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December 19, 2025

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Chanukah, culture, Daytrips Israel, Entertainment, Israel, food, Holidays & Feasts, israel, israel lifestyle

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Chanukah in the City

I’ve taken a break from all the bad news lately. It seems never-ending. We’ve opted to focus on Chanukah. To light the lights in resolve and rededication to shine forth brightly as the world seems to be getting darker.

This past week, John and I decided to spend an evening in Jerusalem. I’d always wanted to see the Chanukah decorations and lights and experience streets and windows bathed by the glow of Hanukkiyahs (menorahs). The spelling always looks wrong on that one. But we did get to Jerusalem by sunset and it did not disappoint. We first drove around to see some of the decorations, and the walls of the Old City were lit up with special light projections.

And yes, there were all sorts of individual Chanukah oil lamps in glass boxes along the streets. Many people in Israel put their lights out at street level so passers by can enjoy the flames. Most are lit with pure olive oil.

As is our tradition, coming from Souther California where Mexican street food is prevalent, we stopped at one of the three authentic Mexican restaurants in Israel. Two weeks ago, we visited HaTaco in the Shuk haCarmel, Tel Aviv. The tacos were really tasty, but the margarita was bland and for street food, we wound up paying almost $60 for 3 beef tacos and 2 drinks.

In Jerusalem, we go to Tacos Luis, an amazing Kosher restaurant that has authentic Mexican food and lines out the door. We usually wait 30-45 minutes just to place our order, but it is more than worth it. The food is fantastic. The margaritas strong, served with Tajin and a lime on the salt-rimmed glass. Corn or flour tortillas and rice bowls with vegetarian options as well as beef and fish. They had tamales, both chicken and beef, but had run out. Luis is always behind the counter serving up smiles and conversations in Spanish, English and Hebrew. Plus you can now buy jars of salsa verde, salsa roja, mango salsa and pico de gallo. The prices are more than reasonable. And the beef taco had cubes of steak that were tender and juicy. A must try in Ylem. Our 3 tacos, 2 margaritas, and 2 jars of salsa verde cost about $35.

I’d bought tickets to Winter Dreams at the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens weeks ago. This light show spanning over a mile has visited London, Paris, Berlin and Vienna. All I can say is “Wow! Am so glad we went!” It’s a bit hard to explain, but the entire botanical garden was awash in light sculptures, walkways, interactive displays. All themed to different music. It was spectacular!

The night in Yerushalayim get really chilly in winter, so there were stands with hot sangria, sachlav, a Middle Eastern favorite drink. It’s rich and hot and made from orchid tubers, creamy with coconut, pistachios and cinnamon sprinkled on top. Pure heaven. Hot roasted chestnuts, hot cider and hot chocolate… and of course jelly filled doughnuts, called sufganiot.

There were so many families. Lots of small children. Older people. Religious Jews. Secular folk. Arabic women in their hijabs. Groups of priests. It was wonderful to see the diversity. Israel is such a mix of cultures and when everyone can be peaceable, it’s perfection.

Afterwards we stopped by the First Station for some shopping and doughnuts. Dreidels (the Ashkenaz Yiddish word) or in Hebrew, Sevivonim are spinning tops. Traditionally in Hebrew, the four sides are marked with Hebrew letters which stand for the words ‘A Great Miracle Happened Here.’ There are games that center around the children playing with the tops and collecting prizes of candy and coins. One shop had hand made, carved and painted sevivonim, the likes of which I had never seen. The prices were more than reasonable, so I bought one for each of my grandchildren. They are nothing short of magnificent!

And the sufganiot!! Many have little plastic syringes filled with flavored jellies and creams that you inject into the puffy fried doughnut. All were very fancy. I don’t think you can find them anywhere except in Israel at Chanukah!

We left J-town around 11pm, exhausted, but happy and with sugar highs. There’s really nothing like celebrating Chanukah in the city.

Shabbat shalom and happy Chanukah!

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December 11, 2025

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Stas Davidov: Husband, Father, Tenor, Superhero

There is a popular song here in Israel that goes something like this:

“My dentist has a secret life. He drives a tank. The kindergarten teacher is a paramedic. The clerk at the bank guards the border and my lawyer is an operations manager. The owner of the toy store commands a battalion…we are a country of superheroes.”

And so it goes. Life during wartime.

Stas Davidov, as most other men between the ages of 22-45, serves in the Reserves of the Israeli Defense Forces, fighting both in Gaza and Lebanon since the war began. In his other life, he is a tenor. Recently, a video clip went viral here featuring Stas in his uniform while in Gaza singing for his unit. “Usually I don’t sing in the army. I have to give full focus to the job at hand. And there is no time for that. But one day my friends wanted me to sing for them. And so I did. It gave them hope and peace and elevated the entire spirit of the unit.” He, too, is one of our superheroes.

Stas was born in Russia 35 years ago. After the fall of the Soviet Union, he immigrated to Israel with his family when he was only 5. He has always loved music and has been singing all his life. When he was a young teen, Stas had dreams of being a rock star, but all that changed when he discovered Classical music. After his mandatory army service, Stas studied voice at the Jerusalem Academy of Music, receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Vocal Arts. After auditioning and being accepted into the Studio Meitar Program, Stas enjoyed his time a member of the Israel Opera Young Artists program for two years.

Credit: Ori Elkaiam

From roles in operas like Don Giovanni, Tosca, and La Bohème to Gianni Schicci, and from his singing in French, Spanish, German, and Italian as well as Russian and Hebrew, Stas soon found his passion: the Napolitan style of songs from Italy. Stas’ love for the emotion and drama of Italian music intensified during his first trip to Italy as a tenor in the Piccolo Opera Festival in Trieste. He has since returned to Italy twice – he and his new wife honeymooned there; and afterwards, he was performing in Puglia.

Stas and his wife have three little children, the youngest born just one month ago. He teaches voice in addition to his singing career. Now working freelance, he has combined with a group of professional musicians to form an ensemble. Roi Dayaan is an amazing mandolin player who has won first prize in a competition in Japan. Roi is also the Director of the Music Conservatory of Eshkol, a city near the Gaza border. Tom Chadash was in the same army unit as Stas and plays upright bass. They were friends even before their army service. Aviad Alfassi is the percussionist. Yoni Garminder plays the guitar and Artum Nyejnik rounds out the group as a master of the accordion. Because they come from all parts of the country, their time together is precious. The group decides on new songs and arrangements and they all work together harmoniously.

After seeing the video of Stas singing to his troops while in Gaza, I knew we had to attend his live performance at a small studio recital hall in Tel Aviv last night. He did not disappoint! The strikingly handsome yound Davidov rapidly engaged the audience with a rousing rendition of “Funiculi Funicula.” He had everyone clapping and singing along. He accomplished something not all artist# are able to do – to connect with their audience immediately. With his “Torna a Surriento (Return to Surrento),” I was back in Italy, driving the Amalfi Coastline. His voice has the power to transport and transform.

Stas sings with full passion and emotion. His Italian pronunciation is impeccable. And the voice!!! A strong tenor with beautiful tone and great range. The selections in this ‘Napolitano Holiday’ varied from famous and popular Italian songs to operatic arias of Don Pasquale (Donizetti) and Pagliacci (Leoncavallo). Also included in the night of song were well-loved Israeli numbers. Again, the audience was captivated, at times clapping and singing along.

The back-up ensemble worked very well together. These talented professional musicians had a great chemistry. You could tell by watching and listening that they all enjoyed making music together and communicated effectively with one another. I only wish they they each were allowed a small solo or some sort of improvisational time. It would have been great to hear them individually.

After serenading us with the sounds of Italy, he moved to Russian. I suspect many in the crowd were from the Former Soviet Republic, because they seemed to know the songs performed. And then, of course, the Hebrew songs were performed. One absolutely gorgeous song was the older Hebrew ballad, “Yaffah Sheli,” or “My beauty – a gorgeous love song.

