Through the eyes of a child

As we were walking through Paris today - I was thinking about how fascinating this city is. The architecture is exquisite, the history is remarkable, and the energy is calm. There is so much to see - from tourist sites, like the museums, Notre Dame, gorgeous parks, and then add to it the Jewish information. We walked for 4 hours straight - no breaks, no sitting down, and it was fabulous. I reaalized the reason why I wasn't tire, cranky, bored was because as 'Bodi' (a Dor Hemshech participant), put it, I was looking at the city through a child's eyes. Seeing it for the first time. Have you ever watched a toddler notice their shadow (or someone else's for that matter)? They can chase after the shadow for a long time before they get bored and give up trying to catch it. Paris is magical - that there is no doubt, but today was extra magical for me.

Our 4 hour walk through Paris took us from our hotel to many many places. Instead of going through each place I am going to just sum up for you some of the highlights today.

I learned about Montaigne - he was a writer and philosopher. His contribution to the writing world is what we call the essay. That's right. He lived in the 17th century, and it is rumored that he was a Marrano (a Jew who converted to Christianity but secretly practiced Judaism).

I was reminded that the history of the Jews in France is: The kings need money - so they kick the Jews out of their country, and take their money from them. When the money they took from the Jews is gone, the kings let the Jews back in, and the cycle repeats.

We went to the Jewish Museum, and then to a synagogue and heard from the Rabbi all about religious life in France. After that we were allowed to have lunch in the Jewish quarter. As I sat down to eat felafel (what else would I eat in Paris for lunch?), I see my husband's Uncle Maurice and Aunt Dena walk by. They live in Paris and it was such a surprise and treat to see them.

After lunch we walked to the Memorial De La Shoah (Holocaust Memorial - though the French do not use the word Holocaust for the Shoah - only Shoah). At the Shoah Memorial there is a wall with the names of the 76,000 Jews that were rounded up and deported. I searched the wall and found a name of a woman I believe may be related to my Mother in Law, I have to ask her...

At the Memorial we had a panel of dignitaries speaking to us, Including the Head of the Zionist Organization of France, the Israeli ambassador to France, and a former Israeli ambassador to France who is now the head of WZO - Avi Pazner. It was thought provoking and inspiring. I am still processing it, and will delve into that more at a later time.

After we went back to the hotel and had 30 minutes to get ready for the Opera. The Pasteur Institue (It's for Science Research) and the Weizman Institute in Israel have a partnership of sorts and they had a gala evening at the Opera that we were invited to. As we drove up to the Opera house, we saw flying high on the rooftop, both the French and Israeli flags. What a sight. Surrounding the periphery was the onlookers and paprazzi! I felt like I was at a Hollywood premiere only better! My friend told me she saw my Uncle and Aunt amongst the spectators across the street - so I ran to them to give them one more kiss goodbye. I want to tell you more, but I am running out of time so I will write more tomorrow - I promise to tell you everything about this experience.

In conclusion, it was great seeing Paris through the eyes of a child. Now its bedtime. Au Revoir.