Israel Active

In the month of Elul, news of Israel’s Amit Sofer, a talented trumpet player who has transformed the traditional Shofar into a versatile musical instrument. Recent article, plus two older videos.

81-year-old Shoah survivor Mina longed to see the Mediterranean but has been housebound for years due to illness. Volunteers from the Hevel Sorek branch of United Hatzalah brought her to the beach in Ashdod. Mina said, “I truly feel like I have been reborn.”

The non-profit Mifrasim, (“Sails” in Hebrew) is helping those at risk or in need address their challenges through “maritime group therapy”. Mifrasim purchased Challenge ’67, a 67-foot steel-hulled yacht which enables individuals to gain confidence and develop sailing, communication, and leadership skills.

Jerusalem of Gold could also be called Jerusalem of Change. The skyline and the seasons are always changing; so are the flowers, the pavements, Shaare Medical Center, the hotels, the Skatepark, First Station, the skaters in the Ice Rink, and the live concerts at Sultan Pool.

The arrival at Ben Gurion International airport of 215 immigrants from the US and Canada sparked emotional reunions and dancing in one of the terminals. The flight included 45 future lone soldiers, 7 doctors and 15 health professionals. 29,293 Olim have arrived in the first half of 2023.

An article about Royal Caribbean’s cruises out of Haifa on the Rhapsody of the Seas and (2024) Jewel of the Seas. Up to 400 of the 2500 passengers can sign up for the Fresh Kosher food program run by Rabbi Dovid Weberman and his wife Esther. Cruises visit Cyprus and Greece.

Two articles. The first, an interview with one of United Hatzalah’s Arab volunteer medics, and the second with the Druze Head of Ziv Medical Center in Safed, highlight some of the key factors of what’s good and unique about the Jewish State.

This video features Yossi’s amazing journey from convict to IDF Officer.  An inspiration for the period leading up to the Days of Repentance.

During the recent fast of 9th Av a fox was seen in the ruins of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. In the Babylonian Talmud (Tractate Makkot 24b), Rabbi Akiva laughed at seeing a fox in the ruins of the Temple. He said it fulfilled a negative prophecy and meant a positive one will also come true.   (see the video of the fox)

Hundreds of ritual baths (Mikvaot) have been uncovered in the land of Israel, in the desert, in the Galilee, under Jerusalem houses, at construction sites, and ancient towns. The vast majority date back over 2,000 years to the Second Temple period, with at least 50 found adjacent to the Temple Mount.