Shira and Amichai Ish-ran are a beautiful young couple. Twenty-one years old, they got married this year. Looking at them, most people would see radiant youth, loving eyes and warm smiles. How many would realize that these are people made from steel? On the last day of Chanukah, Amichai and Shira, 7 months pregnant were … More Meet the Maccabees: My Nation forever, Israel
There seems to be a lot of confusion about Hanukah – to the point where it appears to be deliberate. Let’s begin with what it’s not about. 1. It’s not a Jewish Christmas In many circles, Hanukah seems to have become an imitation Christmas – a holiday of food, lights, decorations, and gifts. This is … More From the Maccabees to the IDF: 6 things you need to know about Hanukah
Imagine being in cold and grey Europe and being told that somewhere, there is a sun-drenched land where everything our people have hoped for will come true. Imagine being weary of persecution, of never being left alone and knowing that there is a land where Jews will again be their own Maccabees. Shaul Tchernichovsky … More Longing for the sun-drenched land of Zion
Have you ever turned the corner and found yourself in the middle of a street party? Men dancing in the street, women carrying babies standing, smiling and watching, loud music and vehicles lit up all colors of the rainbow… happy people, celebrating. What a beautiful thing. It was the last night of Hanukah and we … More The light that should have died but didn’t
My American Hanukah’s were tainted by Christmas. Without even realizing it, the way my family celebrated Hanukah was a reflection, not of our Jewish holiday or it’s true meaning but rather of the holiday that our Christian friends and neighbors were celebrating. The homes of our Christian friends were covered in Christmas decorations. Our home … More My diaspora Hanukah vs my Israeli Hanukah
Inspiration from Zion: This is a Love Story 