levavot: March 2009

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

27. A Whole Looking for its Other Half

magnet, Ramat Gan, Bar Ilan University

Last night I discovered that my flight to the States leaves tonight, and not tomorrow as I had thought. In a nutshell, I have a ton to do in very little time - Yikes!

This heart was a blessing, as it literally came to me. I was surprised, excited, and extremely touched when my friend Shira took this heart magnet out of her wallet as a gift for me. I love that while this magnet is looking for its other half, the heart remains whole on its own.

Shira's heart is invested in Hostel Nathan, a rehabilitative community for mentally disabled adults in Ramat Gan. The hostel is currently undergoing renovations, and is in need of plants, art work for the walls, and curtains. If you would like to contribute to this project please contact Shira: 0524-618-338

Monday, March 30, 2009

26. Risky Business

schnitzel, Modiin

Each time we let the possibility of love in we are at risk of drowning, or having our heart broken. This heart is playing it safe, but is still in the game.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

25. Just Married

deflated 'Just Married' helium balloons on stand, on sidewalk Tel Aviv

In life and love things change. The sadness I felt when I first saw these deflated Just Married balloons seems to reflect the the difficulty we have in accepting inevitable change. When life is going as we want, it is natural for us to want things to remain as they are. But, without change there is no growth. These hearts make me think that perhaps we do not need to mourn the end of something blissful, but rather celebrate it – for not much can be built in the sky. These balloons must come down, just as the couple must be well grounded to build up.

If you are planning a wedding in Israel and are in need of invitations and albums, I recommend you check out http://www.wedding-design.co.il/

For a photographer who is talented and works from the heart http://www.arnoldbear.com/

Saturday, March 28, 2009

24. Urban-Organic

recycled paper and ink, street art, Tel Aviv

This morning, as Hugo sniffed the latest news of a new part of the city, I was on my own treasure hunt searching for more of these organic voluptuous figures made of old news. This was the first, and then I discovered a score all over the neighborhood, each uniquely different. I love this one - sexy, romantic, girly and nerdy, she is stuck on a post, clutching her heart, as though waiting to be admired by anyone who bothers to look. This anonymous artist made my morning.

Friday, March 27, 2009

23. Heart-to-Heart

box of chocolate, Gedera

Visiting Ronnie's new home in Gedera- I am welcomed with Stimpy howling and running circles in the yard, Shadow jumping on me, and then given this heart shaped box of chocolates. Now I am going to love and leave you all as we are going to have some wine, more chocolate (these are yummy), and one of our infamous heart-to-hearts.

Ronnie's heart cares about Kvutzat Shekulo Tov (The group of all good) - an organization that helps mentally challenged people. You can purchase products made by them on the following site http://www.s-tov.org.il/

Thursday, March 26, 2009

22. Rare Enough to Break the Rules

straight flush of hearts, Tel Aviv

Yes, I promised a heart found on the day of the post, but these hearts sent to me by Lior yesterday evening squeezed their way into my blog today. This straight flush of hearts has come to teach me, and perhaps you the reader, something priceless: There are always exceptions to the rule, the secret to knowing when is if it feels exceptionally worth it – and in this case for me it definitely does!
Just as in poker, perhaps we can fool the other, but we cannot fool ourselves. These hearts beg us to splurge, to stretch our boundaries, just make sure it feels good!

Lior's heart cares about WIZO (Women's International Zionist Organization). To find out how you can get involved http://www.towizo.org/htmls/Home.aspx

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

21. Shiny Happy People

Breslev sign, Bnei Brak

This heart reads 'Breslev'. When I asked people today what they knew about the Breslev, the common reply was the "happy people".

After a bit of research I discovered that Breslev is a branch of Hasidic Judaism founded by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, Ukraine. The followers of this movement strive to develop a joyous and intense closeness with G-d without any intermediaries, and thus often appear super happy, jumping up and down, singing and dancing.

Interestingly, the original name is Breslov, but many spell it Breslev, as 'lev' in Hebrew translates to heart - how appropriate!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

20. Let's Talk about Sex Baby

chocolate cake, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan

This is what the end of the day looks like for students of sex therapy.

This heart was made with love by a student's daughter before leaving for her honeymoon - Mazal Tov Sorina!

Monday, March 23, 2009

19. Tradition, Tradition!

matzah in oven, Modiin

This morning little bodies draped in oversized plastic aprons and chef hats, rolled balls of dough and then pricked their flat creations to prevent the dough from rising. (The whole scene was too cute for words).

This heart loves that the Jewish tradition of eating matzah is being passed over to the next generation.

To help families in need who cannot afford a holiday meal (or to eat in general) http://www.tabletotable.org.il/english/

Sunday, March 22, 2009

18. Tree of Life

Carving on tree, Park Hayarkon, Tel Aviv

Perhaps we are not immortal, but the love we find never dies.

This heart will forever be etched in time. I wonder what happened to Zohar and Sarah.

Help maintain Israel's green spaces by purchasing a tree in honor of someone you love https://secure2.convio.net/jnf/site/Ecommerce?store_id=3181&VIEW_DEFAULT=true&FOLDER=&TYPE=Tree%20Certificates&NAME=

Saturday, March 21, 2009

17. Look What I Spotted

dalmatian, Tel Aviv beach

After many hours at the beach I spotted this loveable, huggable, and very energetic ball of love. Pythgoras, named after the Greek mathematician, wears the simple equation for love all over his body. After licking me all over Pythgoras sat patiently as I took this picture. This loyal heart is all love!

