In search of the Yellow Stripe (Version 2.0)

We've been homebodies of late. Not patricularly sure why, it just happened. Last weekend was Purim. For those who've never had the pleasure, Purim is another archetypal Jewish holiday, (They tried to kill us, we survived, let's eat.) The occasion is marked by carnivals where everyone dresses up in costume and by Purim spiels. Purim spiels are plays that come in a variety of styles and we witnessed the gamut from cute and funny to pompous and self-righteous.

Another element of the holiday is the ritual baking of the Hamentaschen. This task involves spending several hours of slaving over a hot oven, then creating delicious little pastries. Rebecca had two helpers, including Esther Aliah.


Copious amounts of these treats are produced, then put in containers and shared with neighbours and friends. These neighbours and friends also slave for hours making Hamantaschen and give some to you. That way everyone ends up with far more goodies than they can possibly want.

Rami and Esther are so photogenic we couldn't possibly leave it at just one picture.


People sure are busy these days and the West Berkeley OHDS/CBI community has been a huge help to us over the last two years. Sometimes we have guests during the week. Here's Rami and Eli T, who's a year ahead of Rami at OHDS.



One of Rami's main after school activities for the last year has been Karate classes at a local Dojo. Rami passed his first test last summer (one yellow stripe) and has been preparing for his second test. Rami's half sister Ilana has also been taking classes but is a little further along. On Friday both of them had a test at the same time, Rami trying to earn his second yellow stripe and Ilana tryng to earn her yellow belt. How did they fare?

Was there ever any doubt?