Great Grandma Ruth

Mommy always taught me that the best way to share emotions is by writing.  

Great Grandma Ruth, I feel so blessed to have grown up with Great Grandparents, and to have shared 22 years of my life with you. I have so many memories, you always smiled when we came in even when you weren't in the mood for company. The carpet in your apartment, just sitting on the couch not necessarily talking the whole time, but enjoying each others company. Looking at pictures with you, ordering Chinese and eating supper with you. NOT moving the chairs out of their indents, or the eggs out of place. I loved being able to take you to the doctor or to the beauty shop, showing off that I have a Great Grandma who always "wants to do things by herself". You always said what was on your mind- every time I put mousse in my hair you would tell me it looks like spaghetti- so I stopped moussing my hair. You never liked the color of my nails, or toe nails. Most importantly the weekly Friday phone calls. I looked forward to telling you what I have been doing, and updating you on my life. Grandma, you always cared, you remembered where I was and what I was doing. You knew what was going on in my life probably more than a lot of my friends. The phone calls weren't ever too long, but always enough to share stories and tell you that I love you. I told you I would come visit and show you pictures, and you would always ask when I am coming because you miss me and wish I was there.

I know you were 98 and ready to die, but I don't think I was ready for you to go. I still haven't told you about the rest of my trip. I always thought I would one day introduce my husband to you, it was kind of a dream I always had, and I haven't done that yet. Somehow in my mind you were ever lasting. You were going to be with me forever. At 98 so sharp, loving, caring, funny, understanding. I would tell all my friends about you, so proud to have a relationship with my 98 year old Great Grandmother. I am so lucky to have had such a good relationship with you without even living so close by.

 I wish I was there to say a proper good-bye. I thank Hashem for not making you suffer and I know you are happy now with Great Grandpa looking down at all your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. I hope and pray that one day I will live to have such a life filled with nachat and family all around who love and care about me. You will always have a special place in my heart. You taught me a lot about the importance of family and keeping in touch and I thank you for caring so much every time we spoke! I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU. 

Love always, your #1 Great Granddaughter,  Malka B.

WINTER CAMP!

For the first time EVER in Bnei Akiva Cape Town history we got 50 kids on our Winter camp!!!
Usually there are about 10 kids from all grades and this time we succeeded in getting 50 kids just from grades 3-6, and 20 for the Winter Camp next week from grades 7-9.

I just wanted to share my excitement on how far we have come, Bnei Akiva really has grown since Shani and I arrived and hopefully it will keep growing.

These kids are really starting to be proud of being apart of such an amazing Youth movement and I think that this was an incredible way to end off my Shlichut in Cape Town.
 I am not leaving yet, but working with the Madrichim (counselors) who are so passionate about the movement and really building connections with these kids, I know I am leaving Bnei Akiva in good hands. 

This winter camp was a success for everyone. The kids had a blast, the parents are happy and most important the leaders of the movement are proud of what they are doing!
 

Group Photo!!

I <3 Bnei Akiva... written by one of the kids

Family trip

Dov, Nechama, Elysheva and I bought tickets for Mommy and Abba for their anniversary to come travel and visit me in South Africa. We had always planned to send them somewhere exotic for their 25 anniversary and this way we were able to kill two birds with one stone. A trip to the beautiful South Africa and then a visit with ME!!!
We surprised Elysheva as I am sure you all know with a ticket as well so she came along for the trip!!

Garden route

We had an amazing trip. I really enjoyed showing them around, my house, shul, the people, and just everything about were I have been living on my own for the past 10 months.
Although the weather wasn't 100% we dodged the rain drops and really had a great time. After being in Cape Town we started our big trip up whats called "The garden route". We drove from Cape Town along the coast to Port Elizabeth.
The drive is BEAUTIFUL, the animals, the scenery, and the mountains are breath taking.

We stopped along the way at different fun animal parks, beautiful scenic spots, pet cheetahs, tigers, monkeys, adopted a hippo, rode an elephant, saw baboons and ostriches on the side of the road, and really just had the best time!
The beauty that you experience here really is hard to explain. You have to experience it for yourself to understand.


We spent Shabbat with the Edelmans, and on Sunday drove to a game drive and saw lots of animals! We even saw a lion and a rhino, usually they are really hard to see so we got lucky!!!

I SPY A LION

I spy 2 rhinos

 After such an incredible trip it was a bit hard to say good-bye. It is very easy to forget how much I miss being home, being with family reminded me how much I really needed them around.

This trip was definitely one to remember and making memories like these with family is SO important, I really thank Hashem for such an amazing opportunity.

Cape Point

That way to Jerusalem

Petting a cheetah

The elephant ride

out in the middle of a game reserve

The waterfront (the harbor)

Cape Point

Cape Point