So many animals are not as fortunate as Pythgoras. For more on how you can help animals in Israel http://www.sospets.co.il/16641/_About_SOS_Pets_Association

Friday, March 20, 2009

16. Coffee with Milk

mug, Herzeliya

Love needs darkness - This heart joined me as I learned to see in the dark.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

15. The Giving Tree

leaves on tree, Haifa

My gorgeous friend Daniela surprised me today and warmed my heart when she sent me this picture which she took near her home.

My concept is beginning to work - Others are seeing the love around them - The love is spreading!

I have asked Daniela to provide me with a link to an organization that speaks to her heart so the love can keep spreading http://www.yuvalim.org/ check it out!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

14. When The Student is Ready the Teacher will Come

therapeutic card, at conference Ramat Efal

An angel is speaking to me through people and images

I am on the right path

This heart is my witness

For more on therapeutic cards http://www.itzikcards.co.il/

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

13. In-To-Me-See

Hanging in shop window, Tel Aviv

This heart reflects intimacy.

Monday, March 16, 2009

12. The Answer is Blowing in the Wind

Pinwheel, Plant nursery in Tel Aviv

All you need is a little bit of patience.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

11. Clean Up!

gum on pavement, Tel Aviv

If you're feeling stuck in life, don't give up - there's always room for change. This heart believes we can clean up our world!

For more on how to help Israel's environment:

http://www.sviva.gov.il/bin/en.jsp?enPage=e_BlankPage&enDisplay=view&enDispWhat=Zone&enDispWho=e_ngo&enZone=e_ngo

Saturday, March 14, 2009

10. Naturally High

Cloud, Givat Yishayahu

At an art, food and wine festival with two of my closest girlfriends, Megi and Miri, surrounded by absolute beauty in nature. I took a moment to myself and was moved to tears when I saw this bloated heart in the sky.

It began to rain when we drove home.

Friday, March 13, 2009

9. Happy Birthday!

Balloon, Rishon Letzion

These balloons covered with messages of happy birthday in Hebrew and English were found in an empty room, as though quietly waiting to wish their receiver a happy birthday.

I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon them, and elated to read the message inscribed on the heart floating above, "Yesterday, Today, Always". This heart reminds us that we can love and be loved at any and every age - Now there's a reason to celebrate!

I wish to dedicate this post to Hugo who turns 6 today and my father who turns 70 tomorrow! For anyone reading this who has a birthday - Mazal Tov!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

8. Being

Detail on bridge, Park Hayarkon, Tel Aviv

This magical bridge connecting the two sides of the Yarkon river is riddled with hollowed hearts. Each one seems to beg of us to stop and enjoy the view as we seek to connect.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

7. Love Reborn

Chest Hair, Tel Aviv

Raafat Hattab is an openly gay Palestinian performing artist and photographer. Today I had the honor of being in his studio as he and his team recreated Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, where he stands as Venus, The Roman Goddess of Love.
I was sure Raafat had shaved his chest for the picture, and was surprised to find that this heart is all natural - In fact, nobody noticed it until I pointed it out.
While this heart nearly went unseen, its message is blatantly clear: True love knows no boundaries and does not discriminate.

Keep a look out for the final product of this work. I saw the making of, and there is so much more for you to see. For more on Raafat Hattab http://www.alfredgallery.com/raffat/index.html

Goni Riskin is the photographer who was kind enough to provide me with this image. http://www.goniriskin.com/

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

6. We must Fall to Fall in Love

Fallen leaf, Tel Aviv

Aliyah literally means ascent, and refers to Jewish immigration to Israel.
This heart made me think of the irony: oleh (immigrant) sounds like Aleh (leaf) – when we ascend, like leaves we will fall.

This heart beautifully suggests that we must fall to fall in love.

Monday, March 9, 2009

The Original 5

The following 5 heart images are from the previous site and have moved with me

5. Peace and Comfort

bean bag shop, Jaffa, March 9, 2009

In the port city of Jaffa Christians, Jews and Muslims live together in peace. Walking around I found this great bean bag shop which lures you in with its brightly colored fabrics and comfy bean bags in all shapes and sizes. I was delighted to find heart-shaped bean bag pillows amongst the peace and comfort.
(for more info on the bean bag shop http://www.milega.co.il/ )

4. Mishloach Manot and International Women's Day

Mishloach Manot, Rishon Letzion, March 8, 2009

Customarily mishloach manot are gifts exchanged ensuring that everyone has enough food for the Purim feast. This heart wishes the receiver of the mishloach manot a Happy Purim.
I love that in place of the standard food and drink this gift satisfies the woman’s sexual appetite - Happy International Women’s Day!

3. Good Deed Day

Advert at a bus stop, Tel Aviv, March 7, 2009

This wonderful ad using the Israeli flag, replaces the star of David with a heart and encourages us to give back to the country.
The message reads:
Good Deed Day
March 25, 2009
You are invited to do a good deed close to your heart.
For info: 1-700-505-202
http://www.ruachtova.org.il/
The site connects you with organizations that help others - very cool!

2. The Key to Unlock the Heart

Hanging in a school, Rishon Letzion, March 6, 2009

The message reads:
During the year and every month during that month we will learn a value and we will behave in a way to nurture it. Through body language, words and actions we will open our partner’s hearts.
*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2009. All Rights Reserved

1. Touch Wood

detail on gate, Tel Aviv, March 5, 2009