Try to understand and believe in me
I’ve loved no one besides you
I’ll give you peace of mind and the
stength to continue
Only let me live by your side

And wait, the night is still young
The city lights are coming on
There’s no more darkness
Look, the night is so lovely
It’s you I want
You shall be my bride

My beauty
All the words of love, I am going to bind with a ribbon
I’ll give them as a gift, and a rose as well
For you, I will forgot my weaknesses
My beauty
The violins will give you a different feeling
My eyes are closed
This love is blind
For you, I will give my life as well

As an encore, Davidov performed a beautiful ballad in Hebrew, “Zemer Ahavat haYam” which translated to a “Love Song for the Sea.” It is about a young naval officer who has been called back to sea. He misses his mother and his wife is expecting a baby. He is in great turmoil. He knows he had to leave his family, and wants to serve, but knows he could lose his life in the battle. “This is the story of our lives here,” states Davidov. It is the most moral conflict. We know we are called to serve our families and to be there for them; yet we must defend our country or all else would be lost. In the end, it is the only option: to fight for the Land we hold dear in our hearts. To fight to defend our wives and children and mothers. It really is not a difficult decision at all.” And so art here, mirrors life. We truly do have a nation of superheroes.

Stas Davidov is available for private hire. He loves singing weddings and other special events – solo, with piano accompaniment or with his band. Facebook: Stas Davidov – Tenor. Instagram: Stasdav

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November 24, 2025

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And So It Continues. Another War Update from the Middle East. 24 November, 2025

Either Trump and Netanyahu are genius, playing 4D chess; or the entire “Peace Plan” is collapsing; or perhaps…I dare say… G-d is in control this whole time.

The 20 Point Plan has yet to get fully past Step 1. Hamas still is withholding the corpses of three abducted people, two Israelis and a Thailandi day-worker. Three times they have tried to pass off either bodies of Gazans or animal remains as Israeli/human – as if Israel does not perform DNA matching and extensive forensics. Also, Hamas is not only refusing to disarm, but says they are ready to fight again – but more on that later.

The UN Security Council fully backed the Peace Plan in international law last week. There were 13 votes in favor of the text (eventually leading to a Palestinian State, wherever that may be designated) with Russia and China in abstentia. It was immediately rejected by Hamas saying “it fails to meet Palestinian’s rights and demands and seeks to impose on the Gaza Strip an international guardianship mechanism intended to achieve the goals of the occupation.”

There was supposed to be an international security force implemented with the task of keeping the peace between the Israeli occupied part of the Strip between the designated Yellow Line and the Hamas controlled area. They were also to help disarm the terrorists. However, only three countries have stepped up to the plate to tackle the responsibility. Those three countries are: Qatar, Egypt and Turkey.

This is completely unacceptable to Israel. What happened to England, France, Canada, Germany, Italy? Qatar has been a known safe haven for the Hamas and Islamic Jihad upper eschelon and their families who are still living like royalty inside luxury hotels, villas and apartments. The money for terror is largely disseminated by Qatar who seems to have vey deep pockets. It is Qatari funding which is responsible for taking over many Western universities, institutions and think tanks. There goal is to Islamicize the world.

Then there is Turkey. President Erdogan wants nothing more than to reestablish the Islamic caliphate with Turkey as the head. They have a little habit of sending the military into troubled areas as a “peacekeeping, stabilizing force,” setting up extensive military bases and then staying and incorporating the land of their occupation into Turkish sovereign territory. Take Cypress for example. In 1974, they came in to stop an imminent civil war. Today there are over 35,000 Turkish troops in Cypress with the flag of Turkey on the municipal buildings and tallest mountain and a breakaway republic only recognized by Turkey.

In West Africa: after the 2016 coup attempt against President Erdogan, Turkey opened dozens of madrassim, Islamic schools across Western Africa including Senegal, Niger, Benin, Ghana, and Gambia. These schools have promoted a pro-Turkish jihadi ideology. Many have been turned into surveillance centers against the (now majority Muslim) local authorities and population centers. The schools, much like the UN schools in Gaza, are bastions of Islamic radicalization.

Somalia has the honor of hosting Turkey’s largest military base complex outside of its own borders. It has established an extensive naval intelligence unit listening across the Indian Ocean. In Turkeys “Restoring Ottoman Heritage” in the Sudan, they built docks and ports for a large naval force. In Libya, Ankara sent ‘engineering equipment’ with rockets, rocket launchers, RPGs and advance surveillance and weaponized drones to the thugs in that country. It was already destabilized after the Obama/Hilary Clinton debacle. Turkey insists it is just ‘technical gear and engineering equipment.’

Also under the Obama administration, the Muslim Brotherhood bloomed into full power and fruition in Egypt. If you remember, it was an ‘Arab Spring.’ It was a time of great hope for peace and stability in the Middle East. So why is this all so important?

An international “peace force” entering Gaza would be given aid and tools and would be tasked with setting up advance surveillance and cyber infrastructure. It is a well-coordinated strategy. Qatari funding. Turkish building up of fences, cameras, military bases, Egypt which saw under its watchful eye the smuggling of weapons across the border between Egypt and Gaza (Rafah, Philadelphi Corridor and the underground tunnels wide enough for vehicles to pass) provide a recipe for disaster for Israel. Their main goal…. To build up an Islamic entity and eventually wipe out Israel.

Back to Hamas. In several instances last week, terrorists have defiantly (stupidly) crossed over the Yellow Line. In one instance the soldier had an RPG slung across his back. He was immediately eliminated no questions asked. It was a blatant violation as was the operative who crossed over the line and shot at IDF troops. He, too, was instantly eliminated. This past weekend, in two separate incidents, Hamas operatives were seen emerging from a tunnel shaft. 15 were killed as they began to fire on Israeli soldiers. 11 were taken as prisoners of war.

Now, let’s turn our attention to Syria, our neighbor to the northeast. Earlier last week, the new President of Syria visited the White House. I would like to remind you that less than a year ago, his name was Muhammad al Jawlani and he was on the 10 most wanted list ($10 million reward!) for heading alQaeda and involvement with ISIS. He is directly responsible for the deaths of thousands. Today he is in a suit and goes by Pres. Ahmed AlSharaa.

Syrian-Israeli and U.S. negotiations have come to a seeming dead end as AlSharaa demands that Israel concede all of the Golan Heights, our most strategic property. Israel has insisted upon a full peace agreement, not a limited security arrangement. We do know that President Netanyahu, and several members of his Cabinet toured the region aerially last week. Israel has also been active in training 24 Syrian Druze to be firemen, giving them special equipment as well as two fire trucks as well as instruction. Israel has also come to the aid of the persecuted Druze and Christian communities in the southern part of the country.

Now for Lebanon, directly to our North. Hizbulla has been flagrantly violating their ‘Peace Deal’ by majorly ramping up their military fortifications just north of the Litani River in the southern part of the country. Their current Christian run government has been turning a blind eye as reinforcements troops arrive from Iran. Houses and municipal buildings have been once again overtaken by the designated terror network. They have been assembling weapons and smuggling in armaments (rockets, missiles, grenades, guns, drones, rocket launchers, RPGs) as fast as the Israeli jets can seem to find them and blow them up.

Israel has been hitting with surgical precision (I actually hear a whole group of jets thundering over my house now on their way North) more “soft targets” until last week. Two towns were cleared of the population and the known Hizbulla command centers were flattened. Yesterday marked the first time in over five months that Israel’s Air Force struck Beirut. Using excellent intelligence, an apartment complex in the center of the city was targeted. Haitham Ali Tabatbay, the number two in command has been eliminated. He was the military chief of Hizbulla.

The United States had been pursuing him for the past nine years. He had a $5million reward for any information leading to his whereabouts (hey. Does that mean Israel pockets the money?? Just asking for a friend….) Tabatabyebye commanded the elite Radwan Forces and was a chief planner in the upcoming but now cancelled (I hope) 7 October Part Two: Galilee Edition.

So that wraps up my smugness and today’s edition of the heat continues in Israel. Stay tuned for further updates, and hopefully some fun posts as well. Oh, I forgot to mention that Iran has been threatening to send over 2000 armed missiles at once and Hizbulla is vowing a huge retaliation. And to think, I just finished rehanging all my pictures and putting out all my china….

