed - speeding in the direction opposite us, all of the fire-fighting vehicles from around the country rushing to try to help. When we returned from the long journey, like most of you probably I watched the valiant efforts of the fire fighters trying to squelch the flames - with about as much effectiveness as if they were shooting it with a water-pistol. The forces of nature have reminded us how humbling they can be. I know what it is like to have to leave my home and feel there is nowhere to go- during Cast Lead my Gaza-strip environed kibbutz was not a safe or pleasant place to be. It is Hannuka, and kids are on vacation - and many of you - like me- probably have no family in Israel so if any of my colleagues out there need to get away from the smoke-filled Carmel area and have no place to go, I can offer 4 beds in two rooms and clean air. (Sorry - my house is NOT kosher - but I could get paper plates and work that one out). The up side: if you were planning on attending ETAI< I am only 30 minutes from Beer Sheva! So - you know how to contact me - my house is open to you. Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom and hoping and praying that you and your homes are all safe. Yours, Adele Laugh and the world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone. ----------------------------------------------- ** Etni homepage - http://www.etni.org ** for help - ask@xxxxxxxx ** ** to post to this list - etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ** -----------------------------------------------