Birdsong, by Ariella Bracha Waldinger

I live in the northern Galilee town of Tzfat, Israel in a neighborhood called Neve Oranim. I have a panoramic view of the hula valley which lies on the Syrian-African rift, the migrating path through Israel's skies. According to Dr. Yossi Leshem, the Director of the International center for the study of bird migration, Israel... Continue Reading →

Birkat Ha’ilanot – Blessing on the Trees

The Blessing on Blossoming Trees in the month of Nisan by Ariella Bracha Waldinger One of my favorite mitzvot is the Bracha (blessing) said when seeing blossoming trees in the springtime, in the month of Nisan. The source of this mitzvah is in the Gemara in tractate Masechet Berachot 43b, where it is written: “A... Continue Reading →

From Pork Ribs to Paradise

FROM PORK RIBS TO PARADISE by Ariella Bracha Waldinger On December 24th, 2012, my husband and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary in the Holy City of Tzfat, Israel.  Our wedding was anything BUT your TYPICAL Jewish wedding.  In fact, from the perspective of a religious Jewish life, the circumstances of our meeting, wedding and... Continue Reading →

Sitting on the Fence of Aliyah

THE SUFFERING OF UNCERTAINTY By Ariella Bracha Waldinger  I remember my childhood days sitting on the fence at our 100 acre farm and feeling very uncomfortable.  In fact, it was extremely painful and I always felt as if I was going to fall off, because there was nothing to hold on to. I was off... Continue Reading →

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