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November 21, 2025

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Daytrips Israel, food, israel, MidEast, Negev, Recipes, religion, Uncategorized

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Out on a Whim. And Special Recipe!!!! 21 November, 2025

For any of you who know me, you know that although usually organized and scheduled, when the opportunity presents itself, I’m up for an adventure.

I signed up to take Hebrew lessons again. This time from Citizen Cafe Tel Aviv. Totally different approach, this time it’s just conversation. No books. No conjugations and inflections. Just street talk on Zoom classes with unlimited cafe time (chat room in Hebrew). And fun. Bimonthly they offer interesting talks in English on random subjects like cooking (fermentation anyone?), music, recent film reviews, livestream urban tours, technological developments in Israel, agricultural innovations and geology.

I took a class last Thursday night on the Ramon Makhtesh, a hugely expansive erosion crater out in the middle of the Negev Desert. So so interesting. Only 8 in the world, all in Israel, they are not impact craters (from meteors), but erosion craters.

Along the Syrio-African rift that runs along the length of Israel are tectonic plates. Millennia ago, they shifted. The present desert was flooded with water, grinding down the rock. Eventually leaving behind various strata of sandstone, limestone, marine fossils. There are tar mountains of basalt, deep red iron ore and yellow sulfur deposits as well as white chalk. In other words: gorgeousness!

I got this wild hair…. I turned and yelled at John in the next room,”Honey, can you Google when the Leonides Meteor Shower is?” They usually come around Thanksgiving. “They peak Monday night,” was the response. Mitzpe Ramon, the town at the very edge of the crater is a world-designated dark spot for astronomical observation.

Monday morning we packed our blankets and lawn chairs, thermos, and dog into the car and we were off on an adventure! BeerSheva, where our patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob sojourned. I wonder what they’d think of the place now?

Past the Bedouin encampments:

And into the heart of the barren, windswept desert!

The Desert of Zin! Tsin! Sin!!! In the Bible

We had to get there by sunset… it’s all of 3 1/2 hours, but we kept stopping along the way-

The windswept mountains
Beautiful patterns by wind erosion
Deep wadis (canyons)
Nabatean city of Avdat on the Spice Route
Looks like pyramids
Not in Egypt…

We made a big stop at Sde Boker, the kibbutz founded by first Israeli president, David Ben Gurion. Ben Gurion and his wife, Paula, lived the desert and thought it was the safe spot and key to future Israeli development. He foresaw the day when the Jewish people would learn to irrigate and farm the desert and make it bloom. He wasn’t wrong.

Today his home is a national landmark, open to the public. When we visited, there were only about a million school kids on tour. I was surprised that his home was so modest!!!! And tiny!!!! Like a summer camp bunkhouse. it had a living/reception room, his personal study, teeny tiny rudimentary kitchen and two sparse and small bedrooms- one for BG and one for Paula. He only slept 2-4 hours a night: was always up working, listening to radio news, studying – so Paula had her own quarters so she could get some shut eye. When there was a visiting dignitary, she’d go to a friend’s cabin and the important guest would take her room.

He loved Lincoln the Great Emancipator
Ben Gurion desk in his personal library/office
The tiny bedroom of the President
Paula’s bedroom was a little nicer

Hurry!!! We need to check in to our hostel!

We found a really remote spot on the edge of the crater. It was much darker than anywhere else (when we first moved to Israel the sky above our home was pitch black and filled with stars. Now, with all the new construction and light pollution, we see very little). John and I – and Haggis, our yappy little long-haired dachshund, sat and waited. We looked up for over 4 hours. The sky was beautiful and the stars many. We named the constellations. We waited. It grew colder. John saw 2 shooting stars. Another hour. I saw 1. So much for the Leonides, although it was a fun adventure.

The next morning we got up early to actually see the Makhtesh. Spectacular!!!!

Spectacular lookouts
Moses & Co were here
The vastness of the desert
Now building multi million dollar homes near the edge of the crater
It’s a long way down
Yes. Ibex roam freely throughout the desert. They are very used to people.
Isrotel has crater front villas with private pools- coulda stargazed from here.
Have I told you how much this man scares me?

From Mitzpe Ramon, we made our way back to Beersheva. We kept seeing this bright flaming tower/beam in the distance – both coming and going. So we decided to check it out-

What IS that thing miles away?

How cool!!! The Eye of Sauron overlooking the wasteland of Mordor from Lord of the Rings!!!! We found it!!!!! In Israel!!! Actually it turned out to be the Ashalim Power Station. Decades ago, Elon Musk that you could take 10 square kilometers in the desert, put in solar plates and generate most of the electricity in Israel.

Ranking as one of the world’s premiere and few thermal solar stations, Ashalim is composed of 55,000 heliostats or solar panels that reflect the sun onto a huge mirror-like “Eye of Sauron” at the top of the tower which absorbs the heat and turns it into electric power.

Huge swaths of solar panels
It went on for acres
It’s very bright!!!!
Surrounded by acres of heliostats, the beam is so bright you can’t look at it directly for long-

The Ashalim Power Station used to be the tallest solar plant in the world standing at 240 meters (about 790 feet), the size of a skyscraper. However, it was surpassed by Dubai’s Noor Energy 1, with a height of 260 meters (circa 850 ft). There is another (Israeli built) solar power farm in the California Mojave Desert. The reflector on the tower generates concentrated heat which reaches up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit (over 500 °C) to spin turbines and generate electricity in high quantity. It generates enough power to keep 120,000 homes (5% of all Israeli homes) for a year fully lit. It’s green, renewable and sustainable. I hope to do a more detailed post on this and other amazing Israeli innovations shortly. All in all, it was an illuminating trip!

Now onto a completely different subject!!! Each year, when the Jewish people read the Torah story of Jacob and Esau, I get creative. Esau, a big burly, hairy, red-headed hunter and the favorite son of his father, Isaac, sells his entire inheritance to his younger brother. Jacob has cooked this amazingly tasty and great smelling lentil stew. Esau comes into the desert tent, after a long day of hunting (ibex???). He tells his brother “I’m dying. Just pour some of that red stuff down my throat!!!” Seriously. It’s what he said. I love it!!!!! Anyhoo- Esau winds up giving away the birthright to Jacob for a bowl full. It must have been delicious!!!

So, last week I worked out my own version: I wanted it MiddleEastern in flavor. With Israeli products. It had to have lentils. It had to be red. And it had to be prepared in a crockpot so I could keep it warm/hot through Shabbat. It turned out AMAZING!!!!!!! So here’s this year’s Red Stuff-

Jacob’s Lentil Stew

Ingredients:

  • 2 large carrots
  • 2 large onions
  • 6 long, thin Merguez beef sausages
  • 1 butternut squash
  • 2 1/2 cups green or brown lentils
  • 10 Medjool dates
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 yellow bell pepper
  • 2 large orange sweet potatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 can large chopped tomatoes and juice
  • 1 small packet tomato paste (2-3 TBSP)
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 TBSP baharat spice (cinnamon, cloves, allspice, cumin, black pepper, cardamom)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
  • Pinch cayenne (to taste)
  • 1/3 cup Silan (date syrup) OR 1/4 cup honey
  • Fresh dill
  • 2 tsp salt

In a large skillet cook the sausages, removing outer casing if necessary. Reserve to plate to cool. In same pan, sauté the cubes of onions and peeled carrots – cubed to bite sized chunks. Chop the sausage into 1” thick coins. Add to crock pot. Chop bell peppers into small cubes. Put into crockpot. Peel and remove seeds from squash. Cut into bite sized cubes. Place in crockpot. Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Into the crockpot. Rinse the lentils well, removing any stones or “dry stalks” and dump in crockpot. Pour in the veg stock (can use all natural bullion cubes) and dump in can to tomatoes with juice. Stir well with a big spoon. Remove the pits from the dates and chop coarsely. Scatter around crockpot. Add the spices and tomato paste. Add the Silan or honey. Stir well. Chop about 1/2 cup fresh fennel and add to crockpot last. Mix well and cover. Set the power to low and let cook for hours (overnight). Can add more water if needed. Freezes beautifully.

