Experiencing Israel

Group of students standing in an ancient cave with a teacher at the front

Teaching the Biblical Period Builds a Foundation for Jewish Identity

David Alon

March 30, 2021

The Tanach is our owner’s manual. If we want to operate this complex thing we call Jewish identity, it’s probably worth reading the instruction book. Are we doing enough to engage on a daily basis with our ancient sources?

Marc and Karen Rivo smiling in the streets of Safed

Israel Travel

Ending Our Year of Yearning for Israel: Our First Trip Back After Being Vaccinated

Karen and Marc Rivo

March 16, 2021

As Israeli citizens living abroad, we may now return to exercise our right and responsibility to vote in upcoming elections. Absentee ballots aren't available to us, though, so we had to return- though the logistics require persistence and patience.

Two men holding doves in their hands while wearing bucket hats

Israel Engagement

My Gap Year in Israel is the Best Decision I’ve Ever Made

Josh Glucksman

February 23, 2021

Israel is our home. It was in the Torah, and it is now. It sure isn’t perfect, and it might not be around forever, but that’s exactly why we need to come.

Professional close up portrait of the author and his wife in the 1970s

Israeli Arts and Culture

A Jerusalem Love Story

Aron Hirt-Manheimer

February 9, 2021

It has been almost 50 years since I met my wife Judy in Jerusalem. She came into my life like the Sabbath queen about to enter the synagogue, with everyone rising and turning toward the door to welcome her in.

Hands holding a mound of dirt and a small plant

Israeli History

Tu BiShvat: How Israel Has Planted New Seeds in the Jewish Soul

Rabbi Neal Gold

The way we celebrate Tu BiShvat has changed over the years – a case-in-point of how Jewish life and observance has been transformed in our day, due in no small part thanks to the successes of the State of Israel.