The Surprise in our New Front Yard

The Surprise in our New Front Yard

One of the strangest things about our wonderful new home in Kiryat Moshe is the 20-foot-high cactus in our front yard.

I haven’t paid so much attention to the cactus. I guess because it’s ugly. And also because I’d rather not think too much about its witchy needly fingers reaching my way every time I head for my front door.

But ever since we bought this home a year ago (it took us a year to renovate it) my new next-door neighbor has been telling me about the beautiful cactus flowers which blossom in the middle of the night once or twice a year—transforming our witchy cactus into a blushing bouquet-holding bride.

I spent the night after Rosh Hashana feverishly unpacking my clothing and then making several trips back and forth with emptied cartons out to the trash bins on the corner.

And then at 10:40 my phone rang. It was neighbor: “The cactus flower has opened, come outside!”

My neighbor’s husband was already there shining a flashlight on the flower as she took photos.

Looking at that gorgeous glowing flower, I thought of two things…

I felt like that flower was saying, “Howdy, Weisbergs, happy to welcome you to my home!”

And I also thought about how many times that night I had walked by that cactus blossom, but had been so absorbed in my own cartons and my feverish unpacking that I hadn’t even noticed it.

And I thought of other things opening up this week which I have forgotten on account of my house full of boxes—

Hearts below?

Gates above?

5 comments

  1. Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts. Hashem is sending you a personal greeting to your new home! Enjoy! Lots of nachas and hatzlocha in your new location. May you only celebrate simchot there!

  2. Wishing you a wonderful year and much hatzlacha in your new home.

  3. Shana Tova!

    And think about it – this cactus is actually like all those people we diregard or misjudge just to find out their real beauty on special occasions
    גמר חתימה טובה ויישוב טוב

  4. Jenny, this cactus is your badge of “sabra”ism!! All of your kids were born in Israel, and now you’re in your permanent home b”H! Gmar chatima tova.

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