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November 16, 2025

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hostages, Israel Gaza war, israel lifestyle, israel news, israeli hostages in Gaza, Israeli-Gaza War, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, MidEast, religion, spirituality, Uncategorized, War stories

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The Most Important Blogpost: A Must Watch

Once again, I’d planned a completely different post for today, but sometimes Life (G-d) brings you something so important, something that grabs you by the collar and looks you in the eyes. So it is now.

When my husband was first diagnosed with a “terminal” cancer… that’s what the first oncologist told us…. I realized that this fear that gripped me and stole my breath and my insides was not how I would choose to live. Instead we took a different path – one of faith in HaShem (the ineffable name of G-d); one of life and laughter and love and beauty and gratitude and good report. We were able to change doctors and hospitals in an instant (thank you HaShem and thank you to our dear friend, Efrat!!!). We walked THROUGH the valley of the SHADOW (not real) of death and now seven years later, here we are! Thank you G-d: Todah laShem!

Please. Watch this video. It might be the most important and life changing thing you will do. Nothing is by accident. I bring you an interview with the mother of a former hostage in Gaza, Omer ShemTov (his name actually translates to ‘I say G-d is good”. She eloquently and passionately speaks of how her faith and attitude kept her through his captivity. She is an inspiration!!!

https://youtu.be/W2tABdDQMFE?si=iRlgxe8SLGE_l4SG

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November 14, 2025

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What’s Cookin’? 15 November, 2025

Our continued heat wave broke last night. Temporarily. It finally feels like autumn, at least for the time being. The thermometer is supposed to climb back up later this week, which is such a metaphor for life here. Despite talks of peace, rockets are still being fired from Gaza into Israel; Hamas is completely refusing to disarm; a giant U.S. military base is being built here on Israeli soil just outside the Gaza Envelope; Hizbulla will not disarm, but seems to be doubling down in its attempt to stage a Northern October 7; and Iran is planning to send over 2000 missiles in its next attack. The heat never seems to abate.

Things are always on simmer at best here. And in my own kitchen, I’m always cooking something. Trying to use the freshest seasonal produce here, I think I’ve developed a California-Israeli fusion. So what was being prepared over the past week here?

Cucumber Radish Citrus Salad serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 large English cucumber
  • 6 large radishes
  • 1 Cara Cara (or Valencia) Orange
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp fresh mint, chopped

Wash, trim ends off and slice the radishes and the cucumber. Peel and segment the orange, trying to avoid the pith or seeds. Squeeze as much orange juice onto the salad. Add the olive oil and chopped mint. Mix and serve cold as an appetizer or side, for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Mediterranean Torta serves 6. Dairy

A friend of mine just came home from the hospital this week, so I made her (and myself) this fantastic dish that can be served hot or cold for any meal. It’s absolutely delicious!

Ingredients :

  • 1 pre-made pie crust dough
  • 1 large zucchini
  • 1/2 cup roasted red bell pepper (can use from a jar)
  • 1/2 cup sun dried tomato pieces in oil
  • 1 can artichoke hearts
  • 1 cup fresh mushrooms
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup cream (9-15%)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Italian seasoning: oregano, rosemary, parsley, basil, chile flakes(optional)
  • Trader Joe’s Pizza Season blend (optional)

Heat oven to 350*/170*. Place pie crust dough into a greased, deep dish pie dish. Bake crust until golden brown, about 16-20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Slice zucchini and mushrooms into thin slices. Drain can of artichoke hearts and slice the artichokes fairly thin. Arrange a layer of zucchini in concentric circles on the bottom of the pie crust. Next add strips of roasted red pepper. Now sprinkle the mushrooms across the top. Dot with chunks of sun-dried tomato in olive oil. Sprinkle the Italian herbs (dried) over the top of this layer. Now layer the artichokes on top. And sprinkle the spinach evenly over the top of the pie. In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs and cream until thoroughly incorporated. Pour over the pie. Sprinkle with more Italian herbs and last, the grated mozzarella. Sprinkle liberally with the Trader Joe’s pizza seasoning, if you have access to this fantastic product. Bake in 350*/170* oven for 45-55 minutes, or until fragrant and golden brown on top. Test with a toothpick or cake tester to see if inside comes out clean.

Swiss Chard in Bechamel Sauce. serves 6. Dairy

We visited my daughter in the UK and she made this for us. It was so delicious, that I had to go home and try it. It gets better after a day or two, so reheats well. This is just so tasty! True comfort food and that kick of Stilton just puts it way over the creamy top!

This was the photo I snapped just before it went into the oven….

Ingredients:

  • 2 large bunches/ 6 packed cups Swiss Chard (mangold)
  • 1 white onion
  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 1/2 cup flour (50 grams)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup Stilton (or blue) cheese
  • Salt, pepper
  • Freshly grated nutmeg
  • Fried onions (Durkee, IKEA, etc.)

Preheat oven to 350*/170*. Wash and chop the chard or mangold and set aside to drain. Rough chop the onion. In a large skillet melt the butter and sauté the onion until soft. Add the flour and stir until thickened. Pour in the milk, stirring continually. Mix in salt and pepper to taste. In a greased casserole dish, place the chopped chard. Pour the bechamel sauce over the top. Mix together with crumbled Stilton or Blue Cheese. Grate fresh nutmeg very liberally over the top of the casserole and bake for about 30-40 minutes, until nice and bubbly on top. Remove from oven and sprinkle fried onions over the top.

Corn and Romano Bean Salad. serves 4. Pareve (vegetarian)

So I had end of the season sweet corn and fresh Romano beans (the really flat, wide, buttery green beans) from our local produce delivery. Along with so many other tasty veg…. That I had to use it all up before it went off. So…..this salad is out of this world amazing! One of the best recipes to date! John and I could just east this by the bowls full all day long, it’s that great. If you try no other recipe, do this one. You won’t regret it.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ears of super sweet white corn, fresh
  • 3 cups fresh cut up Roman beans
  • Olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Sea salt, pepper
  • 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed

Preheat oven to 400*F/200*C. Using a sharp knife, strip the raw corn off of the cob and reserve to a bowl. On a foil-lined baking sheet, lay flat the washed and trimmed Romano beans, cut into 2 inch pieces. Toss with olive oil, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle about 2 TBSP balsamic vinegar over top. Roast in oven about 5 minutes, then shake the pan or stir the beans and roast again another 5-10 minutes keeping an eye on them so they do not burn. Remove from oven and let cool. Drain the can of white beans and add to the bowl with the corn. Toss in the cooled Romano beans. Dress with the vinaigrette -recipe below – mix well to incorporate and serve cold.

Vinaigrette ingredients:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 TBSP strong Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup avocado (or seed/canola) oil
  • Pinch sea salt, pepper

With an immersion blender, blend together all the above ingredients until smooth. If it seems too thick, add 1/4 cup water to thin out a bit. It should be the consistency of regular salad dressing.

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November 9, 2025

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The Heat Continues 9 November, 2025

John and I came back from cool British weather, true sweater weather with leaves turning yellow and crimson and bright orange… to the unabated desert heat. We are having a drought here in Israel and the temperatures are still up. There are no autumnal colors, just the Southern California brown and black of heat scorched fields. Hopefully, there is an end in sight and we will have a change in weather by next week.

On the other hand, things are heating up rather rapidly. A different kind of heat. Who ever said “Peace has come to the Middle East” is full of hot air. Up to our north, in Lebanon, Hizbulla has been building up their military apparatus. Despite what President Aoun says, they have been getting new IRGC recruits from Iran and Syria.

UNIFIL observation forces in Southern Lebanon were supposed to ensure that the Trump-brokered ceasefire was standing. So far all they have one is to have shot down an Israeli surveillance drone. UNIFIL have allowed Hizbulla forces to reenter Southern Lebanon, and have overseen their fortifications.

