Lessons Israel Should Learn from the Syrian Civil War
Two big news stories from last week struck me as relevant to us, here in Israel. One (actually, there were about a dozen such stories but they can all be united under one red-white-and-black umbrella) was continued attacks on Jews in Judea and Samaria.
Israeli Company Wins Top Telecom Products Award
The MiNID communication device, which is the brainchild of Israel’s RAD Data Communications, came away with the top telecom product award at the 2013 NetEvents Technology Innovation Awards.
Recommendations for Everyday Jerusalem Life
I love writing about politics and culture, but for real knowledge about life in Israel, nothing beats recommendations for everyday. So allow me to share my favorite go-to places in Jerusalem with you.
Interview with Anett Haskia: Proud Arab Muslim Zionist
I met Anett Haskia, a woman I hadn’t previously heard of, on a pro-Israel Facebook page run by Cliff Pinto, a guy I’ve come to respect for his deep understanding of the Arab-Israeli conflict and love for the Jewish people.
The Light Rail Revolution
In case you haven’t heard, there is a new campaign in effect on the Jerusalem Light Rail. “First Out, Then In” (“Kodem Yotzim, Achar Kach Nichnasim”)
Why Tammuz?
This previous Shabbat, we entered the new month of Tammuz. I have always found it fascinating that the names of our months are Babylonian and not Hebrew.
“Ah, Jerusalem” Plays for Tourists
Going to Jerusalem soon? Don’t miss “Ah, Jerusalem,” an original time-traveling musical for tourists.
Yahrtzeits of Tzaddikim this Week
4th of Tamuz: Rav Yaakov ben Meir (Rabbeinu Tam). (1100-1171) The most famous of Rav Meir ben Shmuel’s sons, one of Rashi’s grandsons.
The Syria Quandary
In the bloody Syrian civil war, civilians have paid a heavy price. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition group, reported in May that at least 94,000 people have been killed throughout the two years of clashes.
New Trade Agreements with China Boosts Joint Research
In one more step towards boosting Israel’s economy, Prime Minister Netanyahu recently met with Chinese officials during a five-day state visit to the far East superpower.
On Parshat Korach (Based on a Drash by R’ Yitzchok Snyder of Aliyos Yerushalayim)
I felt that this week’s drash was especially relevant to the events taking place in the Jewish community today. In Korach, we witness the biggest threat to Moshe’s position of leadership–and to the future of the Jewish people. Korach leads a popular rebellion against the Moshe, the single most significant representative of the Jewish people we’ve even known.
The Dream
And the land wept in grief, For he who loved it most was no more, The land did not flourish, nor did it swell like she who would give birth, He was not there to hold her hand, With her to go forth.
Yahrzeit of R’ Mordechai Eliyahu and Others This Week
Rav Mordechai Tzemach Eliyahu (1929-2010). He was born in the Old City of Yerushalayim to Iraqi immigrants. His mother was a sister of the Rosh Yeshiva of Porat Yosef and a great-niece of the Ben Ish Chai.
Israel’s Fine Wine Festivals
Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending the annual wine and jazz festival in the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens. The setting on the water was lovely, the summer air was sultry, and the jazz quintet playing was music to my ears.
Shabbat in Hevron
If you have never spent Shabbat in Hevron, you have missed out on an incredibly intense experience of tefilah, history and devekut with the roots of our Nation.
Humus, Falafel, and Other Israeli Delights
Chickpeas are among the oldest cultivated plants and are native to northern Persia. They are a staple of peasant cooking, a source of cheap protein, and they’ve been included in the diets of Jews living along the Mediterranean coast and North Africa for centuries.
Israel-Made: Solar Water Distillers
n these progressive times of powerful computers, instant digital information and the ability to reach out and “touch someone” with the click of a computer key, it is stunning that we have not been able to find a viable solution that addresses the most important issue affecting millions across the globe