Dateline Jerusalem — Many Israelis have asked me why people in the United States were so excited about the total solar eclipse this week. Many of my American friends and relatives traveled out of their states to get a better view from areas in the direct path of the eclipse. Others bought special glasses so the eclipse could be seen … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem — The Festival of Love was celebrated in Israel this week. The minor religious holiday of Tu B’Av, the 15th of the month of Av, often is likened to the pagan holiday of Valentine’s Day. In reality, it is very different. It began one thousand years before St. Valentine or Sadie Hawkins days ever existed, and is called … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem – “Adir, Adir, Adir,” shop owners and customers cried out enthusiastically as they ran outside to watch the glorious Israeli Adir F-35I stealth fighter. The jet was flying low in the clear blue skies above us in an area just outside my city. I actually got goose bumps on my arms as the jet whizzed by and seemed … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem — Israel is the quintessential melting pot.  My small city of 150,000 is comprised of 70 nationalities, resulting in a gathering of different cultures, traditions, customs, religions, languages, and food. Although keeping their distinctive identities, they blend into a cohesive “Israeli” community.  Therefore, living in Israel is like going on a tour of the world without the hassle … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem — I often compare Israel to California.  Israel is so small that it can fit into California 19 times. Weather, climate, topography, flora and fauna are similar.  If I want to know what the weather will be like in Israel next week, I call my friends and relatives in California for their weather this week.  Joshua trees are … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem — This week begins the Three Weeks. This is a time of mourning for all the catastrophic events that have continually occurred throughout Jewish history during this period on the calendar, between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av (Tisha B’Av). Danger and tragedy seem to be the themes. The walls of Jerusalem were breached on the … Read More

Dateline Tel Aviv — No wonder Tel Aviv is ranked as the ultimate vacation destination.  Known as the city that never sleeps, it often is compared to Las Vegas – 24-hour entertainment, clubs, bars, restaurants, all-night partying. It also is a city of museums, the world- renowned Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, an opera house, live theatre, and various cultural activities. Tel … Read More