these look so irresistable, I should probably ask you NOT to bring them with you!

@ELRA: Extension cable. Unless its a very big oven, hauling it out and in once may be less work than running around with the pizzas. But even if not, its worth it! Some of our best kids parties were like this: make a huge heap of pizza dough, bowls of toppings, and let the kids make their own.

When my friend Steve Sabella invited me to offer some words for his Jerusalem in Exile project (http://www.jerusalem-in-exile.net/), I offered this: Beautiful land, Delight of the world, City of Kings, My heart longs for you from the far-off west. I am very sad when I remember how you were. Now your glory is gone, your homes destroyed. If I could fly to you on the wings of eagles, I would soak your soil with my tears. Yehuda Halevi, Spain, 1075-1141 As two men of the same generation, the Jerusalem we grew up in does not exist any more, but our memories, our yearnings, our dreams are so close, you could mistake us for being of the same nation.

מזל טוב! עד מאה ועשרים ביחד (Mazal tov, may you share 120 years)

by the time you clear baggage and immigration, you should have the full range of transport services. the most popular is the "Sherut" taxis - mini buses that leave when they fill up and drop you off at your destination. You can also take a private taxi if you want a bit of extra comfort. Call the Nesher taxi company if you need details: +972 (2) 623-1231 / 625-3233 / 3235 / 7227 / 1114 There's two or so cellular carriers which have a shop at the airport. You can get a pay-as-you-go / contract SIM for a very reasonable price. In which part of Jerusalem is your flat? Email me if you need anything.

My thoughts and heart are with you. Wishing you both a successful operation and a fast recovery. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't read for three weeks, but every experience is a chance to learn something new. רפואה שלמה!! Yishay

Good luck! And great post. Thanks for the link to Sarid. That's probably the first time a Zionist leader uses the A word. I'm very, very critical of Israel. Passionately critical and deeply worried. And I love it with all my heart. As a matter of fact, I'm passionately, actively and loudly critical of the state of Israel because I love it with all my heart. CHOSECH SHOVTO, SONE B'NO. I'm sure you have many friends and relatives in the land, but if you have some spare capacity, I would be honoured to introduce you to some friendly people in Jerusalem.

p.s. did you mean "lama hamentashen?"

A Japanese friend taught me to heat the wok intensively after scrubbing, and then quickly wipe it with a paper towel dabbed in oil. It gives the wok a nice, fine anti-rust coat. I'm sure you're familiar with this ritual - what do you think of it?