Journey into Zionism: V-Day in the Holy Land

As usual, it took me like six hours to get through the grocery store checkout line today, and in that span of time I couldn't help but notice the pathetic Valentine's Day arrangement near the entrance. Pathetic, because it paled in comparison to the variety of chocolates, mini wine bottles, and costume accessories of the Purim display; but in addition, because I'm not quite sure if Israel thoroughly understands the horrible concept of V-Day.

I've found that Jews don't usually observe Valentine's Day to its full extent because Satan isn't actually part of our religion. Nevertheless, SuperSol is trying to make a few shekels off of the holiday by offering such romantic items as magenta bear-shaped candles, red gift baskets of Dead Sea bath products and potpourri, and bags of pink and white (kosher) marshmallows, all situated between Yarden champagne, Grant's Finest Scotch Whiskey, and sale-priced wine glasses. No fabulously expensive desserts, no gaudy stuffed animals, no stomach-churning Hallmark cards, no nothing. I did, however, catch sight of numerous Israelis curiously poking at the disfigured lumps of wax and exclaiming, "ya-feh!" which is supposed to mean "pretty," but now I'm not so sure.

Incidentally, this SMS exchange is the closest I'm getting to a hot date tonight:

Shana: You guys should come up here on Wednesday, there's a big kibbutz party down the road

Israeli Boy: We cant come coz im working chooseday

Yeah... I'm just not gonna comment.