Newsletters

Street Prayer Services

My father passed away in September, and I have been saying the mourners’ kaddish once a day since. I have found great comfort in the street service just outside my house. I regularly attend the afternoon service, which begins about 15 minutes before sunset.

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Reflections on Tu B’Shvat

Next week is Tu B’Shvat, the “New Year of the Trees”.  It is day where we celebrate the fruit of our trees and children and adults alike take the time on that day to go out and plant trees.  Israel is the only country in the world that had more trees at the end of the 20th century than it did at the beginning, and that is because planting trees has been a key Zionist enterprise, long before it became ecologically popular.

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A Visit With Shmuel: Bet Yatir

I am excited to introduce the first installment of my new series, A Visit with Shmuel, a virtual 360° look at Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. Join me for an exclusive visit to Bet Yatir!

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Israel Deserves Better Leadership!

More than 2000 years ago, the Maccabees rebelled against the Syrian Greeks and miraculously defeated them, liberating the Jews from pagan rule and re-entering the Sacred Temple in Jerusalem.  They immediately set to work, purifying the Temple and renewing the ancient services.  But when they tried to light the Menorah, they discovered that there was only enough pure olive oil to last one day. 

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The Challenge of Interfaith Marriage

Interfaith marriage is always a heartbreaker, for both families involved. Each family has raised their child in the faith that they believe to be the true one. Each family has immersed their child in the customs and culture that come with their faith.

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Sussya Virtual Tour

Join Sondra Oster Baras and Danny Ehrlich on a journey to Maale Shomron, a small community founded on historical and Biblical ruins in the heart of Samaria

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