Would I be able to expose my children to the true and intended nature of the most joyous celebrations in Jewish history dating back to the Bais Hamikdash? Or would I be risking their safety by allowing them to be bombarded by what appear to be insane asylum escapees with smashed hats and beards that betray what they had for breakfast the week before, violently waving tattered yellow flags on broomsticks, while pushing and shoving in a circular fashion – their version of dancing?
As I approached Kingston Avenue, I first passed the children, teens and adults of all ages who, as in years past, were crowding around the on-duty police officers, marveling at the sight of a real gun. “Is that a real gun?” I overheard one young adult asking with a tone that betrayed a childish glee. “Did you ever shoot anyone?” asked another.
Op-Ed: Whose Event Is It Anyway?
I guess the seven year itch theory is true. Or perhaps I was just being optimistic that things had, perhaps, changed for the better. Either way, I finally decided that after seven years of avoidance, I would risk venturing out to Kingston Avenue during Simchas Bais Hashoeiva. My objective was to observe and report on its current state, to determine if it was safe yet to bring my little children to participate in the celebration.
Would I be able to expose my children to the true and intended nature of the most joyous celebrations in Jewish history dating back to the Bais Hamikdash? Or would I be risking their safety by allowing them to be bombarded by what appear to be insane asylum escapees with smashed hats and beards that betray what they had for breakfast the week before, violently waving tattered yellow flags on broomsticks, while pushing and shoving in a circular fashion – their version of dancing?
As I approached Kingston Avenue, I first passed the children, teens and adults of all ages who, as in years past, were crowding around the on-duty police officers, marveling at the sight of a real gun. “Is that a real gun?” I overheard one young adult asking with a tone that betrayed a childish glee. “Did you ever shoot anyone?” asked another.
42
