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
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
Seven years ago, we were fortunate to arrive in Israel for our nephew’s Bar Mitzvah, and my brother’s wedding. We had both of our families in Israel altogether at the same time. A dream come true. We arrived on Yom Yerushalayim and went straight from Ben Gurion Airport to Yerushalayim. We didn’t even unpack. Rather, we took our 4 year old and 2 year old twins and headed to King George Street near the Great Synagogue. Israeli flags were waving. Kids were shrieking with joy. The music was blaring through the loudspeakers. Dancing. Jumping. Laughing. Pure happiness. Everyone was there to celebrate the reunification of Jerusalem. The only capital of Israel. Undivided. Ours as it should be. Forever. Always.…Continue Reading
For the last year, Israel has felt darkness engulfing them. The terror has been palpable, terrifying, and disturbing. But we’ve proven to ourselves and the world at large that it won’t stop us. Israel and her citizens will live and thrive. We will light up the world with our goodness, kindness, generosity, medical advances, technology, sciences, agriculture developments, energy, and education. We won’t sit in the darkness and sulk. We will grow, produce, nurture, and develop.…Continue Reading
