Changing My Name

Since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be called by my Hebrew name, Rachel. But as is often the case, life kept getting in the way.

Buying Our First Car in Israel

edless to say, as olim chadashim living in the center of the Shomron without a car, life has been pretty difficult getting around and going to government appointments, the bank, etc. Add to that the fact that we’re newlyweds, and because of our busy schedules and having to bus anywhere we go, we hadn’t been able to go on a honeymoon (or even so much as a tiyul). Thus, our search for a car began.

On the Occasion of Our First Aliyah Anniversary

.ברוך אתה ה’ אלוקינו מלך העולם שהחינו וקימנו והגיענו לזמן הזה Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has kept us alive and sustained us and brought us to this season. Last Rosh Hashanah, I uttered this blessing in Tel Aviv’s Dan Panorama Hotel, confined to a 20 m² room for…

Lessons From My First Time in Israel Under Rocket Fire

On May 10, 2021 Hamas launched rockets from Gaza to Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh. While alarmed and praying for the people living and celebrating Yom Yerushalayim in Jerusalem, I wasn’t too concerned because I assumed the Iron Dome would prevent any rockets from hitting populated areas.

The Perils of Dealing with the Israeli Postal Service

The Israeli postal service is notorious for delivering packages late, sending them to the wrong address, or losing them altogether. I’m sharing this story as a guide for dealing with them, should any issues come up.