“Until the Final Furrow”
The renowned Zionist figure and hero Joseph Trumpeldor famously remarked, “Where the Jewish plow concludes its last furrow, that is where the border will be set.” This declaration is more than a mere geographical statement; it embodies both a moral commitment and a strategic necessity. The evacuation of Israeli citizens from their homes in the Gaza Strip and along the Lebanese border during Operation Swords of Iron, following the October 7th massacre, has shaken the Zionist ethos of “Until the Final Furrow.” Ensuring that these citizens can return home in full safety is essential for the future of Zionism and the State of Israel.
“Moments on Israeli radio that have profoundly touched my heart over the past 10 months:
Posted on Facebook 18 August 2024 I can’t believe I’m writing about the recurring, daily, deeply emotional moments on the news during the war. I listen to the news quite often and am aware of the discourse regarding the emotional and psychological toll it takes on those who struggle to disconnect. Yet, ever since October […]
Hitchhiker
Posted on Facebook 24 July 2024 Whoever Yoni got into a conversation with, no matter what it was about, by the end of the conversation he was convinced by their argument. Whether it was a brief small talk with a taxi driver about potholes and the physical state of the roads or an intense political […]
“In the name of God, we will do and succeed, in the name of God, we will do and succeed.”
עברית אחרי האנגלית Posted on Facebook 27 June 2024 He stood at the intersection of Street Number 1 and Nevi’im Street in Jerusalem, patiently waiting for the pedestrian light to turn green so he could continue on his way. He had just returned from Shacharit prayer at the Western Wall, something he didn’t do regularly, […]
Jerusalem Goes to Work
The classroom buzzed with excitement as Morah Ella, their cherished teacher, entered. “Kids, tomorrow marks the day we’ve all been eagerly anticipating. Each of you will accompany one of your parents to work in Jerusalem, and I can hardly wait to hear all about your experiences.” The children’s eyes sparkled, and the excitement bubbled over […]
Ma’ashe and Maasiyah
The memory of the fallen will be preserved through Ma’ashe – deeds/actions, and Maasiyah – storytelling. In Jewish tradition, this is also known as Halakhah and Aggadah.
Life
He didn’t understand how he got into this situation, strapped to a harness, tethered to a rappelling rope, suspended between heaven and earth, on a cliff somewhere in the distant north. He promised himself he wouldn’t give in to any social pressure this time, no matter the price. He also knew it was a statement […]
Walking on Eggshells
Posted on Facebook 11 April 2024 Drawing on an insightful radio interview I recently listened to, I am convinced that this story possesses the potential to offer a profound insight into the emotional landscape of Israeli residents in the north who find themselves displaced from their homes. He has broken an egg in the past. […]
Sleepless Nights
Published on facebook on March 26, 2024 At 8 p.m. on a winter Friday night, their cozy apartment in Jerusalem was enveloped in a tranquil ambiance. The flickering Shabbat candles signaled their final moments before extinguishing, awaiting the next week. Hastily abandoned, the Shabbat table in the dining room bore witness to the evening’s abrupt […]
Flower Boy
Every Friday for the past three years, Boaz would wake up at 5:00 am to the tune of ‘Avoda Kasha’ – Hard Work on his smartphone. He’d throw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, then rush to wake up his father. This routine never changed. His father would drive him down to the […]
Israel Points of View
A picture is worth a thousand words. Discovering fresh perspectives to explore a country is always enriching. In April 2019, we embarked on an expedition to uncover the wonders of Israel from a novel vantage point— the skies. This aerial adventure involved traversing the entire country in a helicopter, offering a unique viewpoint that went […]
To Be a Rich State
In my role as a Guide and Educator in Israel, I regularly encounter diverse groups of people. The initial phase of any trip involves engaging in casual conversations to establish a personal connection. This process fosters intimacy and rapport, cultivating a trust that I, as their guide, truly comprehend their preferences and will cater to […]
Acharai – follow me!!!
Published on facebook, 16 December 2023. This week, we continue to bear the heavy price required to safeguard the well-being of our Jewish and Democratic State. Our soldiers, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, partners, relatives, and friends, are actively engaged in the Gaza Strip, confronting an adversary bent on our destruction. The toll exacted […]
No Trespassing
On the distant horizon, he spied an unfamiliar vehicle, one of those sleek new models. It was difficult to discern whether it was a Prius or a Tesla, but it was definitely not a common sight around these areas. The car sped along the lengthy dirt road that wound through the cornfields, heading in the […]
These synagogues provoke me to question, “Who am I?”
“We are reaching the final stretch of our capital campaign, having successfully secured the funds required for the renovation of our synagogue. I want to express my deep appreciation for your involvement in the planning committee. Together, you will be responsible for establishing the architectural and interior design guidelines. Your choices will significantly influence how […]
Going from Black and White to Color
When we think about the Jewish Ultra-Orthodox community, the prevailing image is often one of stark simplicity. This perception is largely influenced by how we observe them in public and media representations, as community members adhere to a dress code characterized by modest attire, typically composed of dark, monochromatic colors, such as black pants or […]
It’s all written on a T-shirt.
