On the other hand

Usually, the day after we pray for rain at the end of Succot, the heavens open up, and the long-awaited precipitation descends. Read more

UFOs

According to Wikipedia, UFOs are “perceived aerial phenomenon that cannot be immediately identified or explained.” Read more

May you live in interesting times

Wrongly attributed as a Chinese curse, this “blessing” is more relevant than ever as Jews prepare to welcome a New Year. Read more

On the other hand

Customer service in Israel has in the past been a rather patchy affair. Read more

Par for the course

The Jewish year may be winding down but Jews and Israel continue to dominate the news one way or another. Read more

On the other hand

The call of the shofar every morning can be heard from one end of Israel to the other. Read more

Conditional Friendships

One can always discern when a potential friendship is really a conditional one. Read more

On the other hand

We live at a time when what was once unimaginable has today become reality. Read more

Away with the fairies

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am not sure what is actually causing the insanity currently being displayed internationally and domestically. Read more

On the other hand

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

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

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

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

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

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

The definition of “getting the message” is to understand something that is not being said directly.

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On the other hand

How many days of sunshine does Israel experience on an annual basis? Read more

It’s not a laughing matter

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

Most countries, including Israel, have designated parking areas reserved for drivers with mobility problems. Read more

How unsurprising

“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

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

According to the Oxford language website, deciphering is defined as “succeeding in understanding, interpreting or identifying something.” Read more

On the other hand

Israel’s entry in this year’s Eurovision contest finished a credible third in the final round. Read more

Problematic

For three millennia, the reaction towards Jews, Judaism and the Promised Land has been problematic. Read more

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