At sundown on Tuesday, May 18 this year, the festival of Shavuot will be celebrated. We will once again commemorate the time centuries ago when the first fruits of the harvest were carried to the holy Temple and presented as an offering to God. Shavuot …
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July 2011 in Iceland- Will the Sun Ever Set?
Iceland is definitely one of the most mysterious and misunderstood countries in the world. Few have visited the land of fire and ice, but those who do make the trek certainly find that it is absolutely different from anything they have ever experienced before. …
I Landed in Fairbanks – Now What? (Written for a July trip)
A position I did not want be in when I landed in Fairbanks was to decide which places to visit. Since I was fresh, I thought I would go in for a guided tour. The average maximum temperature in July is 73 degrees Fahrenheit in …
How to Best Dress for Airplane Travel: Seven Tips
Plane travel today can make our lives so much easier. But it can also be a frustration when you are trying to determine what to wear for an airplane flight. Planes are notorious for fluctuating temperatures, sardine-like seating arrangements, long security lines, and other hassles. …
How Did Jews Arrive in Peru?
Interestingly, the Jewish community developed in two different primary ways, or phases, if you will. The first phase occurred in the sixteenth century when Spaniards arrived in South America, and in the area today known as Peru. Included with this group were “Conversos,” meaning people …
Have a week in Finland – what should I see?
Have a week to spend in Finland and trying to decide on the best to spend your time? Seeing everything that Finland has to offer in one week can be a difficult task but with proper planning, it can be done. The majestic beauty of …
Getting Around Bangkok- I Love It!
The city of Bangkok, or Krung Thep, as it is called in Thai, is a bustling and busy urban area, filled with exotic and enticing sights, sounds, and smells. Because Bangkok is densely populated, as well as a popular place to visit, it is constantly …
Georgian Jews: Part I, An Ancient Community
The term “Georgian Jews” designates Jewish people, also referred to as Gurjim or kartveli ebraelebi, who migrated to Georgia, located in the Caucasus. They comprise one of the oldest communities in the Georgian republic. Their history is one of both great strife and courageous survival, …
Georgia: Part II, A New Country
As we recently described [link to Part I], Georgian Jews have a long and storied history in the ancient republic. While their numbers have been reduced through emigration and aliyah, Georgian Jews who remain are part of a thriving community.Located between the Caucasus Mountains and …
Georgia: Part II, A New Country
As we recently described [link to Part I], Georgian Jews have a long and storied history in the ancient republic. While their numbers have been reduced through emigration and aliyah, Georgian Jews who remain are part of a thriving community.Located between the Caucasus Mountains and …