The Israeli Air Force has been selectively striking at Hizbulla’s current leadership. Last week the municipal buildings in Taybeh and Taur Daaba were taken out after intelligence revealed they were

being used as military infrastructure. The people of the towns were given 18 minutes warning to evacuate before the strikes occurred. The IAF is currently carrying out large scale attacks on supply chains and munitions factories and storage facilities there. It is estimated that over 1500 long range missiles and parts have been snuck into Southern Lebanon through Syria in the past couple months alone.

In the meantime, Syrian President Sharaa, former alQaeda terrorist on the ten most wanted list, is in the United States. He no longer wears his turban and camouflage suit, but has trimmed his beard and wears a suit. Besides meeting with Trump and White House Cabinet members, he’s been filmed enjoying a game of pick-up basketball with Centcom members. I guess this leopard has succeeded in hiding his spots. He has sworn to the U.S. officials that the new, reformed Syria is carrying out operations against the ISIS militants who have been ethnically cleansing Southern Syria of Druze and Christians.

https://youtube.com/shorts/OO3jK_6MvZ8?si=SYKMEbroHhLBS_W_

Down Gaza way, Hamas is still playing games. Weapons have been found to be smuggled intro the Rafah area on the Egyptian border via drone. So the IDF sealed off the area and declared it an active military zone. Any drones coming in from Egypt will now be shot down. We are hearing from the released hostages that Hamas is using every available young person to go underground and manually dig out the tunnels that have been stopped up. 24 hours a day, these kids (most are boys ages 8-13) are being used as slave labor 24 hours a day.

Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad forces (PIJ) are playing games as always. They say they are having problems locating the remains of the six bodies that they have been holding. This past week, several more were returned including two Americans, Omer Neutra and Itay Chen and a Tasmanian Agricultural student who was kidnapped into Gaza and murdered by the civilians there on 7 October.

Hadar Goldin

Last night the body of Captain Hadar Goldin was to be returned. The Red Crescent came to pick up the coffin and return it to the waiting Israeli forces. But let’s backtrack… Hadar Goldin was one of the first soldiers killed (during a ceasefire) in Gaza in 2014. We were still in California and the news came about Hadar and then Max Steinberg, a Lone Soldier from the San Fernando Valley, CA (I knew his parents). Max’s body was retrieved. Hadar’s taken into captivity to be used as leverage against Israel.

Hadar was engaged to be married to a lovely young girl. When he was abducted, his photo was the first to hang on my fridge. His body has been held hostage for almost 13 years now. The Goldin family have traveled the world over to try to put pressure on the international governments and to raise awareness about the plight of their son. And the remains in the coffin yesterday were supposed to be him. But they were not. More games. Now Hamas says it will hand over his body this afternoon. Another card thrown into the pile- the stakes remain the same.

On the brighter side, and speaking of games, last week the Marine Corps Marathon was held in Washington, D.C. (my brother-in-law competes). Let me share with you this story of a young American Israeli hero you might have never heard of.

Mendel Vile’s family left Chicago when he was 7 to move to Israel. They were committed Zionists, believing in the land of Israel rightfully belonging to the indigenous peoples, the Jews. Mendel grew up and became a combat engineer for the IDF. In December, 2023, deep into the Gaza Strip, a Hamas anti-tank missile struck the vehicle he was in. He was only 19 at the time. Several soldiers were killed in the attack. Mendel’s broken, burned body was pulled from the wreckage, shrapnel embedded throughout his body. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition, where he spent 3 months of seemingly endless pain.

“This is it. Is my time over?” he thought in those early days. The medical staff told him to focus on his survival. Friends and family visited him to lift his spirits in a never-ending parade. Daily the nurses told him to be patient, take things slowly. He endured 7 surgeries. Mendel kept repeating one mantra, “One day I will run a marathon.” Of course, in his condition, no one believed him. But he knew HaShem would give him the strength and healing to push forward with his rehabilitation.

Mendel believed beyond all hope. The surgeries were followed by months of grueling physical therapy and rehabilitation just for him to be able to stand on his own. But he was a true warrior. With faith in G-d and his own ability to recover. This week, he finished his race – the Marine Corps Marathon. It was the second he’s run in the past three months. Wrapped in the blue and white of the Israeli flag, he crossed over to personal victory,

Mendel Vile did not run alone. He carried with him on the back of his Jersey, his best friend, Oriya Yaakov, a photo of the buddy that was killed alongside him on that day. As he was running, a young man (wearing a kipa/yarmulka) also trying to finish the race, spotted Mendel. He joined the IDF soldier, who gave him strength to continue. Vile said,”We tried to push each other along. Come on, man, you’re my brother. You’re part of the tribe. Together we are strong. Together we can win. I’ve never been prouder to be an American. An Israeli. a Jew.”

But that’s not the only story. Oh no! Barack Elizor was also a critically wounded IDF soldier back in January,2024. Multiple surgeries and almost two years of intense rehabilitation and physical therapy, Barack just completed the New York Marathon, helping to raise funds for Shalva, an organization for children with special needs.

Not all stories are pleasant. I just finished reading the book Hostage, by Eli Sharabi. A riveting and highly recommended true account of what it was like in the tunnels of Gaza being held a prisoner. Some of the released captives are finding a difficult transition to freedom. Where some have vowed to move on with their lives, stronger in faith and spirit and resolve, others are irreparably (almost) scarred.

This past Thursday night an interview with hostage Ron Braslavski was aired on the Israeli news. It was more than difficult to watch as Ron shared his nightmare. He was held in solitary confinement for two years, starved, whipped, burned and brutally beaten on a daily basis. Through tears and shaking, we heard how PIJ differed from Hamas. More brutal. More degrading. Ron was sexually abused in order to debase him and wipe out his humanity. He was shackled not only hand and foot but tied, naked, by his penis, to the bars of his cage. It was the video of Ron, released in July, that changed the course of the war. For then the world saw the brutality that was taking place inside Gaza.

https://youtube.com/shorts/HArYcaS2S50?si=USdgyRgyarB01vqA

We pray for him and for all the hostages, their loved ones, and the country to be miraculously healed spirit, soul, emotions, mind and body. May they know only love and support. May they find purpose, focus and happier days ahead.

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November 2, 2025

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More Stories of Hope and Encouragement. 2 November, 2025

As the former hostages are readjusting to their new lives back home in Israel, stories of faith and hope and encouragement are coming forth. To be sure, what these people experienced was hell on earth, but they clung to their faith in G-d (some finding it for the first time) and the hope of their rescue. This helped to sustain them through the darkest times.

I am currently reading the recently released book, Hostage, by Eli Sharabi. He was held in Gaza for 491 days- almost two years, not knowing that his wife, children, brother, and most of his entire family had been brutally murdered. His one goal was to survive the ordeal. Last week, he buried his brother, Yossi, also taken captive, but returned by Hamas in a coffin. But that is not where the story ends.

Eli has resolved to live. After grieving the loss of his loved ones, he is putting the past behind him. To live the life G-d gave him. Eli has been active advocating for the release of the other captives, and now the bodies that remain in Gaza. This past week, he appeared on the runway at Israeli Fashion Week in Tel Aviv, and has a new girlfriend – his physical therapist. He has been doing countless interviews. Here is a clip from one of them-

https://youtube.com/shorts/4YZp-Ks-tZ0?si=RCIkhd0NCgOZoZpZ

Alon Ohel was actually a “neighbor” of ours. We didn’t know him, but he is from Misgav, the next mountain over. He was released with the other 20 after exactly two years of captivity. A gifted pianist and musician, Ohel, now 24, was held for a time with Eli Sharabi, who was an immense support to him. Alon was severely injured while being taken into Gaza front the Nova festival. He still has shrapnel in his eye and head. His time in the tunnels was especially devastating, spending the last seven months in absolute isolation.

Upon his return home, the entire community lined the streets, waving Israeli flags. Hundreds of people stood outside the family home singing to him. t this past week, he made an appearance on national TV, playing piano and singing with many popular stars here in Israel. It was a moment of pure joy.

https://youtube.com/shorts/TKjBSZD9Ajk?si=MeBQczkW02djjf1a

Bar Kulershtein shared that every Friday evening “underground, beneath the most impure place in the world, we were screaming from the soul and singing praises to the creator of the universe. We would rock the tunnel with our songs for Kabbalat Shabbat. “Shalom Aleichem” and “Lecha Dodi.” We would close our eyes and imagine our loved ones were all present with us at the Shabbat table.” The 21 year old was working as a security guard for the Nova festival. He refused to abandon his post as a guard and paramedics. Bar helped many youth to evacuate the party and stayed behind to nurse the wounded.

