This year has felt more “Christmassy” than previous years. Partly it’s been because of the preparations for Christmas programs in my own and the Chinese congregation. But another reason is Haifa’s annual “Holiday of Holidays” when Christmas, Hanukkah, and a Muslim holiday (although I’ve never received a conclusive answer for which one) are celebrated. A […]
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Category: Israel
Erev Yom Kippur
Still waiting…
Many years ago (2011, to be precise), I shared that I was waiting to hear the sound of a trumpet. I am still waiting, and wondering, will this year be the one? What am I talking about? The Biblical Feast of Trumpets, referred to in modern Judaism as Rosh Hashanna – Jewish New Year. The […]
Politics and the Garden Tomb
This year, Easter Sunday fell on the Sunday after Passover, and so I decided to visit the Garden Tomb. However, parking was horrid, and my friends and I missed the 7:30 am service. Thankfully, we finally found a place to park, had breakfast in a hotel near the Garden Tomb, and were able to attend […]
Ambivalent Joy… Getting through the Holidays
What kind of a title is that? I suppose it actually expresses quite well my gut feelings when it comes to the Christmas and New Year holidays. But the more I think about it, I wonder if you too meet this season with a certain ambivalence at times. Now don’t get me wrong… we have […]