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Life in Israel

Observations about life in Israel from a Canadian immigrant's perspective.

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Purim has come and gone.

April 30, 2009 Nicole Nathan Bem

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.

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Hiking the Golan and the Talmudic Town of Devorah

February 26, 2009 Nicole Nathan Bem

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

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Small Signs of Having Arrived

February 26, 2009 Nicole Nathan Bem

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

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Classic Israel Moments

February 26, 2009 Nicole Nathan Bem

“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

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Dog Walking – A Perilous Pursuit

February 19, 2009 Nicole Nathan Bem

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

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Postcards from Israel – A Passion for Pomegranates

September 20, 2007 Nicole Nathan Bem

Shana Tova from Israel. Celebrating the Jewish new year in Israel is a feast for the senses and the soul. For me it all begins with that pomegranate tree outside my kitchen window. By August, which is Elul, the fruit is already deep red and full, its 613 seeds ready to burst forth. And as… Continue reading Postcards from Israel – A Passion for Pomegranates

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Postcards from Israel – Special Delivery

September 20, 2007 Nicole Nathan Bem

Special Delivery I like the word 'postcard' because it connotes a picture of a foreign place and always contains a personal message. I would like to send out my own personal postcards to give a glimpse of life, a small peek into the wonders of living in this country. A friend who was staying with… Continue reading Postcards from Israel – Special Delivery

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Biking Israeli Style

April 3, 2007 Nicole Nathan Bem

Last week, around 6:00 a.m., yawning, I opened my shutters and was greeted by a deep blue sky. I thought of my bicycle and was instantly energized. After a cup of coffee, rushing around waking the kids, organizing school bags and lunches, I was finally able to take out my bike. Amir, always an eager… Continue reading Biking Israeli Style

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Mornings In Israel: A High-Wire Act

January 7, 2007 Nicole Nathan Bem

I recently found another entry that was written right after our arrival. And, yep, we are still racing the clock each and every morning,six days a week, just like every other Israeli.Israel. This is a beautiful, wonderful, miraculous country. We love living here. But being from Canada, I sense a different energy here. Life is… Continue reading Mornings In Israel: A High-Wire Act

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Mental Health Days

January 7, 2007 Nicole Nathan Bem

I was just going through some old journal entries and I found this. It was written just after we made aliyah and well before we started this blog. Reading back on this, I can see how much has changed for my children in the past year They are well adjusted socially, confident, happy and now… Continue reading Mental Health Days

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  • The Circle of LifeDecember 25, 2025
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    It is eleven years to the day of my beautiful mother’s passing. There is so much…… Continue reading Empty Rocking Chair
  • The Rabbit HoleOctober 29, 2025
    During two years of war in Israel, my daughter Talya would do jigsaw puzzles on Shabbat.…… Continue reading The Rabbit Hole
  • “Grow, Grow”September 28, 2025
    A flatbed truck offloaded a hydraulic drill behind our property. It shuffled into position, cranked its…… Continue reading “Grow, Grow”
  • Nocturnal NemesisAugust 13, 2025
    “When life itself seems lunatic, who  knows where madness lies? Perhaps to be too practical is…… Continue reading Nocturnal Nemesis

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