Susannah Schild, at The Blogs

Susannah Schild

Creator of Hiking the Holyland

Dec 26, 2024, 9:41 AM

The Hanukkah holiday is upon us! And just in time too…with the arrival of the rainy season, things are just starting to get really glorious outdoors. Winter weather has come to the Holy Land, nourishing nature and bringing greenery...

Jun 27, 2024, 2:21 PM

Guide to Israel’s Outdoors: Summer 2024

Summer – what a wonderful time of year! As a kid, I remember looking forward to summertime pretty much all year long. Summer meant freedom, early morning swim practice in an Olympic Pool, and as much ice cream as...

Dec 13, 2023, 8:33 AM

Faith, light, and miracles

To my dear friend in the US, It was great speaking to you the other day. Your last message got me thinking… I know this war isn’t easy on any of us. In Israel and abroad, Jews are suffering. Many of...

Dec 10, 2023, 11:59 AM

Hope for the holidays: Shmini Atzeret to Hanukkah

Last week, on a drive out to Tzomet HaGush to buy Hanukkah supplies: candles, oil, and wicks, I noticed something mind-blowing. Next to the turn, a big sign screamed: “Sukkot for Sale!” With regular life on hold, nobody had ever...

Nov 26, 2023, 12:42 PM

The secret superpower of the Jewish people

12 tactical army vests. 30 multi-tools. 270 ski masks. I sat in bed on Saturday night with this shopping list at hand, the glow from my laptop illuminating the room in faint light. Seasoned online shopper that I was, I...

Nov 15, 2023, 9:51 AM

Israel at war: Supermom no more

Dear Son, It’s been almost three weeks since we last heard from you…how’s it going over there in Gaza? This probably comes as no surprise, but I wanted to let you know that we mothers have everything under control. While you soldier on in...

Nov 12, 2023, 1:20 PM

No Jew Hatred Here

Dear God, It’s me again. Times are tough right now for us Jews. I know You know that. All day and every day, my lips are full of prayers. You hear them: Please keep my son safe on the battlefront. Please...

Nov 9, 2023, 7:59 AM

Israel at War: Escape to Dream Land

My dear son, I have nowhere to send this letter and no way to hear back from you, but I guess I’ll write it anyway…how are things going today in Gaza? Did I ever tell you that for the past two...

Nov 6, 2023, 2:43 PM

No Place Like Home

It’s another typical day in Israel, Autumn 2023. Except there are no typical days. After hours of working in front of the computer I need a break, so I send a WhatsApp to a friend, and we agree to meet...

Nov 2, 2023, 9:42 AM

Faces of strength in battle

My son is on the battlefield in Gaza. So many scenes play through my head as I search for meaning in this horror; what do I have to console myself with but my own imagination? It’s Summer, 2021… After a surprise...

About Me

Susannah Schild is the creator of Hiking the Holyland, Israel's premier English language hiking website and author of From Southerner to Settler: Unexpected Lessons from the Land of Israel. You can find out more, see the book, and join group hikes at hikingintheholyland.com

Contact Me