levavot: April 2009

Thursday, April 30, 2009

57. Heart of an Angel

engraving on tomb stone, cemetary, Ramat Hasharon

This heart belongs to an incredible soul,who in life was all heart - I miss her tremendously.

As I walked away I noticed so many hearts of different materials and sizes on the ground - I truely believe I have gained an angel.

In her memory: (awaiting link)

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

56. Symbolically Connected

chalk on pavement, Givataiim

The smell of BBQ is symbolic of the Yom Haatzmaut (Independence Day) feast. Today, as I arrived at the BBQ I attended, I spotted some more symbols which are celebrated and loved.

This chalk heart appears especially connected to the other symbols on this day - much as the nation is connected via the symbolic feast.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

55. Independence!

graffiti, Tel Aviv

This evening begins Israel's Indpendence Day - 61 Years!

As we prepare to celebrate independence, I see this graffiti heart as representing our independence - an open heart, ready to be filled with whatever it chooses to let in - now that's the power of independence that we never need to let go of!

Happy Birthday Israel!

Monday, April 27, 2009

54. Yom Hazikaron

shadow of moving leaves on wall, Tel Aviv

This evening at 8:00 there will be a one minute long siren heard throughout Israel during which Israelis will stand in silence to commemorate its fallen soldiers. As Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day) is about to begin I find it ironic that I should find today's heart in a shadow on a wall.

While this heart-shaped shadow is intangible, it is very real to anyone looking at it, much like the the spirits of those who have passed.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

53. If You Love Someone Set Them Free

bicycle lock, Tel Aviv

This lock, secured to a bench, forms a heart shape as its other half roams freely. This heart seems to express that if you love someone set them free - if they are meant to return they will. In any event this heart appears optimistic.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

52. Sweet and Healthy

raisin, Tel Aviv

Nothing compares to a Saturday brunch in Tel Aviv, where the city is both lazy and vibrant at the same time - I just love it! Today I shared this moment with my darling friend Megi. As I looked down at my granola, I found this plump, heart shaped raisin which sweetly reminded me that moments like these are healthy for your heart.

Friday, April 24, 2009

51. Recycling is in Vogue

decoration on plastic bottle recycling cage, Tel Aviv

In the past few years Israel has gotten more involved in environmental issues, and with that came the yellow, metal plastic bottle recycling cages. This one was placed infront of designer clothing shops, and seems to have become a sort of outdoor mannequin, as it wears the style of the clothing found in the stores.

This heart looks really happy as it tells us that recycling is in vogue!

Tovale's heart would love to beautify the city streets and have others decorate the metal plastic bottle recycling cages.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

50. Going Nuts

snack machine, car garage, Bnei Brak

I think it is a global phenomenon that car garages have a way of making people go nuts. This morning I dropped my car off and found this heart nestled in the corner, beside the coffee machine which was out of service.

This heart seems to sit in its corner and laugh at anyone who would pay a shekel more for more nuts!

Other global matters close to our hearts are being celebrated today http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1080084.html - Happy Earth Day everyone!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

49. Missed Opportunities

tree, Tel Aviv

This tree with its skinny trunk and big heart looks like an oversized lollipop to me - perhaps the heat wave we are having is making me somewhat delirious...In any case, this heart is half obstructed by the trees in the background - I hope you can even see the heart shape I see. With that said, this heart seems to say that sometimes you need to look a little closer to see the love you would have otherwise missed.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

48. Holocaust Remembrance Day

envelope, Tel Aviv (sent from Switzerland)

Today's heart has a remarkable story: My grandmother in Switzerland has a Togolese, Evangelist caretaker named Dorcas, who studied theology, visited Israel, and feels strongly about the country. In gratitude for her work, my grandmother requested that I purchase an Israeli flag and send it to her to give to Dorcas.

Here in Israel, there is a tiny shop near my home which is run by a holocaust survivor (I know this because I have seen the numbers tattooed on her arm). I try and give this woman my business as often as I can, so when asked to buy a flag I went to her shop. I was thrilled she had flags, and she was thrilled when I told her the flag was going to Switzerland.

Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day. I couldn't believe that of all days I received Dorcas' thank you letter with a coincidental heart on the envelope.

This heart sends a message that the Israeli flag ensures that we will never forget!

