Eight Months

Dear Eliza,

You are somehow eight months old today! You are crawling and trying to climb everything, plus you got your very first tooth. You have a distinct personality and have brought your family so much joy. 

I have been away for 10 days in Israel and I missed you so much. Papa sent me pictures and videos of you and it feels like you grew so much in a short amount of time. Whenever we had video calls, you would try to give me kisses and it both melted my heart and made me want to cry because I just wanted to hold you. I was there as part of my masters program and even though it was for good reason, I still missed you terribly and felt guilty for leaving. 

We started our second day in a park and I watched parents pushing their little ones on swings. I realized that I’ll be able to push you on a swing one day and run around with you on a playground. I also saw a little girl sitting happily on a bench with her father, snacking away, and it was like seeing a bit of your future. 

We visited Netiv Ha’Asara on the Gaza border and Har Herzl, the military cemetery, specifically the place where they’re burying soldiers from the current war. It was surreal to hear from Roni Keidar, a peace activist who lives at Netiv Ha’Asara, while hearing the bombs that the Israeli army were detonating to destroy Hamas tunnels in the background. It was also heartbreaking to see the graves of soldiers who gave their lives in support of Israel’s right to exist and the people who grieved for them. I thought of you and how worried I am about your future as both a Jew and person of color. 

But I know you are part of a strong and resilient community. One day, Papa and I will take you to Israel and you’ll be able to experience the beauty of being in a country where Jewish time is the default. If we do this right, you’ll grow up with a strong Jewish identity and know that you are empowered to practice Judaism in the ways that are most meaningful to you. Maybe you’ll even make aliyah, which would make me and Papa sad to see you move so far away, but we would support your decision. 

For now, I want to bask in your baby self and watch you continue discovering the world, even if it means a few bumps and bruises along the way. I adore you, my sweet girl, as does Papa and your siblings. You are a remarkable little human and we all love you so much. 

Love,

Mama