Despite being starved, beaten and tortured, he remained strong. He told his mom: “Mom. They beat me but I didn’t feel it – my body was frozen. I trained my mind not to think about the pain.” He never lost hope or faith during the long ordeal. In the tunnels, he dug waste pits, built a little water channel and made a small area where the other hostages he was with could sit alone. He took upon himself the mitzvah of charity. He vowed the 200 shekels he saved in his wallet at home would be donated as soon as he was rescued.

He was not especially religious in his adult life, despite his Modern Orthodox upbringing. Yet, in the tunnels, deep underground he encountered Muslims who prayed five times a day and fasted and observed all their Muslim holidays. Bar told himself that if they are doing that, if they are trying to convince him with bribes to become Muslim,then he would become close to his Creator. He would say the Shema often, and recite all the Psalms he knew by heart.

Former hostage, Matan’s Zangauker miraculously found a worn book of Psalms written in Hebrew on the floor of one of the tunnels. He used it for daily prayer, and credits his faith in *-d for keeping him alive. Besides requesting a tsitsit (fringed undershirt) to wear, one of the first things he did was to don a Kipa and wrap Tfillin on his arm and head and say the Birkat haGomel prayer in thanks for G-d’s deliverance from a life threatening event.

One of the most poignant reunions captured on video was that of Bar reuniting with his father. His dad had suffered a stroke prior to 7October attack. He was paralyzed on one side and unable to walk or talk. He vowed to stand to meet his son when Bar returned home. After two grueling years of rehab, Mr. Kupershtein, with the aid of a walker, rose from his chair and walked over to Bar to embrace him. This was a tremendous gift to everyone.

Beautiful young Agam Berger was one of the seven female captives taken from her army base as a surveillance soldier. Both she and her family, found great strength and deep meaning in keeping their Jewish faith traditions alive. Agam was an inspiration to her fellow hostages, refusing to eat non Kosher foods, keeping the Shabbat, saying her daily prayers, singing to her captors like David sung to King Saul.

Upon her return to Israel, riding in an army helicopter last year, Agam held up a sign that in Hebrew said, “I chose a path of faith and have returned through faith. There is none other/higher than G-d.”

Three weeks after her kidnapping, Agam’s mother had the rabbi bring a Torah scroll into her bedroom. They converted the first floor entrance of their apartment complex into a makeshift synagogue where they held regular services.

Eitan Horn, 37, taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz says that he knew when Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the year, took place. He fasted for the first time in his life while in the tunnels.

We cannot begin to fathom the suffering and pain they endured. Yet for all of Israel, every single hostage is a hero just simply for surviving those unimaginable horrors. Even though we celebrate the beauty of renewed lives, their individual pathways to recovery will be difficult. While it is amazing and wonderful that some hostages felt the presence and protection of G-d, others found different sources of strength. Some just clung on one day to the next. Some survivors are giving interviews and speaking openly about their ordeals. Others cannot even begin to open up….and we respect that.

Each freed hostage, each family, has been given a special team of therapists and trauma specialists to help them readjust. All are finding love and healing inm the arms of family. Many have had seudot hodayot, or meals of thanksgiving with all the extended families. Shabbat has become an integral part of their reentry into the world. It has been healing for all to sit at table together thanking their Creator and feasting on comfort food.

https://www.tiktok.com/@noatishby/video/7466157908170984735?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Alon Ohel with family celebrating Shabbat together

May we hear only good news. May those that have been returned continue to find renewal, healing and comfort despite the difficult journey ahead. May they resume their lives stronger, kinder, more patient and loving and much wiser. May their days be happy and successful. May they be filled with love and light.

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October 31, 2025

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Gentlemen May Cry Peace, Peace!! 31 October, 2025

“Gentlemen may cry, ‘Peace! Peace!’ but there is no peace.” – Patric Henry before the Virginia Assembly, 1775

We’ve all heard talk of a peace deal in the Middle East. Of and end to the war. Of a cessation of violence. A meticulously crafted, 20-step plan was voted upon by the countries involved and set into place a few weeks ago by the Trump Administration. On the surface it looked interesting at best.

Hamas was supposed to release all hostages, 20 living and 28 corpses they had been holding through the past two years (the body of Hadar Goldin has been kept since it was taken in 2014). Israel let free 2000 convicted felons and terrorists including 250 masterminds of mass suicide bombings, and terrorists with lots of blood on their hands (literally) from the killing of multiple Israelis. They were released back into Gaza, into Judaea and Samaria (the West Bank) and East Jerusalem.

The deadline for the swap came and went, with Bahamas sending back our live hostages, thank you G-d for their safe return and 7 corpses. Only 6 were Israeli…one was a Gazan who had been sent over “by mistake.” Two full days later, 3 more were released. Hamas said it was having trouble locating the bodies. They were probably buried under rubble from IDF airstrikes. Egypt was called in with heavy diggers and the Red Crescent was set to assist. Then two more bodies were turned over. Days and deadlines came and went. 72 hours or else, threatened Trump. Then 48 hours or else. Israeli intelligence believes that Hamas knows the whereabouts of 10 of the remaining 13 bodies.

Finally last week, at the last hour of the ultimatum, Hamas reported they had found a body. It was actually a completely staged recovery, all caught on drone footage. Multiple reservists with eyewitness accounts, were the first to report it was happening. The Red Crescent was there to assist and the casket would be transferred to Israeli forces. When forensics in Israel received “the body,” it was only parts of remains… from a dismembered Ofir Tsarfati who had been previously rescued (by the IDF) and had been buried – in December, 2023! The DNA matched up. Can you imagine a sicker joke? The grieving families had to relive the trauma as they dug their loved one up and hold another burial service.

https://youtu.be/-nXbkW2g4QI?si=UZYHYlq4g-W2qw9e

In Gaza violation of this “peace deal,” Hamas has continued to fire off rockets into Israeli territory. None have made it outside the border communities surrounding Gaza, and most have been launched toward the Kerem Shalom crossing, where the humanitarian aid comes through.

As IDF soldiers have been trying to clear out the tunnel system and any booby trapped buildings from within their designated Yellow Line, terrorists dressed as civilians have jumped out of tunnels or from buildings shooting and seriously wounding soldiers. Two days ago a reservist, a father of three young children, was killed.

Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, and Vice President JD Vance both visited Israel this past week, claiming the Peace still held and the Ceasefire and plan were still relatively intact. A series of intense airstrikes by the IDF, supported by the Trump Admin were carried out across Gaza and the ceasefire went back into effect.

In what world does a ceasefire mean fighting continues? The last two weeks have seen ongoing violations from Gaza with surprise attacks and the withholding of bodies. Two more were returned late last night , so that now only 13 remain held. The area of the Gaza Strip is supposed to be policed by some grand consortium of international military. It seems that there are US, UK and French troops within Israel near the Gaza Envelope who are coordinating the ground ops. Egypt, Turkey and Qatar are on the ground enforcing the peace. That’s a bit like leaving the crocodiles in charge of the zoo, as those three countries want nothing more than the Jews gone, and Israel/Palestine to be an Islamic territory. Together they form a Muslim Brotherhood Enclave.

Hamas, which is supposed to completely disarm, is not being incentivized to do so. They, instead, have vowed never to give up their weapons, but to keep fighting ‘the occupation forces.’ The question of Israel taking land in Gaza (even in response to plan violations and for attacking Israeli troops) – move the yellow line- is completely off the table, despite the fact that the IDF currently remains in control of 53% of the Strip.

The reason Hamas, Qatar and Turkey made this deal was not to look for peace, but because Hamas was on the verge of destruction. The IDF had eliminated all of their top leadership. Israel was in control of 80% of Gaza. They were striking Gaza City hard, the last 20%, where the remaining Hamas leadership was hiding. So a deal was reached. In Arabic, Islamist terms, this is a hudna: it is a temporary pause in order to regroup and rearm. From the 2000 released terrorists comes their new leadership.

