Top Stories from 2015
Happy New Year’s, free world! Let’s make 2016 better than 2015–maybe that includes a few actual victories over ISIS, a Republican in the White House (yes, I’ll take Trump over Hillary any day of the week), the demise of both Russia and Turkey, and who knows–maybe a few Bulls championships in the coming decade…
Clueless American Jews Support Iran Deal; Don’t Know what “Iran” is
American Jews don’t care about the Iran Deal, the outcome of the Iran Deal, Iran itself–or anything of significance for that matter. Plenty of American Jews have no concept of…
Dealing with and Overcoming Internet Addiction
So I set out to research this new, mostly-unexplored phenomenon and discovered a world hereto unknown to me. Keep the following two points in mind while reading this: 1) If an activity doesn’t help you progress on a personal/career level, there’s no reason for engaging in it. 2) If you know that you have a short attention span and get carried away with destructive activities, that, may be in itself reason enough to at limit Internet consumption.
U.N. Anti-semitism and Seinfeld Elections in Israel–a message from Steve Toltz
Shalom Friends and Family, I know it’s been a while since I’ve written, but I’ve been busy with work and, despite what you may hear at home, there hasn’t been…
Interview with Orit Arfa: Singer, Poet, Political Junky, Visionary, Freedom-Lover, All Purpose Human Being
ran into Orit Arfa, a passionate, highly motivated young while scanning Youtube for some new and exciting Israeli voices. There she was imitating the famous American diva Miley Cyrus and at the same time calling on Diaspora Jews to make Aliya to Israel and help settle the Jewish homeland.
Haveil Havelim–Week of the J’lem Marathon ‘n a Whole Lot of Other Thangs
So here we are again, hosting yet another Haveil Havelim. We find ourselves bowing to American pressure to release murderers with Jewish blood on their hands, unable to do much about the continuous abuse of Jewish rights on the Temple Mt., desperately pleading with the American president
Harps as Portable Spas
One of those who may have played a role in their speedy recovery is Sunita Staneslow, a well-known harpist not only in Israel, but throughout the world. While we are very fortunate to have such a talented harpist in Israel, she has gone a step beyond entertaining typical audiences.
Interview with Rivka Liron Bat Cohen: Zionist, Writer, Poet, Videographer, Aliyah Advocate
I met Liron when she posted an great video about Jerusalem on a Facebook page. Contacting her and asking for an interview felt like the only thing to do. Here’s a young lady who devotes so much of her time and energy to the Land of Israel and the Jewish people.
Brand Spankin New Haveil Havalim: Macabbi Loses 1st in 18 Tries; World Still Here
And now, for the moment y’all were so eagerly anticipating…this week’s Havel Haveilim posts (none of which consequently, covered Macabbi–or the wonderful world of b-ball):
Presenting this Week’s Haveil Havelim…in Which Stephen Harper Says What We Were All Thinkin’
Public notice: Haveil Havelim is the veteran weekly Jewish blog carnival. It floats from blog to blog coordinated on our facebook page. You can submit your articles via blog carnival….
Take a Train Trip Through Europe
A unique exhibition of .62 miles of train tracks with miniature trains, villages, towns, landscapes and train yards of Europe opened at the First Station, the recently renovated Jerusalem train area, early this August. This is the first time a miniature train exhibition has been held in Israel, and train enthusiasts of all ages will marvel at the way this has been created.
Jerusalem Knights Festival 2013
The Jerusalem Knights Festival takes place every year in the Old City of Jerusalem. It’s a time when people from around the world flock to the country’s capital to witness a truly unique gathering featuring top performers.
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.
“Ah, Jerusalem” Plays for Tourists
Going to Jerusalem soon? Don’t miss “Ah, Jerusalem,” an original time-traveling musical for tourists.
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.
Street Food Eating in Israel
One of the nicest and most distinct Israeli traditions is food. Jews coming from the Middle East and Far East, from Europe, Australia, South Africa, North and South America—all adopted the local cooking habits to their dietary laws and passed them on to their children. The cooking style of the countries where they lived came as part of their baggage when they made their way to Israel, and they blended with those who had come before them.