Earlier today, with an Artscroll Yom Kippur Machzor under my arm, sneakers on my feet, and my children flanking me on each side, we started the hour-long trek to the Kotel. After I joined the Minyan for Mincha and Neila last year, I decided to return with the children this year. To my surprise, they were more than willing to join. It may have to do with the fact that their cousins joined us too. I’m almost positive that it had nothing to do with a minor bribe I offered. I’m sure not.
When Olim move to Israel, many move to communities outside of Jerusalem. First thoughts that come to mind when thinking of Jerusalem are: Tourist attraction, vacation home, a wonderful place to visit. But in actuality many Olim do move to Jerusalem- to communities such as Katamon, Talpiot, German Colony, Talbia, Baka, Makor Chaim, Har Choma, Gilo, Rechavia, Pat, Arnona, Armon Hanetziv. For many though, Jerusalem has more of a city, anonymity, feeling. But many do desire and wish for a sense of community while living in the city.…Continue Reading
During our very long 9 week stay in America someone asked me , “Are you happy to be back home in America?” I responded by saying, “I am not home- Israel is my home.” The conversation continued, “But how could that be? You lived in America all your life- and for only one year in Israel. How is it possible that it could be your home so quickly?”
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Let me be honest. Leaving Israel to come back to America for the summer was not easy. On many levels. I was scared it would have a negative impact on my children that spent a year acclimating to a new country. And truthfully I spent a year making Israel my home, putting my heart and soul into it. I didn’t want to give that up for 8 weeks. I also didn’t know.. How do I blog from America if my blog name is Tova in Israel? That’s where the title for this post came from.. “Tova in Israel.. In America.”
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Sleep. We all need an ample amount of sleep to function the next day. It’s meant to recharge and rejuvenate us. I, for one, adore my sleep. I wish I had more of it. If only I didn’t go to sleep so late every night, only to need to be up at the crack of dawn the next morning.
But there is one night that we are meant to stay awake until the morning- on Shavuot (Pentecost) night. The day the Jewish nation received and accepted the Torah, the Bible, from God.…Continue Reading
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