In further news, it was revealed earlier this week that the World Health Organization were the ones who actually fabricated the “Israel-caused famine” in Gaza. Top WHO officials met in Geneva in December, 2023 to discuss how to label Gaza as being in the midst of a famine, according to Dr. Michael Thieren. He stated that their main objective was to put intense global and political pressure of Israel, not based on facts or data. The roles had already been set, said Thieren. From 7 October, Israel was the aggressor and the Palestinians were the poor, innocent victims of a murderous regime. There was a 70 page document written to fit the narrative.

The fighting between Israel and Hizbulla to the North in Lebanon continues unabated. President Joseph Aoun, of the Christian party, assures the world that the Lebanese military is in control and that Hizbulla’s will never be fallowed to retrench. Yet that is all talk. The leadership crippled in the IDF beeper and walkie talkie incidents have been replaced by IRGC commanders from Iran. Shipments of arms and missile parts are regularly being transported to the Bekaa Valley…and blown up in targeted IAF strikes.

We have firsthand reports from the front of the Hizbulla attempts to dig tunnels, place missile launchers and arms caches along the border. Israel sits tight guarding along the southern edge of the Litani Border. Two of our very good friends, both reservists (husbands and fathers of four little kids each) are up there now. One is a paramedic in a tank. The other a border patrol officer. They both have left their jobs and families to serve ten days on and seven days off. It’s really hard for them, but they cannot allow the jihadists to regroup and threaten all the Northern Israeli inhabitants.

Another man we know, an older gentleman, now almost 50 years old, a father and recent grandpa, strands guard in the reserves patrolling the communities of Judaea against enemy infiltration into the towns and kibbutzim there. He and his fellow reservists uncovered an entire weapons smuggling front from Jordan last week. They called in the IDF to clean up the matter. Avi also stands guard, patrolling the roads in the Judaean hills against any rock throwers or snipers who wish to ambush passes by.

Lastly, in the past few days, 3 of the released terrorists in the peace deal have been rearrested. Get your head around this one. For those of you who speak of Israeli oppression of Christians in Bethlehem. It’s not the Israelis. The holy city for Christians and once-popular pilgrimage site has been absolutely overrun with radical jihadist Islamists, pushing out 90% of the Christians. Yesterday a 16 year old released in a hostage deal returned to Bethlehem and to his days of terror. He was caught making incendiary devices in a make-shift factory there. He was planning to carry out an attack at Rachel’s Tomb within the coming days.

Another terrorist was rearrested as he tried an attack at a crowded bus stop near Jerusalem. He was taken down just prior to committing the stabbing. So that’s a bit of the rundown on where things stand here in Israel.

We have already entered into daylight savings time, so Shabbat comes an hour earlier today. I’m still in the process of laundry, setting the table and trying to prepare the meal, so in must sign off for now. Next week I shall have some uplifting posts for you. Shabbat shalom and a peaceful weekend to all.

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October 26, 2025

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culture, Entertainment, Israel, Hizbulla war, hostages, israel, Israel Gaza war, israel lifestyle, israel news, israeli hostages in Gaza, Israeli-Gaza War, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, MidEast, Music, Uncategorized, War stories

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The Music That Carried Us. 26 October, 2025

This is a longer, but hopefully, vey enjoyable post that you can do at your leisure. Over the past two years I’ve been adding to my playlist of songs that were written and became popular since 7 October, 2025. There are many different genres and I have included as many translations as possible.

For us, 7 October, which should have been the most joyous religious and family holiday turned into a surreal nightmare. We were all shocked to the core, frightened at the possibilities of what would come next as our men and women were called up to defend our country. Would there be more attacks from other borders? We kept hearing of the atrocities and the body count kept climbing. 253 people had been brutally taken hostage into Gaza, the oldest was 86 years old and the youngest only 7 months. We were like zombies those first few weeks, but those that stayed behind sprang into action, gathering supplies, cooking meals and doing everything we knew how to help the troops.

The Jewish people throughout history have been a musical people. Our prayers all have chants and melodies that reflect the places we’ve wandered. We sang at the crossing of the Red Sea (Miriam, who led us in praise and worship was over 90 years old at the time!!!). Young David calmed the frayed nerves of King Saul with the music of the harp. The Levites sang at the Temple. And David the King, composed and sang many of the Tehillim, the Psalms.

Music has sustained us through all of our troubles. Through our joys as well. The melodies carry us through tears and laughter, through death and life. We sing at funerals. We sing at weddings. And we sing and dance before battle.

The songs that have come out of the massacre and subsequent war are songs of hope and longing for better days. Many are patriotic, rallying the troops and lifting the country. Some are therapeutic. They comfort those who mourn and those with survivor’s guilt and PTSD. There are songs of anger and defiance and always songs that call upon G-d. For help, for strength, for protection.

The entire country, just weeks before the war started, split into fighting factions calling for a civil war, was now completely united. One soul, one spirit, one body. We were all brothers, all family. And the song “Acheinu” came to the forefront. Everyone was singing it.

As for our brothers and sisters, the whole house of Israel, who are given over to trouble or captivity, whether they abide on the sea or on dry land: May the All-present have mercy upon them, and bring them forth from trouble to relief,from darkness to light, and from subjugation to redemption, now, speedily and at a near time. Now let us say, Amen.

https://youtu.be/q5DmDnTSMKI?si=rxdH76Z5tn-WqUY7

Hanan Ben Ari’s song from 2020, Shevori Lev….”My Heart is Broken” became a national hymn. We heard it on the radio, on loudspeakers in the malls, and on social media.

Who knows every pain? Who repairs every broken heart? Creates light and darkness? Makes peace and war? Who sits in judgement? Covers in mercy? Pardons and forgives? Sees no knows all? And who will heal my heart? For whom am I longing….like the sea that has no shore. Just tell me who will embrace me and ensure that I will not give up in the end…. Who was, is no will be. Who takes and gives. Renewed life. Opens arms. Grows wings. And who will heal my heart? For whom am I longing….like the sea that has no shore. Just tell me who will embrace me and ensure that I will not give up in the end-

https://youtu.be/z27MZP_4P_U?si=6Hw1hHD2rTpz9dD1

My favorite Israeli artist, Idan Raichel, composed the most gorgeous (they are all gorgeous) and poignant (they are all heart-wrenching) song and melody that became a sudden hit. All of Israel’s artists seemed to be expressing the heart and soul of the nation in their compositions. This one is Tachzor, “Return” sung by Roni Dalumi. It was released just 3 weeks after the attacks.

Return. Return today. I wish you would just come (show up) without any advance notice. Return.

A simple song. A haunting melody. The anguish and longing of a people.

https://youtu.be/sTXAA96W1Ww?si=gAL8cKWB4xo7eaSL

There were songs that were prayers for our military. The prayer John and I pray daily over those defending our country wherever they may be…from distress, sickness, friendly fire, booby traps, kidnapping attempt. Please G-d, keep them safe. Go before them and lead them to victory.

The first video is the traditional version is usually by the IDF choir and cantor. This clip s by the Maccabeats, a male a capella group. I chose this version because it includes the English translation.

The next (video clip) version which starts off with footage of the Six Day War, then the traditional prayer as interpreted by Subliminal went viral. The first is a prayer. The second a rally cry of war and defiance for the strength of G-d to be with the troops in victory and in battle.

https://youtu.be/fvOYgHCihIU?si=D8nRRtSE6rZatkfU

https://youtu.be/efHekdRUOJs?si=-gFrO-i9kPJx8sU4

The men were being called up. All divisions. It was, at first thought, that less than 50% of reservists would answer the call. Instead it was over 100%. People of all ages were volunteering and those that had moved to other countries were flying back home to join. Lone soldiers, kids who leave their homes and families in other countries flew to Israel to enlist. It was incredible.

