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Debra Weiner-Solomont

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Jun 4, 2026, 11:40 PM

The Courage to Enter the Land – Rabbi Rakefett’s Lesson on Aliyah

Making aliyah is hard, no matter when or how you come to Israel. You leave behind everything familiar to live in what is, at first, a “strange land.” This week we read Parshat Shelach, the story of the meraglim—the...

Mar 31, 2026, 7:58 PM

L’Shana Habaa….Anywhere but HERE!

Each year on Yom Yerushalayim, our community hosts a breakfast where our rabbi shares his memories of being in Israel during the Six-Day War. He and his friends were determined to get there—to help, to support, to stand with...

Mar 6, 2026, 12:12 PM

Make Your Bed: Finding Order Amidst Chaos

“If you want to change the world, start by making your bed.” This is how Retired Admiral William McRaven began his famous address and subsequent book. The logic is simple: start your day with a task completed. Life is...

Feb 19, 2026, 10:30 PM

The ‘Israel Year’ Has Become a Product — And We’re Losing Its Soul

Is a year of study in Israel for everyone? Lately, I’m not so sure. I had the privilege of attending Machon Gold in 1974, the year immediately following the Yom Kippur War. The country was still in shock. We lived...

Nov 19, 2025, 12:30 AM

What a Difference a Year Makes

From To the Internal Libraries by Hadassa Goldvicht, now on display at the National Library of Israel. Photo by Elad Sarig

November 19th marks one year since our son and three close friends serving in miluim (reserves) in Lebanon were seriously wounded. Tragically, a fifth comrade did not survive, and his yahrzeit was observed on the 18th of Cheshvan. This past...

Oct 20, 2025, 1:36 PM

My Son the Doctor: A Year of Healing and Hope

Shutterstock

“My son, the doctor.” Those are words I never dreamed of saying—or even imagining—a year ago. But November 19, 2024, changed all of our lives forever when our son was severely wounded in Lebanon. Our world shattered, but in the...

Sep 16, 2025, 9:07 AM

When the Headlines Fade: A Mother’s Journey Through War & Healing

The Swords of Iron war has been raging since October 7th. For nearly three years, thousands of soldiers — both regular army and reserves — have been fighting on all fronts. In the past two days, Israeli headlines have...

Jul 7, 2025, 3:12 PM

Reflections on July 1st: Our Aliyah Anniversary

Our family has marked the anniversary of our Aliyah every year since 1993—July 1st. But for some reason, this year the day quietly passed us by. We made Aliyah 32 years ago, along with dear friends from Boston. When we...

Jun 15, 2025, 11:39 PM

Reflections on Love, Loss, and Survival in Israel

What a siren, a safe room, and a conference taught me about relationships in the shadow of war Dr. Danny Brom, founding director of Metiv – The Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma – said it best at the...

May 5, 2025, 5:54 PM

The day everything changed: Pain, healing, hope

(Israel Defense Forces)

Our son appears fine on the outside. But the truth is more complicated. His wounds are internal -- both physical and emotional

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About Me

Debra Weiner-Solomont recently retired as Director of the Pardes Institute Community Education Program. She received her MSW from Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Debra along with her husband and sons came on aliyah from Brookline, MA. 33 years ago. Debra is currently involved with the Lioness Mothers of Wounded Soldiers group. Feel free to contact her for more information and how you can help.