Just because we aren’t on the floor crying and screaming, don’t imagine this is easy for us. It isn’t After writing about Purim as a guide for Jewish survival, I realized there are things harder to explain — what survival feels like in real time. There are things I don’t want to write about. Like … More Before we win: surviving the war
And now, as I was preparing to publish this article, the first siren went off — not because there are incoming missiles, but because the attack has begun on Iran and we are to be ready for whatever might come next.
Happy Purim. There will be no celebrations now but hopefully, when this is over, there will be. … More From Persia to Iran – the holocaust that wasn’t
Jewish texts are profound. Nothing is random. And yet, I am still surprised by how relevant the ancient texts are, as if they were written for modern-day events. It shouldn’t be a surprise. Ancient texts that remain intact over hundreds and thousands of years are those that remain relevant—those that people in every generation decided … More Hanukah, hostages and heroes: in those days, in this time
“Don’t worry Ma. See, my arm is fine!” He knew his arm wasn’t fine. She knew it too. They both knew there was no way he was staying home. Not after the videos he had seen, not after the emergency message he received, the message all policemen in the area received, the message they thought … More Last one out turns off the darkness
Jews are unique. Even our New Year greeting is different — a harsh reflection of our experiences as a nation apart. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are called the High Holy Days. They are more holy days than holidays: a time for introspection rather than celebration. Jewish tradition teaches that every year God reviews the … More “I hope you don’t die this year.”
Only in Israel could I — or any other Jew — begin the day in a church and end it in a mosque. I attended the annual Ahmadiyya conference. It’s not the first time I’ve been to their cultural center. I’ve built my impressions over time, listening and learning… The Ahmadiyya Muslims are a reformist … More In Haifa, the Ahmadiyya community rejects violent jihad but what do they believe?
Many of us are screaming in our heads at how long it is taking to finish the job in Gaza (I know I am). The frustration is intense — which makes it all the more important to remember that, slowly and methodically, NILI is at work. NILI is the Israeli task force charged with ensuring … More The “Good Boy” Who Slaughtered Jews
I think this important presentation was very poorly done – an unusual and disappointing result for Prime Minister Netanyahu, who is recognized by those who love him and those who hate him as a master at public speaking and use of media platforms. The 47-minute documentary of the October 7th horrors taken from Hamas go-pros and … More Private Pain, Public Lesson: The October 7th Video the World Must See
On October 7th, the invaders came, intent on destroying Jewish life.Killing wasn’t enough. They wanted to torture and humiliate. To steal our joy and our future. They thought that if they brought the Holocaust to Israel, they could break us.And they did bring the Holocaust to Israel – with fire, slaughter, and even plans to … More How the Jews became more Jew-y
What could feel more home-like? A perfect tableau: a freshly baked pie, charming knick-knacks, and the peaceful greenery outside the kitchen window… an incomprehensible contrast to what my mind knows happened here. Kibbutz Re’eim. Peaceful. Lovely. 97% heaven. An older couple invited us in for coffee. They told us about their children and grandchildren. About … More We can’t shut the window on October 7th
Inspiration from Zion: This is a Love Story 