Sukkot in Israel: Finding Strength in the Temporary

By Mindy Rubenstein In Kabbalistic thought, the sukkah symbolizes the balance between vulnerability and divine protection. Its open bamboo roof invites us to look up at the sky, reminding us to trust in Hashem’s infinite care. From my road here in Zichron Yaakov, a town founded in the 1800s on the southern tip of the … Continue reading Sukkot in Israel: Finding Strength in the Temporary

Visiting Yad Vashem

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

Passing the Torch, One Step at a Time

I cried this morning after walking our son to school. It has been exciting building a new life in the Holy Land, and it’s all starting to come together. And for the first time in my four decades here on Earth—as I walked from his school back home, amidst the buzzing cars and blooming bougainvilleas—I … Continue reading Passing the Torch, One Step at a Time

Aliyah Journal – Part 2

August 24-29 | 27 Av-2 Elul, 5782 We received our official approval from the Jewish Agency, tentatively confirmed our Nefesh B'Nefesh sponsored flight, and then, finally, our precious Visas arrived. I'm typing this with a feeling of disbelief and awe, because there were so many months, details and decisions, paperwork and interviews, and then this … Continue reading Aliyah Journal – Part 2