Here are three of the most popular tunes. There are many more. The first extols the virtues and strength of the Golani Brigade, true infantrymen and women. True fighters. The first lines of defense. “Golani Shell,” “My Golani Unit” is sung by Raviv Coner

https://youtu.be/LRN6QrVuR3E?si=diYqLpOq5UdHOP-d

Israeli national treasure, composer and singer, Yehuda Gaon is still going strong at age 85. I listened to his songs as a teenager. He’s amazing. I’ve seen him perform live several times. This time he filmed himself with the young men and women of the different branches of the IDF. They sing an old song of his: “LoT’nats’chu Oti” – “You Will Not Defeat Me” It is a song of unity, patriotism and strength. And now it has new verses and a new look. It was recorded a mere month after 7 October.

https://youtu.be/7yMw3vG4_kU?si=1UJOLK3mMfmzwveB

We have a saying here in Israel, that during wartime, the kindergarten teacher has a secret identity -she’s really a paramedic. And the lawyer at his desk is a rooftop sniper. My dentist, well, he drives a tank. And the construction worker – he saps (undetonates) bombs. The university student now carries a gun again and my aunt is a radio control tower engineer. Together they are superheroes. The song is done by Hatikvah 6, a very popular group.

(If you have ever watched Fauda, you will see in this video, the Israeli actor, singer and pop superstar, Idan Amedeo. He served in Gaza on the front lines, was injured severely at the beginning of the war, recovered and went back to his unit. Then he was crirtoically injured when an IED exploded. Burned almost beyond recognition, they didn’t know if he’d make it. He had shrapnel throughout his body. After months of rehab, determination,faith and hard work, the entire state of Israel celebrated when he left the hospital, walking on his own).

https://youtu.be/CUaDobraZ1k?si=LXMcgUp7FRJuB2ed

Another by Hatikvah 6 is a rally cry for the IDF….a family of fighters. Again, this one is a roll call for all the different units of the army. “Proudly protecting the Land and its people without fear…and a little crazy, a little fun. Whether with a cannon or a stretcher on my shoulder. We are here for one another. Don’t mess with us. We are the IDF family.” Each unit has its own cheer and this song celebrates that. It is the “Hymn to the Army”

https://youtu.be/V5SpIgH7VHI?si=3uF-0otHhUuBclun

My absolute favorite raw, angry, “Go get ‘em” anthem is “Harbu Darbu.” It was a number one radio hit for a couple months. The Hebrew stand kind of translates into “Swords and Strikes.” Basically

A “don’t mess with us. This time you chose the wrong fight. We are coming after you. And we are never backing down” anthem. It’s really angry, but so were we. In this rap-style song by the duo, Nes and Stilla, every army unit is called up roll call style.

Who are you rats crawling out of the effing tunnels and you people shouting at us ‘Free Palestine? who do you think you are, you children of Amalek? We brought the whole army out to meet you: all in uniforms, men, women, young and old. This time there will be no stopping us….. roll call”

https://youtu.be/1rk3n9V-aQs?si=sWNCFfRtiGXzfZwO

We were angry, but we were also hurting and missing our loved ones. Several songs came out in the memory of a particular person who was killed. And there was survivors’ guilt. This song affirms that it is ok not to be ok. It is ok to be alone. It is ok to want to be with people. It is ok to cry, but it is ok to laugh with friends. It is ok to not want to get up in the morning. It is fine to talks a walk in the forest. It is ok to move on, and it is ok not to. It is ok to not be ok….” The song was done by survivors of the Nova Music Festival and the attacks on the kibbutzim.

https://youtu.be/WlBWOrLqErI?si=fNcpmdbPp1298W6o

We wear a wounded people, and yet this upbeat sounding song tells of the waitinumg. Waiting for the soldiers to come home on leave…please G-d. For the hostages to walk through the door. Come home!! Every Thursday and Friday I had to hold back tears watching video clips of soldiers returning home after weeks of battle…to the arms of their little children. The screams of the wives and the tears of the parents.

https://youtu.be/2p3rtnQ_7y4?si=HLtek-vJuzU741Bx

The following by Ishay Ribo became a number one hit. A song of faith. And of return…of a different kind. A return to G-d. And the country answered with a resounding call to faith that has lasted even until today.

https://youtu.be/Y30pfWIQfoo?si=6jxYL8dVenM3ylU_

And another by Ishay Ribo, “HaLev Sheli“.

My Heart 

My heart is split in

My heart is split in two

What the maidservant could not see by the water

Like a storm from the sea, it pounds

Like Miriam’s timbrel, it beats

And there is no cure in the world

My heart surrenders

https://youtu.be/6U_5KhaH6IM?si=yVGrwLmqvzk2yXi_

For two years, Israel’s entries into the Eurovision international song competition carried the nation and showed our hearts. They were ridiculed and rejected, scoring very low with the judges, but winning the votes of the people. This year, the competition hosts vowed to cancel if Israel was a participant, but after weeks of protests, we were allowed back into the show.

The first song, October Rain, was disqualified. It caused quite a stir as the lyrics were “too political”. They ere not. So the writers got together and worked out new lyrics and the song, still full of emotion, still waiting for the captives to return, with us on the other side in the middle of a hurricane…. Hence, “Hurricane”.

https://youtu.be/lJYn09tuPw4?si=5CeaJhC5OJguRz97

The next song, actually an homage to the Bibas family (the mom, Sheri, the dad and two babies…red headed Ariel and Kfir….stole our hearts. They loved to watch Batman cartoons together. Notice the costume worn by singer, Yuval Rafael….This is a song of hope, strength and optimism. “A New Day Will Rise.”

Note: There is a backstory behind the singer, Yuval Raphael. She attended the Nova Festival with friends. When they realized they were under a severe attack, many of the young people ran to the bomb shelters across the highway. Shelters that were meant for 20 people were packed with 60. Terrorists were shooting and throwing grenades into the concrete bunkers. Many were killed that way. Yuval was in the back of a shelter texting her dad the entire time. He told her to play dead. Her friends were killed next to her and on top of her and she lay wounded and bleeding until being rescued 16 hours later. Yuval would go on to star in and win the Israeli version of The Voice. She was chosen to represent Israel in Eurovision 2025.

https://youtu.be/_7zHp51j2WM?si=fGYrHl7esjinE59Z

I believe it was around the holiday of Purim last year (Queen Esther and Mordechai against Haman and the evil decree to genocide the Jews) that a young soldier in the IDF (he’d only been in service a couple weeks) shot Yahya Sinwar, military commander of Hamas. The evil Hamas was eliminated. And of course, within 24 hours, there was a song-

https://youtu.be/huQxm8YmUPM?si=H0i8I3294a-xshn8

Here are some many more songs. A simple young fellow wrote a simple song about G-do’s love for each and every one of us. The chorus goes- We are loved unconditionally by Him and only good and blessings are bestowed upon us. It will only. Get better and better. This song is played absolutely everywhere all the time. At weddings and funeral, pro Israel rallies and in the army. It is our theme. ״Tamid Ohev Oti” “He Always Loves Me (and blesses me)” Get ready to dance!

https://youtu.be/_7zHp51j2WM?si=eRaTrU9hTcWcBF3W

I know I am leaving out so many. I especially love seeing the Ruach ha Kodesh, the spirit of HaShem, rush mightily upon our soldiers. They sing of G-des protection and blessing. “No fear for He is with us. The people of Israel live. In the spirit of David against the enemies, the Philistines, we also have the victory. The Holy One, Blessed be He is King. there is no other. We pray for all our children. We protect our country. We pray for G-do’s blessings. We are not afraid. Who is meshuggeh/crazy (the rally. Cry of the Golani Brigade) We are crazy and We are not afraid. G-d is king now, then and forever and we give Him thanks and praise…..”

https://youtu.be/5eJqw0t3e9c?si=lOSKSAAjvc99a-CJ

And of course…no list would be complete without the song “ Am Yisrael Chai” – The People of Israel live!! By Eyal Golan

https://youtu.be/1HgKB4-kQdA?si=ORbI-xLQnN5tbGnOhttps://youtu.be/1HgKB4-kQdA?si=ORbI-xLQnN5tbGnO