Dateline Jerusalem — I always loved to travel, not just for the scenery, but I am fascinated
by different cultures and customs. Living in Israel has been like taking a world tour.
I Have Discovered One of the Greatest Freedoms of All
Dateline Jerusalem — Israelis are not shy.
They are an outspoken and curious species.
Mmmmmmmmm, This Tastes Delicious
Dateline Jerusalem — I am often asked what items are not readily available in Israel
that we have taken for granted in the states.
One…Word…at…a…Time
Dateline Jerusalem — I am learning Hebrew (Ivrit) finally! Having been off work because of my injuries, I have taken advantage of the time by trying to learn Hebrew. It is embarrassing that after living in Israel for three years I do not know Hebrew. “Ani lo medeberet Ivrit” (I do not speak Hebrew), “aval, ani mevina Ivrit” (but, I understand Hebrew). At least sometimes I understand it, especially if it is spoken slowly.
The Serene View from My Window
Dateline Jerusalem — A sky as clear and blue as the Mediterranean Sea is the canvas backdrop for the view from my fourth floor apartment window (actually the fifth floor because here in Israel the first floor is the ground floor and the second floor the first, etc.).
Let Me Count the Ways
Dateline Jerusalem — A friend says that she experiences something new or unusual on a daily basis in Israel. I cannot
say the same, but definitely there have been a lot of “firsts” for me since I moved here three years ago.
One of the Happiest Places on Earth — And It Isn’t Disneyland
Dateline Jerusalem — According to a recent survey, Israel is considered one of the happiest countries in the world,
coming within the top ten countries on the list. Finland came in first, Israel tied Canada. The U.S. was way down the list somewhere.
The Foods of Rosh Hashana: A Feast for Your Nose, for Your Eyes
Dateline Jerusalem —As with most Jewish holidays, after spending the evening before and the day of in prayer, we go home to a sumptuous meal with foods symbolic of the holiday we are observing. Rosh Hashana (literally head of the year), the only holiday Israel observes for two days, is no exception. We celebrate the birth of mankind 5771 years ago when Hashem (G-d) created man, and the next day He rested. This year is particularly significant in that Shabbat, the day of rest for Jews, immediately follows Rosh Hashana.
Can You Please Choose a Language I Do Not Speak?
Dateline Jerusalem — In Israel, everything seems to be the opposite. English is read and written from left to right, but Hebrew is read and written from right to left. In the U.S., the number for the information operator is 4-1-1. In Israel, it is 1-4-4. The word for “hello” is the same as its opposite word, “goodbye.” Both are
“shalom,” which is also the word for “peace.”
A New Beginning Is Only Days Away
Dateline Jerusalem — In less than two weeks on Wednesday night, Set. 8, it will be the anniversary of the birth of mankind 5771 years ago. It begins at sundown, which is the start of the day, not midnight, as it is for most people. Although this is the year 2010 for most of the world, the Jewish calendar counts back to the time of Adam and Eve.