I have always liked walking through the markets of the old city of Jerusalem, ever since I was little it has fascinated me. Walking down the middle of the market, past many entrances of shops covered with merchandise hanging from above and on all sides, it is impossible to tell when one shop ends and […]
Teaching Israel A – Z
I truly love my work. And Israel A-Z challenges me to find more ways to teach, relate and connect people to an ever changing, diverse and dynamic State of Israel. This is my mission… my ongoing mission.
If you have not filled out your personal Israel A-Z, or would like to give another go at it, you can do it here https://forms.gle/QeSuA9iWQBGsVudv7
Derech HaRaglayim
I have come to know my land and its people… Derech HaRaglayim. Derech HaRaglayim is a Hebrew expression that literally translates to: “Through the feet” but truly means to learn via physical and experiential experiences. Derech HaRaglayim doesn’t always mean walking and hiking, but rather to use all of the senses, to create intellectual, emotional, and meaningful experiences. Derech HaRaglayim is a physical method that opens minds and hearts. Derech HaRaglayim is an interaction between the individual and his or her surroundings. It begins the moment you get up and start a journey. Whether it is a new path or one you have taken before… each time is a new learning experience that leaves an imprint on you, whether you are aware of it or not.
Common Practice
*This story is written with male characters but could equally apply to a female. Driving around the country is something I do a lot. Often, I am in the driver’s seat, but I do not mind at all being in the passenger’s seat. See, not driving gives me the opportunity to do many things I […]
Names in a Siddur – The Power of Our Names
“Hi, my name is Zalman. You can call me Z, Zman, Zalman, or any combination from the first to the last letters of my name that catches my attention”. Many times, it is this way that I introduce myself to a new group of people I am going to guide. It is a bit humorous, […]
Miracle Mile- Heaven on Earth
One of my favorite things to do in the old city of Jerusalem is to take a break on a corner of this street and watch, and when I say watch, I mean people-watch. I sit there at one of the restaurants with a cup of black-coffee, mud coffee, and my eyes wander the street, following individuals and groups passing by.
Zman café זמן קפה
Time for Coffee/ A Coffee moment The Israeli coffee scene from the big chain to the small local joints Whenever I bump into a first timer in Israel in the line at one of the local coffee shops, I quickly try to make conversation. It is not only that I’m interested in his or her […]
I am a Nofan!
Zev Vilnay, Veahavta L’artzecha Kamocha (Translation by Zalman Spivack) I am a Nofan! I am often asked: What are you, really- a Geographer? historian? archaeologist? botanist? zoologist? After all in your explanation you talk about the geography of the place, the events that occurred there, the ancient remains, about plants and animals … Well, what […]
Shabbat Shalom- Shalom La’Shabbat
Our eyes are following the bus that has pulled in to take us to the nearest town bus station, and just before our Sergeant dismisses us he shoots out one more message to remember: “For all of you going home – Shabbat Shalom; and for you that are not…
My Friend – The Forester
It is a well-known and wonderful tradition in Israel to plant a tree. Families, schools and youth movements have embraced the tradition of going out and planting trees on the day of Tu Be’shvat in early springtime. Jews and non-Jews around the world have been supporting this project by “sponsoring” trees, mainly through the Jewish […]
Dropped into a New Universe
I never thought that at the age of eighteen I would be living in a building that shares a wall with a famous synagogue, and their early morning chanting and singing of prayers would be my wake-up call. But it happened, during my gap year between high school and my army service which I spent […]
Route 90
Route 90 is a long road; some say the longest road in Israel, beginning all the way in the North, on the mountainous border of Israel and Lebanon, traversing the entire eastern side of our country, through the Jordan Rift Valley, along the Dead Sea, down the Arava desert, ending with a splash on the […]
We Are on The Map
Whenever I guide a group around Israel, I provide a map of Israel to each and every participant to allow them to follow our journey through the county. Not a special map, just a simple folding paper map, either one printed by the Ministry of Tourism or a map created by the agency I am […]
“Welcome Home” – The Transformative Effect Of Arriving In Israel
Throughout the history of the Jewish people, entering, or maybe we should use the term arriving in, the Land of Israel and later the State of Israel, have been transformative experiences with a profound impact on the individual and in many aspects on the state of our people and our nation as a whole. When I say […]
Reality Check!!
I am driving on route two (2) northbound with a car full of clients that have just arrived from a long trans-Atlantic flight. This is their first time in Israel, and they are excited to get started. They have been planning this family trip for over a year to detail: what season of the year […]
Size Matters
Growing up I was not a very big boy at all. I was not very tall either. I was actually pretty skinny and wasn’t all buff with muscles. This worried me as my army service approached. I believe it had less to do with who I saw around me, as most of the other guys […]