Dateline Jerusalem — I often write about my dump of an Israeli apartment
in a building about 35 years old with its inadequate, outdated electric,
plumbing and heating. Forgetting the fact that it never has been painted, the
door jambs and baseboards look like animals have clawed or chewed their
way through. No air conditioner or heater works. This apartment is an
absolute embarrassment. As my landlord likes to remind me, this is Israel,
not the U.S. Landlords do not have to make repairs for the tenant. I pay
rent, homeowner dues, and the landlord's property taxes in addition to
utilities. Needless to say, after 4 1/2 years of living like this, I am ready to
move.

Dateline Jerusalem — What a beautiful day. Clear blue sky, a bit windy, but great weather considering it has been pouring rain for a couple days. Today was my first day out of my apartment, other than doctor appointments, in two weeks. I could not have chosen a more perfect day to fill my bronchitis- plagued lungs with fresh, clean Israeli air. As always, I seemed to feel the presence of G-d. Considering Israel is an oasis in the arid deserts of the Middle East, I am constantly aware of the blessings G-d has bestowed upon Israel with the lush green forests, brightly colored blossoms and flowers, sweetly scented citrus trees, and pristine white sands adjacent to the turquoise, aqua waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Israel is like living in Paradise.

Dateline Jerusalem — I have one major complaint about
living in Israel. It is too far away from my family and friends.

Dateline Jerusalem — My oldest friend visited me in Israel this week. She is not really old, as we are not old enough to get a senior citizen's discount at tourist attractions or on the bus or train in Israel. But she has remained my friend longer than anyone else, since second grade for me, third grade for her. We always were late to school, and we met running to class. Fifty-three years later, from elementary school to UCLA and beyond, we are still friends although living 7,000 miles from each other.

Dateline Jerusalem — During this time of year, many religions are celebrating their individual religious holidays. Those of us lucky enough to have been born in the United States always have taken for granted the inalienable right of freedom of religion. Those who live in Israel also have been blessed with religious freedom to worship as one chooses. Although Israel is defined as a “Jewish state,” all religions are granted the right to practice the religion of their choice, according to the “Basic Laws of Israel.”

[img]96|left|||no_popup[/img] Dateline Jerusalem — Next week is Chanukkah, Chanukah, Chanuka, Hanukkah, Hanukah, Hanuka, or whatever way you wish to spell it. Since it is a Hebrew word, and the Hebrew alphabet is not the same as what we use in the U.S., the spelling of the word is usually written as it sounds. However, some pronounce it with a guttural … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem — Although I have been an Israeli for only four years (and am still an American), I have been an Israeli in my heart most of my life. I am so proud of the accomplishments this tiny nation the size of New Jersey has made in the mere 63 years of its modern existence. Many of the most important inventions and discoveries in medicine and technology used by the entire world today were born in Israel. Therefore, it baffles me that much of the world wants Israeli products boycotted and some even call for Israel's destruction. How many other nations can claim 10 Nobel Prizes in such a short time as a nation?

Dateline Jerusalem — To be in the presence of greatness is an exciting yet humbling
experience. I was going to be late, so instead of walking to meet my friend, I called for a taxi.
The driver spoke English. I can only assume he figured out I was an American by my
butchering of the Hebrew language. As we drove down the crowded main boulevard of my
town, the driver pointed to a very old woman trying to flag down a taxi.

Dateline Jerusalem — In 1621, Pilgrims and American Indians celebrated the
first Thanksgiving in America. But it was not until 1789 that George Washington
declared a day of thanksgiving and prayer. It was not until 1863 that Abraham
Lincoln declared a national holiday of Thanksgiving to be celebrated on the fourth
Thursday of November in the U.S. In Canada, Thanksgiving is observed on the
second Monday of October as “A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for
the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed”. In Israel, we are
thankful everyday.

Dateline Jerusalem — Often I am asked about the town of Rehovot where I have resided the past four years. I describe it as a town since the main street looks something like old-time Main Street in middle America with its towering trees shading the sidewalks and sweet smelling orange trees adding to the aromas of falafel and shwarma stands, tiny bakeries and pizza parlors, canopied or umbrella outdoor dining areas of various cafes and coffee houses where people eat while listening to street musicians.