Category: 2015

Asking for forgiveness – what everyone can learn from Jewish tradition

August 25, 2015

How many of the people you know find it difficult to apologize, to ask for forgiveness? How many people find it difficult to admit, even to themselves, that they have done something wrong? Jewish tradition puts forgiveness and asking for forgiveness very high on the scale of importance. Selichot prayers are a ritual of admitting … More Asking for forgiveness – what everyone can learn from Jewish tradition

Thank you Matisyahu

August 23, 2015

I would like to thank Matisyahu. In a time when so many are afraid courage is not to be taken for granted. The bullies shout: “Sit down! Shut up!” and most people obey. They succumb to the pressure. And the pressure can swiftly become overwhelming, it is no wonder that so many give in, give … More Thank you Matisyahu

Defining who is (and who isn’t) a hero

July 30, 2015

The media coverage of Donald Trump saying that being a prisoner of war did not make John McCain a hero and the subsequent outrage travelled all the way to Israel. I became completely baffled when I started hearing/reading statements of: “He can’t say that!” Have Americans completely forgotten the point of America?! Have Americans forgotten … More Defining who is (and who isn’t) a hero

Against all odds

July 17, 2015

I have lost count of the number of times I’ve found myself sitting in front of the news with tears rolling down my face. Israeli reality is that of sharp contrasts and strong emotions. There is no apathy here. Tears of heart-rending grief, tears of helplessness against horror and sometimes tears of pride and joy. … More Against all odds

90 year old scouts troupe in a 67 year old country

May 30, 2015

Israel has her own version of scouts. Their slogan is also “Be prepared”. Today I went to a celebration of the 90th anniversary of a Haifa based scouts troupe. I, who did not attend the scouts, watched as the old-timers came, as well as their children and grandchildren – all people who belonged to the … More 90 year old scouts troupe in a 67 year old country

The small difference that makes all the difference in the world…

April 30, 2015

Watching the news about the devastating earthquake in Nepal I was struck by something small but very significant. Although we have enough local problems to keep us occupied, Israel has been following the details of this disaster – because there were 2000 Israelis in Nepal when the earthquake hit and because, whenever possible, Israel reaches … More The small difference that makes all the difference in the world…

What do you know when you have no memory left?

April 10, 2015

Memory shapes personality – of people and of nations. Recently I’ve been contemplating the significance of collective memory. In Passover the Jewish people are commanded to remember how God delivered us from slavery over 3000 years ago. Not how our ancestors were freed from slavery, rather how each and every one of us was personally … More What do you know when you have no memory left?