April 12 - Chol HamoedWith the combination of the special Birkat Hachama festival, the spring weather and the incredible choices of tiyulim in the north, there was too much choice of things to do during chol hamoed! We wanted to do everything, yet we only had a few days to fit it all in. Each… Continue reading Hallel During Chol Hamoed
Year: 2009
Erev Pesach
Erev Pesach - April 8My mid morning, our kitchen was full of energetic cooks. We had a team of champion gefilte fish makers chopping up mounds of onions and reviving an ancient family secret in a huge pot. Our daughters were chopping vegetables and baking delicious cakes and squares. Soup was simmering, vegetables were roasting,… Continue reading Erev Pesach
The Power of Bircat Hachama
April 8 - The Power of Bircat HachamaThis special blessing is recited once every 28 years, when the sun completes a cycle and returns to the same position as it was on the day of creation. And this year, it fell on erev Pesach. This day is very significant as historically, the sun was in… Continue reading The Power of Bircat Hachama
Pesach In Tzfat
I’m just trying to get back to earth after experiencing an incredible Pesach. The day to day life is so ‘normal’ and strange after our wildly busy but fulfilling Pesach vacation. It all started with the regular pre-Pesach preparations, but this time with a twist. We were spending our first Passover in our home in… Continue reading Pesach In Tzfat
Preparing for Pesach Tzfati-style
I’m just trying to get back to earth after experiencing an incredible Pesach in Tzfat. Our day-to-day life seems so ‘normal’ and strange after our wildly busy but fulfilling Pesach vacation. It all started with the regular pre-Pesach preparations, but this time with a twist. We were spending our first Passover in our home in… Continue reading Preparing for Pesach Tzfati-style
Purim has come and gone.
Purim has come and gone. It budded just after Tu B’Shvat in February with the appearance of costumes and candy, then sent out tendrils that quickly gathered momentum, smothering everything in site. Candy baskets spilled from stores out onto the streets, children started celebrating in school, all day, every day. And Purim was still one… Continue reading Purim has come and gone.
Hiking the Golan and the Talmudic Town of Devorah
Even though this was written during Pesach, 2007, the trails are still there, beckoning hikers. Chol HaMoed Pesach is a special time for all Israelis. The children are off school and most parents take time off work to be with their families and to tour this magnificent country. We headed to the Golan. After a… Continue reading Hiking the Golan and the Talmudic Town of Devorah
Small Signs of Having Arrived
Just found this little piece from way back and had to post it. I know that we have arrived. Every so often I get a sign. Just last Shabbat, as we were walking home from shul, Shaya took my hand in his and announced, “Ima, after Shabbat, I want to write my name in the… Continue reading Small Signs of Having Arrived
Classic Israel Moments
“From the sublime to the caw blimey,” is that how it goes?We are in the car turning onto a highway. We stop at a red light. It is a beautiful evening. The sun is setting and the sky is a mix of purples and pinks. We are all in a thoughtful kind of mood. The… Continue reading Classic Israel Moments
Dog Walking – A Perilous Pursuit
The newest addition to my morning routine: walking the children to school and taking along the dog. This sounds like a wonderful, relaxing family outing and a healthy start to one’s day - especially when the weather is ideal. Crisp sunny mornings are a February specialty here in Israel.But first let me define the terms.… Continue reading Dog Walking – A Perilous Pursuit
Life in Israel 