levavot

Friday, June 19, 2009

107. Receiving in Silence

computer screen, windows live messenger, Tel Aviv

For someone who loves to talk losing my voice is not an easy thing, and I am now under instruction by my doctor not to speak. Thanks to messenger I can still communicate with those I love.

Today, I received this heart from my very sweet friend Relly - just like her it says so much using so little, and just like her it adds much brightness, color and cheer to my days.

Relly's brave heart cares about Glickman center against family violence http://www.tel-aviv.gov.il/Hebrew/Human/Family/Emergency/ViolencePreventionCenter.asp

Thursday, June 18, 2009

106. Gateway to Success

metal gate, Kfar Shmaryahu

Kfar Shmaryahu is an affluent local council within the district of Tel Aviv.

This intricate heart-covered gate lets us see inside, but very clearly and lovingly shows us its boundaries - perhaps that is the gateway to success (be it Kfar Shmaryahu or anywhere else).

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Today after work I went with Hugo to the park. After polishing off a very yummy halva and chocolate oreo cookie ice-cream I lay back on my sheet to relax, when this happy heart suddenly appeared wanting to lick me, (which in dog translates to kiss) - Could anyone ask for more?

It took some effort to recreate the kiss, and capture this heart on camera. In the process I was cracking up laughing by myself, or so I thought - When I finally sat up I discovered I was very much not alone in the park. Oh well, this happy loyal heart is definitely worth a little embarrassment.

Hugo would love for others to contribute to SOS Pets Association http://www.sospets.co.il/16641/_About_SOS_Pets_Association

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

104. No Strings Attached

string on road, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan

Though this string seems to blend in quite well with the road, it jumped right out at me.

This heart grabbed my attention and sent love my way - no strings attached.

Monday, June 15, 2009

103. Free-Love?

advertisement on bus, Tel Aviv

I thought freelove.co.il was one amongst many Israeli dating sites. But, with a little research I discovered this site offers a bit more - freelove allows you to experience relationships which might require privacy.

Today I took a day off from work to nurse myself back to health. That being said, I am still responsible for Hugo, so off we went for a wee-wee. I was thrilled when I saw this bus pull up. However, as I took the picture Hugo and another two dogs began to howl at eachother so that I nearly lost my camera and my arm.

Yes, this heart came to me, but was it free? - Is anything?

Sunday, June 14, 2009

102. Second Hand

store window, Tel Aviv

The hearts on the window of this second hand shop for women remind us to appreciate things for their quality.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

101. Cup of Love

foam on cappuccino, Tel Aviv

After going to see an art exhibition in honor of the 100 years of Tel Aviv, where 101 Israeli female artists answer the question "what do women want", Megi and I went to grab a cup of coffee.

This cup reflects what this woman wants!

Thank you Mish-Mish for making this cup of love. Mish-Mish's heart would love for others to help protect the environment http://www.aspni.org/about_aspni.html

Friday, June 12, 2009

100. Lost and Found

cement and gravel, tow parking lot, Tel Aviv

Tonight I went out with some friends and learned a lesson on loss:

I had taken a fabulous picture of a heart which was deleted by accident - I was bummed. Shortly thereafter I received a call from Danielle that her car was missing. After a bit of a run around we found the car at a tow parking lot - where I found this heart.

Lesson: sometimes you must lose one heart to find another.

Thank you Micha for helping me find heart number one and two: Micha's heart would love for others to contribute to latet http://www.latet.org.il/english/

Thursday, June 11, 2009

99. Eleven Years in Israel

crocs on feet suspended in massage chair, Givataiim

Like my cousin Joey's feet, which rise above the ground, today marks ELEVEN years since I made Aliyah (ascended to Israel)!

This heart proves that ascension can be very pleasurable when one takes care of oneself in the process.

