New Poem–“Night”

New Poem–“Night”

Still up, More thoughts to drown out the brain noise, More unexpected emotions to blend in with everything around, Dark, chill Jerusalem night, Moves in, To claim another day, It’s…

Gypsy Jazz in Israel

Gypsy Jazz in Israel

It is no secret that Israelis love music. Besides Jacob’s Ladder Folk Festival for Irish, bluegrass and folk music enthusiasts, there are festivals for lovers of jazz, guitar, oud and…

Celebrating Yom Yerushalayim 47 Years Later

Celebrating Yom Yerushalayim 47 Years Later

Today, the State of Israel will mark perhaps the biggest day of the year: Yom Yerushalayim, the day when on June 7th, 1967, IDF Paratroopers liberated East Jerusalem and the Temple Mount following nearly a week of Jordanian air raids and artillery barrages that hit as far as Tel-Aviv.

Harps as Portable Spas

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.

Efrat and Gush Etzion–“the Southern Gates of Jerusalem”

Efrat and Gush Etzion–“the Southern Gates of Jerusalem”

frat, or Efrata, is on the road from Yerushalayim to Hevron. Named for the kever of Rachel Imeinu, as written in the Torah, Efrat is the largest yishuv in Gush Etzion. It sits in the mountains of Judea, surrounded by vineyards, natural springs and the gorgeous land of our Forefathers.

People of the Book

People of the Book

Everyone living in Israel gets the chance to show guests around their lovely country and spout off little tidbits of history that make them seem like experts. And tourists coming to Israel hope to be guided around by someone with a little knowledge of history. Tel Aviv University just made that a whole lot easier by offering online history courses – for free! Yes, you heard that right. No fees and no strings attached. So for anyone who’s been harboring a desire to know more about Israel’s history, now is the time to sharpen your pencils, plug in your computers and learn. TAU is partnering with Coursera, which is an online educational company working with top universities around the world to empower people with free education.

Israel as a High Speed Internet Example to the World

Israel as a High Speed Internet Example to the World

Thanks to John Chambers, the CEO of Cisco, the Start up Nation is about to become digital. It seems as though Israel has been chosen to be the recipient of a new and powerful fiber optic system and will showcase as the first example of an entire state going digital.

The Light Rail Revolution

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”)

Israel’s Fine Wine Festivals

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.

Spotlight on Tveria, Northern Israel

Spotlight on Tveria, Northern Israel

Residents of chutz l’aretz are usually surprised that I live in Tveria. They think Tveria is a resort city and great place to bring the family for vacation, especially during the Chaggim, but to live here…?

Street Food Eating in Israel

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.