Ariel Blacher, at The Blogs

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May 21, 2020, 8:07 AM

It Takes a Village

The coronavirus (which causes the illness known as COVID-19) has presented students and teachers alike with many dilemmas. By March 12th, Israel had begun restrictions on the population and the Ministry of Education (MOE) had shut its doors to...

Mar 17, 2020, 9:53 AM

Teruma and Corona

Corona. It is a nasty word. Covid-19 another word we do not want to mention often. This virus has held us captive…in our conversations, in our homes, from the workplace, and from normal social behavior. My family is not immune...

Aug 11, 2019, 2:35 PM

GI Joe Dreams of a Young Man

There are moments in time that you have been waiting for your entire life as a parent… You eagerly anticipate your baby’s first smile, first words, and first steps. And, then you tear up as you drop him off...

Jul 5, 2016, 7:55 AM

Shiva Like No Other

Shiva is not easy for anyone. Seven days of public mourning via sitting in one's home, and being visited by loved ones and friends. It is emotionally exhausting for anyone who has lost a family member. Recalling memories is...

Jun 13, 2016, 3:37 PM

Pain in the Epicenter of Entertainment

Orlando...we have all been there, or want to visit there with our children. It is best known for Disney World, Universal Studios, and other attractions. Dare I mention Alligator Land?(As they say in Hebrew, Hamavin Mavin, those who understand, really understand)....

Dec 14, 2015, 12:16 PM

Feeling the Light on the Eighth Day of Chanukah

As we lit the Chanukah candles last night, I was awed by the brilliant light. The eight days of Chanukah...how magnificent that we are able to celebrate the holiday of our ancestors in the land of our ancestors-Israel. Every parents'...

Jul 27, 2015, 11:46 PM

Summer Half-Time

Yesterday we observed the Tisha B'Áv fast in memory of the destruction of the ancient Holy Temple. It is a very somber day, one of self-reflection, of abstinence, and of repent. As I prayed, and fasted, I began to...

Nov 18, 2014, 9:58 AM

I woke up this morning to hearing my kids getting ready for school, arguing about what cartoon they would be watching if they get ready for school on time, and the usual kitchen banter. I randomly checked my facebook...

Oct 17, 2014, 4:32 PM

A Time to Dance

As the Sukkot holiday came to an end, many Israelis attended the traditional Hakafot Shniot (Second Hakafot). At these Hakafot, Torahs are brought out, hakafot are read/sung before a crowd with a live band, and hundreds of people who...

Oct 6, 2014, 12:10 AM

Time for Change

It is traditional for one to use the time between Yom Kippur and Sukkot as a time of reflection. It is a time for contemplating the sins atoned for, and hoping towards a New Year, bereft of such sins....

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About Me

Ariel Blacher, MSW, is an educator in the Israeli school system. Her recent book, Gila Makes Aliyah, was published by Koren Publishers in 2018.