Joey's heart would love for others to contribute to Narcotics Anonymous http://www.na.org/

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

98. Hilton and Vered's Wedding

ink on paper, Hagiva Bebrener

On Friday May 29 (see post "Surprise") the family from both sides got together and recorded this song which we sang last night at the gorgeous wedding - Mazal Tov to Vered and Hilton!!!

When it comes to this couple I seem to keep finding hearts linked together. These two hearts are clearly together united forever - Tradition, Tradition!

I will be asking the couple where they would like people to donate to...details to come ;-)

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

97. Before Hilton and Vered's Wedding...

card, Tel Aviv

Tonight we will be celebrating my cousin Hilton and Vered's wedding - this heart wishes the stunning couple a honeymoon which will last forever - Mazal Tov!

Monday, June 8, 2009

96. Heart of Tel Aviv

neon sign, Dizengoff Center, Tel Aviv

Dizengoff center is recognized as the heart of Tel Aviv. Though my first apartment was located across the street from this shopping center, I am not an avid shopper. Today I must have tried on a hundred dresses in this building, and one olive-colored dress later my exhausted body stepped outside and photographed this heart.

Some people love this heart from the inside, I love it from the inside out.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

95. Doggy Style

magnet on hair dryer for dogs, grooming shop, Tel Aviv

Anna is a very funky dog lover. Her grooming shop is called Doggy Style, and cannot be missed as she has two of the most gentle Black Russian Terriers whose enormous size seems to stop every passer-by. Ribbons from dog competitions decorate Anna's shop, and reflect her passion.

Today, as Hugo was getting groomed I spotted this heart. It was no surprise that I would find a heart in this shop - I think even Hugo loves getting groomed here!

To contact Anna for dog grooming: 054 740 1034

Anna's heart would love for others to help animals in need http://www.spcaisrael.org/

Saturday, June 6, 2009

94. The Land of Honey

filet, Neveh Sharet, Tel Aviv

Asi is one of the treasures I have found in the holy land. We met at the dog park two years ago, where I discovered his wisdom, intellect, humor, kindness and endless patience - since then he feeds my mind with food for thought on a regular basis.

Today, Asi fed me this delicious filet. As I was a vegetarian from 1993-2009, eating meat is still reatively new for me, but my taste buds were certainly loving this heart.

Thank you Asi for finally inviting me to the promised land of honey ("where there is no milk because we killed the cow")

Asi would love for others to check out this video and possibly adopt a dog via SOS in Herzeliya this Friday, June 12. For more information http://www.flix.co.il/tapuz/showVideo.asp?m=2614890

Friday, June 5, 2009

93. I Love M.E

t-shirt, Tel Aviv

This shirt loves itself and the Middle East at the same time.

This heart knows that in order to love someone else you must love yourself first.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

92. My Garden of Eden

fig on tree, Tel Aviv

"Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings" - Genesis 3:7

This heart is not forbidden fruit, and while surrounded by fig leaves it has nothing to hide - This heart is simply waiting to be picked.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

91. Communal

stickers, entrance to apartment building, Tel Aviv

Though today Israel functions as a capitalistic society, the country was founded on socialist beliefs and communal living.

This notice board at the entrance to an apartment building in Tel Aviv reads:

Dear Tenants

Close the light at the entrance in the morning!!!

Thank you

These hearts love that while we might pay for private flats, the communal foundation lives on.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

90. Post-Trauma

paper cup, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan

As part of a civil defense drill, at 11:00 this morning a siren went off, signaling the entire country to enter a protected shelter.

Daniela was visibly shaken to the core as the siren triggered her traumatic experience of complete chaos and instability during the Second Lebanon War in 2006. When we returned from the protected space, I looked over and saw Daniela clutching this cup of tea, attempting to nurse herself back to normalcy. The half-hearts on this cup sadly reflect the effects of post-trauma - shaken up and broken.

