Life in Israel

The Scribe: an Ancient Profession in Today’s World

Recently a friend asked me to send her a mezuzah (Scripture box affixed to a doorway) from Israel. I had decided to buy it at Yad LaKashish, a wonderful organization in Jerusalem that gives elderly citizens the opportunity to work making Judaica and other items in a number of artistic workshops. As I expected, I

Crisis Brings Israelis Together in Prayer

When three teenagers, Eyal Yifrach (19), Naftali Frenkel (16) and Gilad Sha’ar (16), were kidnapped by terrorists, the country sprang into action. The largest ground search in Israel’s history was conducted by the army, police and security forces. The hearts of the entire country were moved for the boys and their families. A cry went

Hebrew-speaking Canine Helpers

Living in the world is challenging at times for those with eyesight, but for the visually impaired and blind those challenges can seem almost insurmountable. Some choose to navigate with a white cane, a universally known symbol for blindness; others opt for a seeing-eye, or service dog. Communication between dog and human is critical and

Light in Jerusalem

Photo Credit: Mario Gonzales/BFP Light artists from Israel and other nations transformed the Old City of Jerusalem with their creations for 10 nights in June. In the words of the show’s sponsor, the Jerusalem Development Authority, “We invite you to stroll along illuminated paths and take part in this very special festival that combines the

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).