Dateline Jerusalem — I am a foodaholic.  Other than Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, when we must fast for 25 hours with no food or water, food often plays a symbolic role in the celebration of major Jewish holidays.  Even with Yom Kippur,  special pre- and post-fast foods are associated with it. No wonder I am reminded of the … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem — It is that time of year again as we approach the anniversary of the birth of mankind.  The new year coming in a little over a week will be the year 5776, according to the Hebrew calendar, counting from the day of the creation of man, Adam.  The world was created on the first day, man on the sixth … Read More

Dateline, Jerusalem – At a wedding last night, a friend and I were discussing how much we miss having our families with us at holidays and festive events. We agreed that the only reason we were able to easily adapt to living over 7500 miles away from them was because we were blessed to be in Israel and know that … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem — August in Israel is the hottest month of the year.  And the most humid.  My air conditioner is on 24/7 …when it is working.  The A/C repair man was out three times last week.  I dread my electricity bill.  I sit under the A/C vents, in front of fans, and only leave my apartment when necessary.  Necessary means spending hours at … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem — Israel last week celebrated the holiday Tu B’Av (15th of the month of Av in the Hebrew calendar), also known as the Festival of Love.  It is considered the happiest day of the year.  As observed today in Israel, it is similar to Valentine’s Day, but with unique differences.  It is a religious holiday as compared to … Read More

Second of two parts.  Re: “Finally, Blame Is Falling on Roosevelt”  Dateline Jerusalem — One of the saddest, most shameful aspects during World War II was the role played by liberal American Jews in preventing the rescue of European Jews from genocide.  Reform Rabbi Stephen S. Wise, probably the most prominent Jewish leader at the time, and many other Jewish … Read More

First of two parts.  Dateline Jerusalem –– Deja vu?  Exactly four years and one week ago, I attended an international symposium at the International School for Holocaust Studies at the world’s most famous Holocaust museum, Yad Vashem, in Jerusalem. The topic was “The Bergson Group and America’s Response to The Final Solution.”  Among the panel’s distinguished speakers were David S. … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem — In general I have been writing about living in Israel, Israel’s technological and scientific advancements, and world politics as it relates to Israel.  Because most of my readers are not Jewish, I try not to discuss religion except as it relates to observance of holidays in Israel as compared to the Diaspora. This week, however, I will … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem — This week the U.S. and Europe entered into an agreement with Iran, capitulating to almost all of Iran’s demands.  One of the greatest generals during World War II was George Patton. Gen. Patton believed history repeats itself. Therefore he would study military history before leading his troops into battle.  In 1938, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, known … Read More

Dateline Jerusalem — Living in Israel is like living history.  It is a country where old and new blend together, where futuristic high-rise buildings can be found next to ancient archaeological sites. Just last week a family was renovating their home when they discovered a 2000-year-old ancient ritual bath (mikve) from the Second Temple period under their living room floor. … Read More