I’m trying to live as if things are normal. But at the moment I feel a bit lost, disconnected. Sometimes waves of pain come through me, physically and emotionally. A toothache. Injured toe. Sore knee. But it's the emotional pain that takes me over and seems unbearable. Oh, the lonliness. The story I tell myself. … Continue reading He’s trying to reach me, if only I’ll pay attention.
Tag: torah
Mama Rachel, We are Finally Home
It was a last-minute decision to drive several hours south, making an early-morning pilgrimage to Kever Rachel In Bethlehem. I was in awe of the 15-foot cement walls protecting us outside. They were in stark contrast to the softness and beauty of those pouring out their hearts inside. At first I found a spot to … Continue reading Mama Rachel, We are Finally Home
Tree of Life & Forest Bathing
I love trees. They literally have the power to heal us. Today I wasn't feeling so great. So I took my laptop outside and worked at a table next to a tree. I leaned against it, felt its rough bark, noticed the shape of its leaves. I sat out there for hours, taking in the … Continue reading Tree of Life & Forest Bathing
Working in Israel…
Recently I shared that I started a new position as a writer with Israel365. While we are an Orthodox Jewish organization, many of our supporters are Christian. It’s a unique niche that fits perfectly with my background. I’ve been working as a religion journalist and writer since I finished grad school in 2001, and seven months … Continue reading Working in Israel…
Cave of Elijah the Prophet
We visited Marat Eliyahu, the cave of Eliyahu HaNavi (Elijah the prophet). It was fun exploring Haifa with our teens while the younger two kids were at school. The opening of the cave, carved into the side of Mount Carmel, faces the sea. That’s where we are standing in this photo. Shabbat Shalom, from the … Continue reading Cave of Elijah the Prophet
Our Jewish Mission
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
The Power of a Smile
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
Continuing My Mission in the Holy Land
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
Seek and Find Your Hidden Gifts
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
Connecting at the Kotel
Here I am, with my daughters at the Western Wall. It’s the only place on earth I feel truly at peace, my face pressed against the cool, ancient stone. I pray for my family and friends. I pray for those who asked me to. For their sons, daughters, spouses. For health, for love, for good … Continue reading Connecting at the Kotel