Your Favorite Things About Israel

[rylah]

 

[rylah]

 

[Mindful]

Caught on camera. A praying interlude by Arab and Israeli MDA paramedics, during a hectic day.

Jewish House Mafia.

 

[Sixties Fan]

 

[Sixties Fan]

 

[Mindful]

The world is grim these days. COVID-19 has driven people indoors. Streets are desolate. Spirits are low.

The dangers of the hour and the global pain and suffering are very real, but there may also be points of light that we can take away.

• https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/belief/articles/points-of-light

 

[Mindful]

^ Physical distancing, social closeness: Over and over we’ve heard the call to “socially distance” ourselves from others. And yet, while on the surface COVID-19 has physically separated us, in other ways it has become the catalyst to socially connect us in new ways. Perhaps, as I’ve heard suggested, the term “social distancing” should be replaced with “physical distancing.” The virus has drawn us closer to one another in new and rewarding ways.

Reaching out gives meaning: There is a spiritual maxim that at moments of greatest personal concern, one should direct one's thoughts, prayers, and actions to others. By channeling concern away from ourselves toward the well-being of others we can be personally uplifted.

Ennobling our physical blessings: Refraining from shaking hands, limiting our walking in public spaces, covering our mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing can give us an opportunity to reevaluate the role of these physical blessings—hands, feet, mouths. The imposition of such restrictions teaches us to use our physical attributes with greater care and purpose—to give with our hands, to step up and help with our feet, to choose carefully the words that come out of our mouths.

Reflection and self-growth: The Sabbath, in the Jewish tradition, has been described as a day for reflection. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel said that while during the week we focus on “having more,” the Sabbath is a time to “be more.” Now, the enforced "Sabbath" of being homebound brings a host of challenges that are different for each of us, but it also gives us an opportunity for personal reflection and growth.

Self-restraint: Over the years, my goal as a rabbi has always been to “show up” in times of need. But today, as a senior with cardiac history, I’ve been forced to adopt a different approach: to try to offer support from a distance. In Jewish mystical tradition such restraint is called koach hatzimtzum—the power of holding back. After all, by showing up on the scene not only would I be jeopardizing myself, I would also be putting others at risk. Yet even in these circumstances, we can all do our best to “be there” by reaching out, making a few calls, finding creative ways to connect, especially with those who are alone.

These are times that demand a thoughtful balance. We are understandably frightened for our own sakes and for the well-being of family, friends, for those close to us, and for the entire world community. Still, however difficult the time, we must push ourselves to do all we can to remain hopeful and to find safe and creative ways to join together—breathing and living the message that a little bit of light pushes away the darkness.

 

[Sixties Fan]

Watch: Live "concert" with Yaakov Shwekey

Join live as the leading Jewish music singer performs from his home in the U.S.

www.israelnationalnews.com

 

[Mindful]

 

[Sixties Fan]

Passover Recipes

Perfect for Passover! Thousands of the best Passover recipes. Whether you're looking for traditional basics from your Bubby's kitchen, or new, wholesome recipes with fresh ingredients and a modern twist, we've got it all!

www.kosher.com

 

[Sixties Fan]

Badly-Hit Israeli Town Succeeds in Beating Coronavirus | United with Israel

While the small, mostly-religious town of Telzstone was badly hit by the virus, the steps taken to thwart contagion led to no new infections in the past week.

unitedwithisrael.org

 

[Sixties Fan]

WATCH: Israeli Innovation Saves Lives Around the World | United with Israel

The tiny, startup nation is at the forefront of innovation leading to a solution to the coronavirus crisis.

unitedwithisrael.org

 

[Mindful]

Seder Alone.

Seder for One: How to Make it Meaningful - Aish.com

All alone for Passover Seder? Don't despair!

www.aish.com

 

[gtopa1]

You are never alone while God touches your heart.

Greg

 

[Sixties Fan]

Where To Find Songs for Your Passover Seder | My Jewish Learning

Singing is traditionally a major part of the Passover seder, and it certainly makes for a more festive and participatory ...

www.myjewishlearning.com

 

[Mindful]

 

[Sixties Fan]

How to Prepare the Seder Plate

A quick presentation for preparing and arranging the items used at the Passover Seder.

www.chabad.org

 

[Likkmee]

At the moment the best part is there is not much hearing about the place. I suppose they'll charge the world media with antisemitism .

 

[Sixties Fan]

This year’s ‘virtual’ seders have an ancient echo, says Haggadah historian

Through prosperity and darkness -- and now again in modernity -- the retelling of the Exodus story has evolved alongside the Jewish people. Prof. Vanessa Ochs traces the journey

www.timesofisrael.com

 

[Sixties Fan]

Watch: Efrat Sings Together

Efrat resident Moshe Kesselman organized some of his fellow residents of Efrat to sing Psalm 54 together, while separated by the Coronavirus.

www.jewishpress.com