Tag Archives: israel

Jerry Buzzes Around Israel and Brad Backs Out of Potential Big Screen Blockbuster

Jerry Seinfeld always knew he would return to the Holy Land… someday, though he says he could have never predicted it would be to promote a movie about an animated bee. Funny how things just work out the way they do. What’s more, the Jewish comic says there is no way he could have fathomed his visit would be front-page news. Local newspapers devoted multiple pages to his trip and references to his humor bled into serious news stories. “Yada, yada, yada,” said TV political analyst Amnon Abramovitz on Sunday after reading a story about the Mideast meeting called by … Continue reading →

Free Ten-Day Trip to Israel for Jewish Youth

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Yes, you read that right. A completely free ten-day trip to Israel. What’s the catch? There isn’t one, really. If you are a Jewish youth, aged 18 to 26, Birthright provides a free “peer-group” experience in the Holy Land. You don’t even need to be a practicing Jew, just Jewish by birth. As a matter of fact, they’d prefer that you are a “less knowledgeable” Jew. The trips are their way of strengthening Jewish identity abroad. Young people spend the week and a half with Israeli students, soldiers, and community leaders. What I found really interesting was that there are … Continue reading →

The Western Wall

The Western Wall or the Kotel is the wall which remains standing in the Old City of Jerusalem. The wall is the only standing structure from the destruction of the second temple (Temple Mount) and has stayed fully together since 70 C.E. The Kotel is considered the holiest spot in all of Israel. Jews will go and pray at the wall all of hours of the day and night. At the wall, there is a divider which separates the men from the women while praying. Besides going to the Wall to daven or pray, many people will go to the … Continue reading →

Birthright Israel

For young Jewish adults between the ages of 18 to 26, the organization of Birthright Israel gives them the opportunity to visit Israel for free. The program is considered a combined gift from the local Jewish Federations and communities throughout the United Jewish Communities, Keren Hayesod and The Jewish Agency for Israel. What is the big deal about going to Israel? Because Judaism is such a historic culture, thousands of people visit each year. Many who visits decide to stay and make aliyah (to become an official Israeli citizen). Birthright is a 10 day program allowing individuals to explore Israel … Continue reading →

Visiting Israel for the First Time

Growing up, I remember friends asking me about my family background; where did my ancestors come from and the countries. I remember my answer was, “I am Jewish.” My friends would always be confused as being Jewish was my religion, or so we thought. As I became older, I found I was not the only one who would answer this question this way and began realizing that the religion I was brought up in was Judaism but the ethnic and cultural background had a lot to do with being a practicing Jew. For Jewish people, besides the religion of Judaism, … Continue reading →