Jerusalem and Kibbutz Maale Hachamisha.

We moved to a new apartment in Gilo Hei (5) in 1982 where we stayed 3 years and then joined kibbutz Maale Hachamisha in the Judean Hills just above the village of Abu Gosh. The apartment was small but the common areas were huge and I used to say that we lived like millionaires, having a swimming pool, tennis courts, medical and dental services, education and many other activities readily available. The kibbutz is situated in a beautiful area and the grounds were meticulously maintained. The first 2 years we spent there were like living in paradise. Being close to Jerusalem we travelled often to visit Fanny’s family. We also spent many a weekend at Golden Beach in Herzlia Pituach and travelled on organised tours with other kibbutz members within Israel and also to the Sinai Peninsula. We made many friends here too. 

Although Chaim had many questions about Kibbutz life, I never really knew and today, I wonder what his thoughts were, him having been a founder in 1946 but leaving before actually settling on Kibbutz Shuval in the Negev.

Tahel was born early one winter’s morning in our room on the kibbutz. I sometimes joke that her curls come from the short circuit that occurred when her waters broke on the electric blanket.