The truth is, that the City of Gold as spun by raconteurs of old exists today only in the upper spheres, in Heaven. Yerushalayim shel mattah has simply lost much of it’s defining characteristics and characters, to our great misfortune.
One Leil Shabbos, R’ Chaim wished to daven at the Kosel. After reaching the wall, and beginning to daven, he started crying.
The pristine white sterility of the hospital room infects my voice as I greet my Rebbi. Gingerly sitting down on the uncomfortable vinyl, his rheumy eyes examine me, slowly lighting up with recognition. It’s me. I knew he wouldn’t have forgotten me. How could he?
In Yeshiva: Nautica (without the boat label) shirt. Freshly starched, Davidka only. Mezlan belt. No sweater. Ecco shoes, lightly scuffed by professional shoe shiner. In Dira: Black cardigan, all buttons closed. Scarf, bohemian tied down middle of shirt. Cig in one hand (ML only), coffee/Pepsi Max in other. On the Street: Scarf, gray/black cashmere, casually [...]