My Journey of Studying Abroad in Israel
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Hanukkah Day 4 in Jerusalem: Special Lighting at the Kotel
Happy Hanukkah! Tonight, we entered Day 4 of the 8 days of Hanukkah. A biblical day begins at sunset, and thus, we light the Hanukkiah after sunset, as we enter the next day. Hanukkah at the Kotel Every evening of Hanukkah, a special lighting of the Hanukkiah (the 9-branched menorah) is held at the Western…
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Israel’s Heritage: Snippets From a Special Exhibition at Ben-Gurion Airport
I love the value of remembering and cherishing history in Jewish and Israeli culture. Remembering where we came from helps us to understand where we are (or should be) going. You never know when you might run into a special exhibit in Israel. It could be at the airport, a train station, city square, a…
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Walking on the Walls of Jerusalem (Ramparts Walk)
In historical times, the walls of a city were not just for setting the boundaries of the city. They were for protection, defense, and walkways for the watchmen of the city. The wall of the city was wide enough to walk on, and some people’s homes were even on the city walls (Joshua 2:15). We…
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Can you spot the frog? Animals at HebU (pictures by Theo Chen)
Imagine walking through the botanical garden, by waterfalls and ponds and native Israeli plants on your way to classes each day, or meeting cats in the library and all over campus. That’s how it’s like to study at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem! My brother Theodore loves animals and took some fun pictures of the…
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Tour of Shalva Center: A place of hope and fulfillment for individuals with special needs
My sister Catherine and I were blessed to join a tour of Shalva Center in Jerusalem with an international students group from our university. This center was founded by Malki & Kalman Samuels, whose son became mentally disabled after receiving a faulty vaccine. The Samuels chose to dedicate their lives to supporting individuals with special…
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The Story and Tradition of Purim — Remembering God’s Deliverance
This weekend, we are celebrating Purim in Israel! This holiday commemorates God’s deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman’s evil plot and the courageous intercession of Esther. Purim traditions like reading the megillat Esther, eating Hamantaschen, and giving gifts help us remember Purim in a meaningful way. As Antisemitism rises around the world, may we…
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Enjoying Hanukkah in Jerusalem (can you spot the Hanukkah taxi?)
Jerusalem is really the best place to celebrate Hanukkah. I cut a bit of my study time in order to go to events, make some crafts, walk around the city, and enjoy the lights. It was worth it! In addition to the Hanukkah taxi, try to spot these in the pictures: And finally… First day…
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Hanukkah in the Old City
I know it’s been a while since Hanukkah, but I figured it’s never too late to post pictures! Enjoy! Hanukkah started in Jerusalem, and Hanukkah in the Old City is the most special! Below are pictures from Jaffa Gate. We visited the Western Wall on the last night of Hanukkah, and there were many people…
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Hanukkah: Feast of Dedication
Hanukkah, also known as the Feast of Dedication or Festival of Lights. The word “Hanukkah” in Hebrew means “dedication.” In the time period between the Old and New Testament, King Antiochus IV Epiphanes (of the Syro-Grecian Seleucid Empire) defiled the Temple in Jerusalem and ordered the Jewish people to stop worshipping the God of Israel…
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2nd Night of Hanukkah: A Miracle
One of the Hanukkah blessings says, “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.” The God who performed miracles in those days still works miracles at this time. Today, my siblings and I had a blessed time at a young adult’s gathering…
I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
-Genesis 12:2-3
My Israel Journey 