To help with Israel's trauma center for victims of terror and war http://www.natal.org.il/english/

Monday, June 1, 2009

89. Meowch

street cat, Tel Aviv

Street cats are everywhere in Tel Aviv, and most other cities throughout Israel. With an unpredicatable and unstable existence, these cats have taken on survival tactics, and can become quite vicious at times. Like other problems in this region there are many opinions regarding the solution.

As I tried to give a voice to this problem via the heart on this cat, Hugo and I got hissed at big time - while this heart is terrified it desperately wants to be loved!

One way to help with cats and other animals in need is via the Israeli Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals http://www.spca.org.il/english.php

Sunday, May 31, 2009

88. Tel Aviv's Life-Source

some sort of pipe, Tel Aviv

Pipes in the city remind me of veins in the human body - what runs through them seems to be the life-source. For that reason I was genuinely curious what was being pumped through this pipe. I looked up close, and even asked a friend, but still can't give you the answer. Though my guess is water, I could be wrong.

So it remains a mystery, but something which this heart loves is flowing through the pipes of Tel Aviv.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

87. The Land of Oz Meets Tel Aviv

gold glitter heart wand, Tel Aviv

Nearly every morning I want to photograph this heart-shaped wand, but the window is always open, and the woman living in the flat is always standing there. Though this wand lives in the north of the city, the woman is certainly not Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, and in Tel Aviv I am more likely to meet the Wicked Witch of the West should I try and take a picture of her at 6 AM.

This afternoon as Hugo and I followed the grey brick road I was ecstatic to find the window closed. I felt like the lion when I mustered up my courage and snapped the shot. No monkeys flew by, and like the tin man I got a heart!

Friday, May 29, 2009

86. Surprise

microphone, recording studio, Arad

These hearts are part of a surprise in the making....for that reason, I will fill in the blanks in a few days...What I will say is that they were especially fun to find, and I don't think it was a coincidence that I found hearts that linked together.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

85. Shavuot - Yum!

cheesecake, Raanana

While Danielle sent these decadent beauties to me a few days ago, I wanted them to be served to you on Shavuot, which begins this evening.

These hearts prove that good things come to those who wait. Enjoy your cheesecake and Happy Shavuot!

Danielle's heart wants you to help many causes by simply clicking your mouse http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1 (see entry May 14, 2009)

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

84. Heart Institute

sign, Heart Institute, Tel Hashomer Hospital, Ramat Gan

My dear friend Ari has been somewhat confused by my levavot blog for quite a while. As a psychiatrist he likes for things to make sense, and well, this project is completely from the heart - one must feel it to have it make any sense.

I love that Ari stretched from his familiar ground and allowed himself to play in the land of levavot! This heart proves that a heart can have fun just about anywhere.

Ari's heart would love for others to support brain research to fight disease http://www.psychobiology.org.il/

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

83. Misunderstood

detail from an Art Therapist's creation, acrylic on wood,

Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan

Jodi is an extremely spiritual and creative Art Therapist. Today, she provided me with these hearts which she created in response to a session she had with a family.

These hearts were a mother's way of creating x's and o's, standing for hugs and kisses, but were misinterpreted by her child as crossed out hearts.

These hearts have a powerful message: Communication is key when it comes to love.

Jodi's heart would love for others to help with foster care http://www.orr-shalom.org.il/home_eng.html

Monday, May 25, 2009

82. Temporary

temporary tattoo, Modiin

When we are young the stories we are told teach us that most things have a beginning, a middle, and an end. That being said, those things we love, even if temporary, can stay with us for a long long time - The End.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

81. Shock

paint on tree, Tel Aviv

This tree looks to be wearing an expression of shock. I wonder which came first: the heart, or the expression?

Saturday, May 23, 2009

80. Opposites Attract

tree, Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv

On Shabbat (the Jewish day of rest), Rothschild Boulevard is filled with people and dogs of all shapes, size, color, and style.

