Dateline Jerusalem — Eight years ago I made aliyah to Israel.  Aliyah defines the immigration and return of Jews from countries all over the world back to their ancient homeland, the Land of Israel.  The Hebrew word aliyah means to go up, to ascend in a spiritual sense.  It also means progressing toward Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem — Which is the only sovereign nation in the world not permitted to choose its capital?  Israel.  In a landmark decision, the United States Supreme Court has determined that the U.S. President, not Congress, certainly not Israel, has the authority to designate the capital of Israel, and that Americans born in Israel’s capital of Jerusalem are not Israelis. … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem –– I love that Israel is a melting pot.  Jews from all over the world gather here for many reasons.  Unfortunately too many have come because they were refugees.  This is true especially for the Jews of Arab countries, such as Egypt and Yemen. They had to flee secretively, or were given weeks to depart, leaving behind their … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem — It isn’t quite summertime yet, but things are heating up in Israel, literally and figuratively.  Against a backdrop of almost record high scorching temperatures of 109 this week, the terrorists in Gaza launched rockets into Israel reminiscent of last summer’s war. This is not the first time rockets have fallen since last August.  A month ago on … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem — The Hebrew word for heat wave is sharav. The more familiar Mideastern term to describe the unbearably hot dusty winds that accompany temperatures between 95 and 105 degrees is khamsin.  Israelis know that means air conditioners 24/7, driving instead of walking, staying indoors.  It is chokingly hot, dry, a time when forest fires rage throughout the country. … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem — Are politics the same all over the world?  In Israel, the entire country gets involved. In the past, regardless of political affiliation, everyone pulled together for the good of the country. Not so anymore. This has been an election of right vs. left, religious vs. non-religious, inflated egos and sour grapes. This is just from politicians within … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem — It is always nice to think of Israel as “only,” “best,” “most,” “highest,” “oldest,” “first.” Since Israel celebrated its 67th birthday last week, what better time to present unique facts and accomplishments.  Israel has a long history dating back to biblical times as the Land of Israel. The State of Israel, though, is young, a country where … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem — Exactly one week after Israelis mourned the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, we mourn those who died defending and protecting Israel from its enemies and victims of terrorism on Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, also known as Remembrance Day.  Like last week, the nation comes to a complete standstill while sirens wail throughout the country, … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem –– This week is Holocaust Memorial Day, known as Yom HaShoah (Day of The Catastrophe)  in Israel. It also is referred to as Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Day. The entire country observes this solemn occasion.  Six Holocaust survivors are chosen each year to carry a brass flame-lit torch to light memorial fires at a ceremony held by … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem — It has been two weeks since I last wrote, but it is that time of year again when Jews from all over the world celebrate Passover (Pesach), and our homes must be chametz (see below)-free. Needless to say, I had practically no time for anything but ridding my home of chametz — any food made of grain … Read More