Dorcas started a foundation called Action Lumiere which helps children throughout Africa in many aspects, including education. For more info http://www.moneyhouse.ch/u/fondation_action_lumiere_et_zoe_CH-073.7.017.984-1.htm (the site is currently in German and French, but you can contact them for more info in English).

Monday, April 20, 2009

47. Blooming Love

flowers, Tel Aviv

I wish pictures could capture a scent. While these flowers are so simple to look at, they have the most extraordinary smell which I adore. I don't know the name, but they can be found all over Tel Aviv growing in large bushes. Often times I will remove a leaf and rub it between my fingers to extract the potent smell - YUM!

This cluster of flowers formed an unusual heart-shape which invites us to come and smell.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

46. Protect and Welcome

window security bars, Tel Aviv

While surprising to many, Tel Aviv is considered a relatively safe city where people can be seen walking alone at all hours of the day and night. With that said, if you have an apartment on the ground floor it would be foolish to not take precautions against theft - Hence the security bars which are very common here.

The hearts of this home remind us to protect ourselves as we welcome love in - this message is key, bar none.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

45. Love to Park

chipping paint from blue and white marked pavement, Tel Aviv

To find a blue and white marked pavement is like finding gold in 'the city that never sleeps'.

The heart on this pavement keeps with the colors of the Israeli flag, and promises a somewhat legal parking space - anyone with a car will love that!

Friday, April 17, 2009

44. I Love Israel

bumper sticker, Tel Aviv

Despite the bumps, scratches, and ripping of the sticker, this heart remains patriotic - I love that!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

43. Back Home

magnet, Tel Aviv

This is what Maya's magnet looks like in Tel Aviv.

This heart is happy to be back home after a very long day!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

42. Home is Where the Heart is

magnets on fridge, Potomac Maryland

The fridge in my parents house is a conversation piece if I ever saw one. This for me represents home, as it has looked this way since I can remember, and always seems to somehow have space for more.

The hearts here represent the obvious...home is where the heart is. As someone who made Aliyah, Israel is also a place I call home - That is why I am searching for more hearts in Israel starting tomorrow...

I will miss everyone here - thanks so much for everything! xoxox

41. Children's Hearts

detail from 'Night of the Moon', by Hena Khan, illustrated by Julie Paschkis,

Rockville Maryland

My beautiful, intelligent, talented and creative friend Hena is like a sister to me. Our friendship goes back to childhood, and each time we meet up we pick up exactly where we left off. Today she spoiled me with several hearts, but my favorite is found in the book she wrote educating children about the Muslim holiday of Ramadan. This book is beautifully written, and the heart we found perfectly reflects the pure love she poured into this book.

Thank you Hena, I am going to miss you so much!

I recommend you check out http://www.nightofthemoon.com/

Hena works in international public health and feels passionate about mothers2mothers, a program in Southern Africa that supports HIV-positive pregnant women. To find out more check out: http://www.m2m.org/

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

40. Infectious Love

t-shirt, Potomac Maryland

My dad is the DC king - he seems to know everyone and anyone in DC, and has an appreciation for the city and its history which is infectious when you are in his presence. The hearts on this t-shirt are just a few of those my dad sees in the nation's capitol.

Thank you Daddy for contributing to my blog.

My dad would love to honor a close friend by having others check out http://www.yourbiopsyandmore.com/

Monday, April 13, 2009

39. Laid Back Love

bicycle seat, Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC

I had wanted to hear gospel music today, and my wish came true at the Marian Anderson tribute concert. Denyce Graves, Sweet Honey in The Rock, and the Chicago Children's Choir joined voices at the end of the concert for "This Little Light of Mine", as people clapped and sang. This is the America I love and miss - and today, beneath Lincoln's proud statue, America became even more beautiful in my eyes.

These hearts lying on the grass seem as laid back as the crowd - loving the weather, the concert, hearing Colin Powell, and finally witnessing the swearing in of new immigrants from over 56 different countries - Congratulations!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

38. Swiss Made

ring, Potomac Maryland

Merci Maman!

My mom's heart cares about helping Tourette Syndrome:

http://www.tsa-usa.org/

Saturday, April 11, 2009

37. Kissable Feet

Tights, Silver Spring Maryland

I'm at a sing-a-long...really must get back, but Kayla wore these for me...I couldn't resist!

