News and Reflections

News from the Land

Third time Ice cream!

There is a popular saying in Israel: “Third time ice cream.” When you meet someone for the third time within a short period, you get ice cream to celebrate that third meeting.  Or at least, you talk about getting ice cream.Well, on Monday, we all met again at the...

Read More

NewslettersReflections from Israel

Hey, Brother

  January 14, 2020By: Meira Weber In Israel, there is an endearing yet perplexing tradition of calling complete strangers “achi” – “my brother.” I used to think it was funny, like a sarcastic, ingratiating nickname someone would use when they were trying to...

Read More

falafel stand in Israel
NewslettersReflections from IsraelWord to the Nations

How I celebrate Christmas

I know for many who love Israel and follow the Hebraic roots of our faith, whether or not to celebrate Christmas can be a real struggle.  And I usually get some chastising notes and emails from well-meaning folks who are aghast that I allow a pagan Christmas tree in my home, when I should know better!  So I will apologize in advance if talking about Christmas or saying “Merry Christmas” is offensive to you. 

Read More

NewslettersReflections from Israel

Chanukah Nights

My sisters and I returned home from school on that first night of Chanukah the year we moved, myself only nine years old, ears and nose bright red from cold. Inside the house, hand-drawn decorations crowded the walls and a fire crackled merrily in the fireplace,...

Read More