Life in Israel

Living in a State of High Alert

Chris Parypa/Shutterstock.com Since its emergence as a nation in 1948, Israel has had to live in a state of perpetual high alert. With enemies threatening on her every border, this tiny nation realizes she has no choice but to maintain constant vigilance. There are a multitude of ways Israel is preparing for future conflict—this article

Jerusalem—the Eternal City

Jerusalem Day—Yom Yerushalayim יום ירושלים “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill! If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth—if I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy” (Ps. 137:5–6).  On Yom Yerushalayim, there are hundreds, maybe even thousands of

Winged Odyssey

The Marvel of Bird Migration in Israel An electric blue flash—turquoise and sapphire plumage as rich as Joseph’s coat of many colors, against a backdrop of emerald green—signals the flight of a Kingfisher hunting from its perch above the Jordan River. Spring has arrived in Israel, and with it comes one of the most breathtaking

Telling—Haggadah

“And you shall tell your son in that day [when the Lord brings you into the land which He promised to give you], saying ‘This is done because of what the Lord did for me when I came up from Egypt’” (Exod. 13:8 emphasis added). The word haggadah (הגדה), which is the noun form of

My Firstborn Son Is Going into the Army

{image_1}I have anticipated this day for 19 years, with mixed feelings of awe and love, repressed fear and with pride; and of course with prayer.

A Heavenly Lookout!

{image_1}The Cliffs of Arbel

One of the advantages of being a Bridges for Peace volunteer in Israel is the opportunity to explore on your own. While Arbel National Park is not usually found on Israel tour itineraries, it is definitely worth a visit. The view from Mount Arbel is breathtaking, including the Golan Heights, Tsafat (Safed), Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee. The high cliffs reach an elevation of 181 meters (594 ft) above sea level at the peak for a total elevation of 380 meters (1,247 ft).

Up In the Air, a Bird’s-eye View of Israel

{image_1}Israel has a number of cable car systems that not only provide transportation but make for some memorable aerial adventures as well.

Soreq Cave—The Wondrous World Beneath

{image_1}Considering its tiny size, the land of Israel is amazing in its diversity. God made the Land beautiful—a “land of hills and valleys,” choosing it as a dwelling place for Himself and His people. And it must give Him pleasure, for Deuteronomy 11:12 says that “…the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it.”

Dazzling Nights in the Old City

{image_1}Jerusalem’s Festival of Light was a week-long extravaganza of light and art—vibrant scenes splashed across the stones of ancient walls, light sculptures, brightly colored mobiles floating overhead, performances on stages and in the streets—all taking place at various locations in Jerusalem’s Old City, long after the sun had gone to bed.

Cool Globes Jerusalem

{image_1}An exhibit of 18 large globes of planet earth is on public display near the Old City’s Jaffa Gate. Each of the globes, weighing 2,000 pounds (907 kg), artistically portrays a solution to climate change—from solar power to rooftop gardens; green buildings to fuel efficiency.