Friday, April 10, 2009

36. Picturing more Hearts

camera packaging, Gaithersburg Maryland

I am not a hi-tech person. In fact, the mere thought of needing to learn how to work a new tech toy freaks me out. However, I would like the quality of the pictures on this site to improve. So, today this box came home with me. How perfect that my new camera should come with a heart attached.

Thank you Andre for saving me many hours of research and frustration.

Andre has helped me so much. His heart would love for you to help with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: http://www.mskcc.org/

Thursday, April 9, 2009

35. The Hearts in my Family

hands, Potomac Maryland

I have not been back home for a Pesach seder in three years. Words cannot express how wonderful it is to be here tonight - I am so fortunate and blessed!

On our second glass of the traditional four glasses of wine, my aunt Daniele put her hands together to create a heart. Michael's heart and Caroline's arm (which was also making a heart) can be seen through.

When the hands of this family are held together the love seems to multiply. Chag Sameach!

Daniele's heart survived the battle with cancer, and would love for others to support Gilda's club: http://www.gildasclub.org/

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

34. Love Staring us in the Face

mask, Port Discovery Children's Museum, Baltimore Maryland

At the Venetian mask making class Kayla decorated her mask with hearts. In this picture love is staring us in the face!

Monday, April 6, 2009

33. Precious Hearts

Drawings on paper, Silver Spring Maryland

These hands belong to the sweetest, most loving family. Before I arrived they prepared all these hearts for me - Each one proving that the most precious things in life are the simplest.

Thank you Kayla, Maya, Elaine and Michael!

Dante and Jasper did not help in these creations, though I am sure they were a creative inspiration...This family loves animals (especially dogs), and would love for others to get involved with the Washington Animal Rescue League: http://www.warl.org/

Sunday, April 5, 2009

32. Unity in Diversity

detail from Carrying a Rainbow on your Shoulders, Jerome Meadows,

Unity Park, Adams Morgan

Adams Morgan is Washington DC's most cosmopolitan neighborhood. It received its name when in 1954 the Supreme Court ordered desegregation of schools, and the principals of the John Quincy Adams school (white), and Thomas Morgan school (African American) got together to have joint projects promoting better race relations.

On a tour of Adams Morgan today I crossed Unity Park, where a local flea market and ethnic foods were being sold all around this sculpture of a father carrying his son on his back. This one heart on the child's chest reaches out to many different ethnic groups below, promoting unity in diversity.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

31. Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

purse, cherry blossom festival parade, Washington DC

The cherry blossoms were given by Japan as a gift to the United States nearly a hundred years ago, and are celebrated yearly when they blossom in Washington DC. Today was the festival parade and the streets were filled with anything and everything Japanese. I could not get over the sea of people on Pennsylvania Ave., many connecting to different periods of Japanese dress: from kimonos to these modern day Japanese street fashions known as Lolita (dressing up as a doll). Christina, wearing the heart-shaped purse is dressed up as Hime, meaning princess. This heart loves the spirit of dress up.

Christina's heart wishes you would donate to St. Jude Children's Hospital: http://www.stjude.org/

Friday, April 3, 2009

30. Big is Beautiful

detail from Pink Lady, Niki de Saint Phalle, oil paint and mix media collage, Hirshhorn Museum, Washington DC

Within the exhibition Strange Bodies: Figurative Works from the Hirshhorn Collection, I came across this work by one of my favorite artists. This pink lady invites us to explore her magnificent full figure. When viewed up close she is adorned with hearts of all textures and sizes. In this piece big most certainly is beautiful! I lOVE IT!!!

Unfortunately the message this pink lady sends does not reach everyone. For more on body image and eating disorder treatment www.edtreatmentcenters.com/maryland.php

29. Georgetown

sign on window, Georgetown

I love Georgetown - it takes me back to being a kid. As an adult there is great shopping and restaurants, but I could not ignore the homeless at the street corners, wrapped in blankets, blessing G-d with every pedestrian passing them by.

I found this heart on a store window, and when I got home I was happy to discover the website mentioned is a public charity which helps stop the cycle of poverty for low-income workers. Check out http://www.modestneeds.org/ for more details.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

28. Love is in the Air

carpet, ELAL airplane, between Tel Aviv and New York

I took several pictures of this heart-filled carpet, but my niece, Kayla thought this one was best because "cookies are yummy". I think Kayla is decadently cute.

Hearts travel, love was in the air, and levavot is now in Washington DC.