Stormy Weather On The Way

Good Afternoon:

It is interesting to note that our next storm should arrive in the eastern Mediterranean by Thursday, and that already the long range forecast is showing another storm to follow before the end of the month.

One might have the impression that this year is rainier compared to last year (at least in the Jerusalem area).  Considering that this year is supposed to be rainier than last year then one could be excused for thinking so.

However, when it comes to the weather, our memories are usually faulty (which is good for the weatherman who sometimes just wishes that folks would forget yesterday's forecast (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/16/nyregion/snowstorm-total-delays-commute.html). In fact, last year was also rainy until now, but then we had a three week period in December when there was no rain. Moreover, there were no especially rainy (and cold) storms last winter.  It seemed, instead, like just one rainy shower after another.

Our next storm should move past Cyprus on Thursday/Friday and then move just off our coast.  There's plenty of cold air and moisture associated with this storm, but it is still too early to say where the heaviest precipitation will fall, or how much. Nevertheless, it looks like it will be "wet" from Thursday through Shabbat, with thunderstorms also possible.

There are lots of things to write about besides the weather. But one item struck me in particular: the news about the El-Al flight that landed in Athens in order for a number of passengers to keep Shabbat (https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/We-were-kidnapped-by-El-Al-say-passengers-on-horror-flight-from-New-York-572234). Passengers accused the pilot/crew of "kidnap," and being misled about whether the plane would return to the gate in New York to let off passengers who did not want to fly on Shabbat.  Yet, one shouldn't forget that passengers voluntarily booked this "last" flight before Shabbat, and should have known that it could be delayed.  Moreover, where do passengers get the idea that they can deplane after being seating, or even after the plane has left the gate?

The whole situation is almost like a scene from "Chelm," and almost seems too surreal to be real.

I find it amazing that El Al actually diverted to Athens, Greece (making an extra stop (and putting the passengers at risk), and inconveniencing those who do fly on Shabbat). Moreover, El Al arranged hotel rooms and through the local Chabad full Shabbat meals -- leading some to say it was one of the most amazing Shabbat's they ever had (https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/10-lessons-from-the-el-al-flight-to-athens/).   Perhaps it's just business, or perhaps it's something more, but...

All I can say is: "only in Israel."

Barry Lynn