the people behind the Chaver program are considering their launch day, last Thursday, to be a resounding success. I don't know too many details, but they are claiming that over 6500 people signed up for membership. They also say it was so successful that askanim from other cities have already been in contact with them regarding implementation in other cities around Israel...




and, in no direct connection to the above, shortly after I saw the above sign, a "burka lady" walked right in front of my car in RBS A...  at first I made no connection, but then thought they are both signs of the Haredi community, first and foremost in Bet Shemesh, getting more and more extreme...


and now that I look at it again, it sort of reminds me of the famous Abbey Road picture (though in the other direction) of the Beatles.. maybe she and her husband/son are reenacting it..