Away with the fairies
August 25, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
Originating from Scottish or Irish/Gaelic myths this expression has nowadays come to signify someone who refuses to face reality and lives in a dream world. Read more
On the other hand
August 19, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
In 1536 CE, the Roman Catholic Church in Portugal extended its campaign against Jews by establishing the Inquisition in Brazil. Read more
Pull the other one
August 18, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
When someone tells you something that is so patently absurd, the natural response is an old English expression “pull the other one, it has got bells on it.” Read more
Self-flagellation
August 11, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
Surprising as it may seem, this ancient form of afflicting the body is still practised among various groups these days. Read more
On the other hand
August 6, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
This past Shabbat, we had an inspiring and uplifting experience that put all the negativity currently being spread into a positive perspective. Read more
On the other hand
July 23, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
We are at the moment in the midst of the three-week period leading up to Tisha B’Av when Jews worldwide commemorate the destruction of the two Temples, exile and other associated catastrophes. Read more
Unhinged
July 21, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
I am not sure what is actually causing the insanity currently being displayed internationally and domestically. Read more
On the other hand
July 16, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
Olim from New Zealand, Australia and Britain will be familiar with that quintessential popular food called fish and chips. Read more
Today’s French Revolution
July 14, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
In July 1789, the Paris Bastille was stormed by rampaging mobs, and the established order of autocratic rule was swiftly swept away. Read more
On the other hand
July 10, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
Where other than in Israel would one get a service call from a cable TV technician by the name of Menachem Mendel? Read more
On the other hand
July 2, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
Have you ever purchased items from a family-owned and staffed shop, as opposed to a supermarket or a store which is part of a large chain? Read more
Heads in the sand
June 30, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
According to a popular and widely accepted myth, it is believed that ostriches spend a large part of their day with their head in the sand. Read more
On the other hand
June 26, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
The best own goal of the season was scored by Indonesia which recently banned the Israel under 20 soccer team from competing in the world soccer cup competition. Read more
Getting the message
June 23, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
The definition of “getting the message” is to understand something that is not being said directly.
On the other hand
June 19, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
How many days of sunshine does Israel experience on an annual basis? Read more
It’s not a laughing matter
June 16, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
Quite often, one is faced with a situation so absurd that laughter seems to be the only suitable response. Read more
On the other hand
June 11, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
Most countries, including Israel, have designated parking areas reserved for drivers with mobility problems. Read more
How unsurprising
June 9, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
“Life is full of surprises. Not all these surprises are pleasant, so you need to be ready for what life brings you.” Read more
On the other hand
June 4, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
One of the funniest aspects of life in Israel, at least for English-speaking Olim, are the numerous bloopers that appear when Hebrew notices, signs and instructions are translated. Read more
Deciphering the headlines
June 2, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
According to the Oxford language website, deciphering is defined as “succeeding in understanding, interpreting or identifying something.” Read more
On the other hand
May 27, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
Israel’s entry in this year’s Eurovision contest finished a credible third in the final round. Read more
Problematic
May 25, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
For three millennia, the reaction towards Jews, Judaism and the Promised Land has been problematic. Read more
On the other hand
May 14, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
Usually on Lag B’Omer, we make sure to shut all our windows so that smoke from the bonfires does not enter. Read more
Catastrophic
May 12, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
Note 15 May in your diary because that is the date when all the Israel historic revisionists will be having their annual convulsions. Read more
On the other hand
May 7, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
Shabbat observant Jews in the UK and Israel will not be able to tune in to watch live telecasts of the Coronation pageantry from London. Read more
Woeful
May 5, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
After the party is over, the hangover usually kicks in. Read more
On the other hand
April 30, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
Despite all the doomsday commentators Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Independence Day), celebrating 75 years of re-established Jewish sovereignty, was a resounding success. Read more
75 not out
April 28, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
As we celebrate seventy-five years of re-established Jewish independence, I can’t help thinking is Israel still loved at 75? Read more
On the other hand
April 22, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
This time of the year in Israel is usually a roller coaster of emotions. Read more
Feeding crocodiles
April 21, 2023 by Michael Kuttner
Winston Churchill knew a thing or two about nations that tried to appease those plotting their eventual demise. Read more