Today, as Relly, Asi and I sat on a bench enjoying the eye candy, I suddenly spotted these two hearts on the tree across from us. In this heart shaped couple one looks like an extrovert and the other an introvert - opposites attract, and these two look happy in love.

Friday, May 22, 2009

79. Sensual

anthurium, Tel Aviv

This anthurium is in its prime!

For more on sex education and sexuality http://www.dinahproject.com/

Thursday, May 21, 2009

78. Feeling High when Grounded

bird foot prints in sand, Tel Aviv Beach

Though I was already at the beach by 6:30 this morning, I was no match for the early bird - I missed the creation of this masterpiece. I wonder whether it was created alone or in a pair?

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

77. Love Seat

metal bench, Tel Aviv

These sweet, romantic hearts are doing their best to invite us to sit. Why are they alone?

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

76. Wishing Daniella a Year Filled with Love

birthday candles, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan

Were it not for Daniella's birthday Yona would not have organized to bring a cake, and Shira would not have brought the candles. So, three wonderful women bring us today's hearts.

When something really touches our hearts it is forever. With that in mind:

Shira's heart cares about Hostel Nathan (see entry March 31, 2009)

Daniella's heart cares about Yuvalim http://www.yuvalim.org/ (see entry March 19, 2009)

Yona, who has not appeared in this blog before is an inspiring 61 year old woman - I hope to be half as sexy and feminine as she is when I get to her age. As a psychotherapist and sex councelor she tells me that her heart is connected to helping people with special needs http://nitzan-israel.org.il/main/siteNew/index.php?langId=3&page=335&sub=Brown

Monday, May 18, 2009

75. From Switzerland with Love

tissue, locket, sticker, package received from Switzerland, Tel Aviv

My appreciation for art in large comes from my grandmother, who in her youth studied the fine arts in Fribourg, Switzerland. As a technically brilliant artist, I can only imagine the frustration she endures as her hands begin to tremble from old age. However, as a true artist, her creative mind continues to serve her.

These hearts I received from my grandmother today reflect the creativity with which she continues to express herself - I love that!

My grandmother's heart cares about helping abused children: http://www.eliusa.org/home.htm

Sunday, May 17, 2009

74. Save This Tree - Sign the Petition Now!!!

tree bark, Tel Aviv

This tree and its tribe sitting along Ibn Gvirol street in North Tel Aviv are in desperate need of your help!

Due to reconstruction being done in the area the trees are potentially going to be torn down at any moment. You can help stop this and preserve the little bit of green on the city street by signing the petition http://www.atzuma.co.il/petition/eranool/1/

The heart on this tree thanks you!

Saturday, May 16, 2009

73. Clean and Conserve

drawing on dirty car window, Tel Aviv

After a long hot day at the beach I passed this car...on the same street a bit further along I saw a man washing his car in the old fashioned way - a bucket with water and a rag.

This heart reminds us that we must clean up the filth in our lives, but that in Israel we must consider the water we waste.

For more on conserving water in Israel http://www.sviva.gov.il/bin/en.jsp?enPage=e_BlankPage&enDisplay=view&enDispWhat=Object&enDispWho=Articals^l2068&enZone=Water_Conservation

Friday, May 15, 2009

72. Together

pendant, Rishon Letzion

The more I get to know Anat the more I learn how much she values family and togetherness. As a coordinator for children with special needs she takes on the difficult task of ensuring that everything is kept together in their program. Between moments of being on the go she will share stories of her family, which she carries with her symbolically around her neck in the heart pictured here.

Togetherness is clearly fundamental to this heart. After nearly a year of working with Anat, I have learned a tremendous amount about togetherness, and am very grateful for the experience.

Anat's heart cares about helping youth in distress, and would love for others to contibute to ELEM http://www.elem.org.il/lm/english.asp?catid=137&parentid=0

Thursday, May 14, 2009

71. Overcoming Rejection

advertisement, bus stop, Ezorei Chen, North Tel Aviv

This advertisments for Israeli almonds seems to be everywhere. Should you miss it once, a few meters away you will have the opportunity to see it again.

