When our plane landed in Eretz Yisrael five months ago, it was my first time ever being physically in this land. But it was a homecoming for my soul. My grandparents, Adeline and William, visited here a few decades ago. Each week I use the green-glass Shabbat candlesticks they bought in Jerusalem, along with the silver … Continue reading Our Jewish Mission
Fake it till you make it. It’s now Adar on the Jewish calendar, which our sages say is a month inherently infused with increased joy. But each year at this time, I reflect on why I don’t necessarily feel a spike of simcha. Now that we have made Aliyah, evidence of Adar and the upcoming … Continue reading The Power of a Smile
I am so grateful to be growing my business from here in the Holy Land. Five months ago I made Aliyah with my family. It’s been a monumental adventure—setting up our home, getting our children in the right schools, learning Hebrew, and exploring this amazing land. During my 25 years as an independent Jewish journalist, … Continue reading Continuing My Mission in the Holy Land
I went to Tel Aviv to take my final exam for Ulpan, and my family and I did a bit of exploring there. It’s a relatively big and modern city, much different from where we live here in the pastoral hills of the north. Six months ago today, my family and I made Aliyah. And … Continue reading Seek and Find Your Hidden Gifts
It is the new Jewish month of Shevat, and the sun is setting here in Eretz Yisrael as my son modge-podges a Star Wars puzzle he put together over Shabbat. I can smell glue fumes so I open the windows. Now I can hear birds singing quietly in the trees surrounding my house. And it’s … Continue reading Inner darkness leads to greater light on the other side
It was a good but challenging week, trying to get more clarity on who I am and how to best use my skills for parnassah. Four months ago I made Aliyah with my family. As an Oleh Hadasha, I’ve been getting free business consulting sessions during this transition. It’s one of the many benefits we … Continue reading Gaining Clarity Along the Journey
I was born with severe strabismus and astigmatism in both eyes. By age three, I had two surgeries and wore very thick glasses. Because of the bullying, at age nine, I got hard contact lenses. The eye doctor said I was his youngest patient ever. I was so grateful for those contact lenses, even though … Continue reading Darkness to Light: Poor Vision and Trauma Lead to Spiritual Insights
Today we visited the village of Beit Lechem HaGalilit, or Bethlehem of Galilee, a moshav in northern Israel 10 minutes from our home. The name Bethlehem, or Beit Lechem, is Hebrew for ‘House of Bread.’ (Another town of the same name is located in Judea.) The area we visited is mentioned in the Tanach as … Continue reading Holy Donkey!
After Chanukah and our trip to Jerusalem, I felt a dip in spirituality and my overall mood. And that’s okay. I don’t have anything profound to share, nor am I looking for advice. It’s been a decades-long journey of syncing my mind, body and soul. And I usually try to seek G-d, and light, even … Continue reading O my soul, why are you in turmoil within me?
I walked around Yad Vashem amidst the crowds and tours, somewhat detached from what I was seeing, at first. It felt tragically surreal, and I was nauseous. But I assume I was as stone-faced as those around me, trying to grasp what we were experiencing. Until I saw the wooden bunk beds, and across from … Continue reading Visiting Yad Vashem
Morasha 