Israel Adventures-Sisters Trip!

A couple months ago, I had the amazing opportunity of a lifetime to travel to the Holy Land, the Land of Israel, along with my sisters Chanie and Aliza. This was our first lengthy sisters trip as adults, since I got married while they were still young teens. My wonderful husband assured me that it was ok for me to go, and even encouraged me to – he’s the best

It was just the most magical, beautiful time. Firstly, as close as we are, back at home each of us is busy with daily life. Being together for a longer than normal period of time, we forged an even stronger bond – shared experiences are priceless! And while it was super hard to leave my husband and kids (I stayed up late at night to catch them after school for “face-timing” since Israel is 7 hours ahead), it was a time to think about just me and know that they were being well taken care of.

I’ve been to Israel before, but I can never get enough. There is such rich history under every stone. I always wish I could transpose myself to another time, when a now-quiet area had hustle and bustle, when you could hear ancient voices and see ancient life. What’s the story each tree can tell? This trip – although we did have fun:) – concentrated on our shared love of history, particularly Jewish history, in this historically rich country. Chanie teaches about the Arab-Israeli conflict, using her experience in international law, and both Aliza and I love history, so it was perfection.

Below are some pics of our adventures. Aliza being ever so creative put together a video you can check it out here! Enjoy!

 

On our way to meet family for breakfast

 

Photobombed by chayalim!

 

View of the Kineret

 

Walking in Jerusalem

 

Mid century window-doors from an Indian shul, brought over to the Israel Museum. History at my fingertips…

 

Horseback riding in Netanya

 

Sooooo much more to share but I will leave you guys with one last pic. This is me walking in the Golan Heights on the trail to a memorial created by friends of the 4 taken too young heroes/terror victims from Yeshivat Otniel murdered in 2002. You can read about it here. All our honor and respect for the thousands of victims who have been murdered for living in and defending our homeland.

 

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Yom Ha’atzmaut and My Sister’s Fascinating Blog

Israel’s Independence Day is celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Iyar, which is the Hebrew date of the formal establishment of the state, when members of the “provisional government” read and signed a Declaration of Independence in Tel Aviv. The original date corresponded to May 14, 1948.

In honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, which falls out today, and yesterday’s Yom Hazikaron, Day of Remembrance for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel and Victims of Terrorism, I would like to share my sister Chanie (Susana) Scheiner’s amazing blog called Israel Unlocked.  Sometimes it is down due to editing.

Chanie so eloquently and articulately takes the issues of the Arab-Israeli conflict of years before to current times, and helps her readers understand the root of the matter. As an attorney she shares not only her personal views, but also international laws pertaining to the situation.

I love the tagline of her blog:

“The truly righteous don’t complain about ignorance; rather, they add wisdom.” – Rav Kook

She believes, as do I, that it’s crucial to share, learn, discuss and most of all be knowledgeable about all that is Israel. For people who stand with Israel, especially Jewish people who absolutely should (my views on that are worth another post here:)) the more educated we are, the better we can stand up for ourselves be it physically and verbally.

Please feel free to share her blog, comment and share your views or ask questions-she is very well versed in a lot of the difficult issues of the conflict. In her words:

“I encourage civil discourse on the topic and I’m open to comments, questions, and suggestions concerning this blog or the conflict.”

 

Here is a direct link to pages of legal analysis of the conflict which is simplified for the lay person;)

 

Her latest post:

Cruelty or Compassion? You Be the Judge

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To end, I would like to say that I am ever so grateful to the IDF who put themselves in harm’s way to allow the freedom for Jews and other people to visit and live in the beautiful Land of Milk and Honey. From all the way in America:

AM YISRAEL CHAI!

A touching and meaningful song

My father recently found this song on YouTube and sent it to me. It is very nostalgic to me because he used to sing it every Seudat Shlishit (the 3rd official meal of Shabbat).

It always resonated deep in my soul because as a Jew, the song, a parable about a little bird captured by a vulture,  hits home with its message about my nation being in exile and persecuted throughout the ages. Towards the end of the song, the little bird is yearning for the day that he is free. Much like the Jewish people yearning for the day of the exile ending, with the coming of Mashiach (Messiah).

Titled “The Little Bird is Calling”, it as written in 1947 by Malka Steinberg Saks at Camp Bais Yaakov. It was right after the end of World War 2 and one year before the establishment of the State of Israel.

Click below for the lyrics.

Dedication to the best sistas eva!

Hi all!!

I would like to dedicate my first post to my sisters Chanie and Aliza.

Seeing them so dedicated to their own blogs, they have inspired me to create mine as a place to share my thoughts, finds and passion.

Susana’s blog’s purpose is to clear up misconceptions about Israel by laying out the history of the region, detailing facts pertaining to the situation, discussing international law as it relates to the conflict, and keeping you updated with news-worthy items. As a lawyer, her passion lies in International, specifically with regard to the much-discussed Middle East conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

Follow her very informative blog at: http://israelunlocked.wordpress.com/.

Aliza’s blog has a lesser serious tone, but just as much a go-to spot for me, is sharing her love of stories. She writes “I love stories, books, shows, movies, poems, songs, pictures…they all tell stories. I like to get lost in them. Even if it’s just for a little bit.” Her blog is full of stories, poems, some that she’s written, some that she’s found, video clips that make an impact on her whether deep or just a humorous tidbit.

Follow her entertaining blog at: http://iknowwhathuntsyou.wordpress.com/.

Thanks guys love you!