Shalom,
It's good to be home. My family and I had a great time and I'd like to thank you all for the hospitality, the amazing welcome and warmth showered upon my baby girl, and the great time we had. But, it is good to be home and I'm taking full advantage of my home as I am stuck in bed with Pneumonia. I don't remember the last time I was sick and I'm not used to it. And the funny part is that I have no voice. I lost my voice (temporarily obviously) and this is very strange (but thank G-d for emails).
As you know, my next trip is scheduled for next week as we are going to celebrate two Bar Mitzvahs and have my annual concert. Even though I am planning on being in Stamford as scheduled and in good voice, unfortunately, because of my pneumonia I cannot do much of work needed to ensure the success of the concert (like practicing the music or making the phone calls you all always get before the concerts) and this is why we've decided to reschedule the concert for the spring.
Tonight, here in Israel, we've started reciting "V'ten Tal Umatar Livracha" (Give dew and rain for a blessing) during the Amidah. With regards to this custom, Israel differs from the Diaspora. Outside of Israel we'll start to recite this change in Birkat Hashanim only December 5th. This is the point when we really welcome the rain and the winter. Even though we started reciting Mashiv Haru'ach Umorid Hageshem on Shmini Atzeret, we actually didn't ask for rain until now and the reason is to allow the pilgrims to arrive safely and easily back to their home after spending the holiday in Jerusalem.
So, now that I feel I've experienced all the signs of winter (and don't forget the snow storm during last Shabbat) I feel I can wish you with much confidence a healthy and safe winter.
Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem,
Cantor Arik Wollheim
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