One of the symbols for modern day Israel is the prickly pear cactus, rough and sharp on the outside, but softer on the inside. I learned one of the reasons for the analogy on my…

For years, I have been writing about the historical revision being taught in America today by Muslim professors and Muslim encyclopedia writers, many of whom are sponsored by Saudi Arabia. Although there are variations, the…

For years I have heard Jews talk about an indescribable feeling that comes upon them when they return to the land of their ancestors for the first time. Although excited on the day my plane…

I have found that the older I get, the more my past comes into focus and perspective. There are turbulent events that went on in my life years ago. At the time, I would not…

My sister-in-law, Carol, keeps asking me what surprises I am finding in Israel. I appreciate the question and each day I have a new answer. One surprise is that Jerusalem in over run with cats….

Visiting Israel is like visiting hundreds of countries at one time. Every nation on Earth sends people to this mysterious place. Every tour is an international experience. So is every restaurant. Today, I write you…

Today my brother, Paul rented a car and we drove to Caesarea. This was my first time at the Mediterranean Sea. The rocky beach was beautiful of course, and yes, the beach has always been…

There are many beggars in Israel. Beggars can be an annoyance but I try not to be judgmental because, (although I have certainly gone tough, financial times) never have I suffered the kind of poverty…

I love it in Israel. I can not believe how many places I have been to, places I have taught about and written about for years and other sites I would never have thought to…

The original manuscripts to the Bible have either been lost or destroyed in the passage of time. Before the writing materials of papyrus (made from the leaves of the Nile River) or parchment (made from…

So peaceful here in Jerusalem. One finds serenity just walking through the neighborhood. All buildings are made with indigenous stone nicknamed “Jerusalem Stone.”  This gives the place a look of antiquity, even when you are…

November, 2008 Today Hamas announced that the cease fire is over. This sounds a bit strange to me inasmuch as rockets have been fired from Gaza into Israel almost every single day for the last…

I’ve seen so much of Israel these last few days, from the Golan Heights, to the River Jordan, to the Sea of Galilee, to the forests and mountains of Carmel, to the paradise waterfalls of…

Today, my guide drove me through the Valley of Elah, where David fought Goliath. Of course, we have all heard the story since we were kids. David was the youngest in his family. His older…

I have had numerous chances to visit Israel throughout my lifetime. For one reason or another, I changed plans at the last minute and never made the voyage, not because Israel was unattractive but because…

For the majority of my tour, I saw Jewish, rather than Christian sights. I was happy with this, because, (as previous diary entries have indicated) being connected to the land and to my Jewish roots…

One of the most awesome moments of my journey took place on top of the Mount of Olives, where I stood, looking down at Jerusalem. This happened early on the tour and almost every day…

On top of the Mount of Olives, our tour guide mentioned something I had heard before, that a great fault line runs from the Mount of Olives into the city of Jerusalem. I doubt that…

“We don’t want you here.” Those were his exact words: “We don’t want you here.” The cursing tongue was lashing out in the direction of my brother, Paul, but I was standing right next to…