This morning I had my first rejection for a heart. I asked someone to photograph a heart they were wearing and I was turned down. Then, as though she knew I needed a pick me up, my wonderful friend Danielle surprised me with this picture she took this morning - Thank you!

This heart proves that opportunities, like this ad, are everywhere and we cannot let rejections keep us down!

It is so appropriate that Danielle's heart links us to many causes - I love that about her and this site http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

70. Wounded Heart

anthurium, Tel Aviv

Anthuriums in their prime resemble erotic hearts. I feel for this wounded and suffering heart.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

69. Baggage

bag, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan

The hearts on this bag remind us that no matter where we go we take our baggage with us. That being said, these hearts sitting in a university classroom crave to learn and move forward.

Monday, May 11, 2009

68. Burning up for your Love

toasted marshmellow, Modiin

In the spirit of the holiday Lag BaOmer, children with PDD (Pervasive Development Disorder) begin their day on a mat, eating falafel and singing songs. It was no surprise to me that when Shira, the national service volunteer toasted marshmellows for the children, she created a heart.

I have known Shira for nearly a year, and am constantly amazed by her never ending patience with the children. This heart proves that Shira's contribution to these children's lives is made with pure love!

Shira's heart would love for others to contribute to helping animals in need http://www.israelpets.org/eng/index.htm

Sunday, May 10, 2009

67. Lovers in the Bunch

strawberry, Tel Aviv

These two seem to be blushing as they are caught on camera - how sweet love is!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

66. Trashy Love

garbage can, Tel Aviv

Seeing snow in Tel Aviv at this time of year is about as unusual as finding love in the garbage - apparently both are possible.

This heart reminds us that one person's trash is another person's treasure.

Friday, May 8, 2009

65. Better to have Loved and Lost than Never to Have Loved at All

gathered dirt on pavement, Tel Aviv

In order to fall in love we must get 'dirty'. The hole in this heart is the only spot which has not gotten dirty.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

64. Safe

print in cement, Tel Aviv

This heart came so close to being walked on by the shoe print beside it.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

63. Playful Heart

playmobil, Modiin

I feel incredibly fortunte to have Yifat in my life. She is an extremely professional and dedicated child clinical psychologist who is filled with what seems like endless insight. Today she brought this heart-shaped balloon to assist in a therapeutic play group for children with PDD (Pervasive Development Disorder). I think this heart received as much love as it gave.

Yifat's heart would love for others to contribute to Schneider Children's Medical Center in helping children with heart disease http://www.schneider.org.il/Eng/Index.asp?CategoryID=95&ArticleID=151

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

62. Overprotective

barbed wire, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan

This poor heart is clearly overprotected. I wish it would let go of fear and let love in.

Monday, May 4, 2009

61. Informative Heart

graffiti, Modiin

Between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem lies the city of Modiin, which in Hebrew means information.

This heart informs us of Romi and Miri's love for one another, including the date.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

60. Theta Healing

paint on cement, Tel Aviv

Amongst the hustle and bustle of Tel Aviv, this heart looks to me to be well taken care of - embraced by parenthesis and resting on a clean surface. I had a similar experience today at my friend Megi's, when she practiced Theta Healing on me - I highly recommend it!

Megi's heart would like others to help children with cancer http://www.israelcancer.org/home.html

Saturday, May 2, 2009

59. Old Love

stone, archaeological ruins, Caesarea

This heart has been around since 22 BC!

Friday, May 1, 2009

58. Love Yourself

metal handle and its shadow on cement, construction site, Tel Aviv

Learning to love yourself sometimes takes alot of construction and reconstruction, but in the end is worth the effort. If you do not see the love you possess how will anyone else?

This heart recognizes that its other half is made up of itself. Once complete, it is ready to love and be loved.