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Jun 8, 2026, 7:27 PM

Send Support For Israel In These Difficult Times

Howdy and shalom. I was taking a break from my TOI Blog, but of course my heart is with my friends in Israel during these difficult times and resumed rocket attacks, and my thoughts and prayers are with all...

Jun 2, 2026, 6:42 AM

Admitting Your Candidate is Toxic is Step One

Last week, I sat at happy hour with one of my best friends. For the purposes of this article, I’ll call them Bay Gay. They’re a gay from the Bay Area. The Mexican bartender may have mistaken my speaking...

May 27, 2026, 7:31 AM

He Fumbled Me Like a Nuclear Negotiation

Moving to Los Angeles ten years ago hit me like a nuclear bomb. I had just been through my first round with Alcoholic Ex-Boyfriend (for those who have been reading and are familiar with my lore) and had lost...

May 24, 2026, 11:51 PM

Solidarity in Action: Germans Rebuilding an Israeli Kibbutz

German volunteers helping rebuild Kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel (Photo courtesy: Petra Hemming).

A quiet German initiative brings volunteers to Israel to help rebuild Kibbutz Nir Oz and support bereaved families. At a time when Israel is increasingly isolated, when flights are emptier, delegations fewer, and even well-meaning supporters hesitate to visit -...

Carol Silver Elliott

May 12, 2026, 6:40 PM

Solutions and Problems

Loneliness is one of the biggest health issues that faces our aging population. Research indicates that it can increase the risk of dementia by as much as 20%. It can also increase the risk of many physical conditions including...

Chava (Patricia) Kadoche

May 10, 2026, 3:51 PM

We Sounded Like the Setup to a Joke

Instead, we became the answer to one another’s prayers. Three widows, five divorcees, and a single woman walked into a bar. At least, that’s how the joke should begin. Instead, we walked into each other’s lives. Eight months ago, after making aliyah to...

Gabriella Jacobs

May 8, 2026, 11:30 AM

Café culture: Part of the Zionist dream

Emek Refaim Street in Jerusalem. (Nati Shohat, Flash 90)

The best part of this week was Jerusalem cafés. On Monday, I met an old friend along the Mesila. For anyone who hasn’t walked there recently, the entire Baka/Katamon area is currently experiencing what appears to be a never-ending archaeological...

May 7, 2026, 8:48 PM

Tahreer’s Story

Building Resilience: When Children Find Their Circle Tahreer Abed Sawaed, a science teacher and teacher trainer with Israel’s Ministry of Education, writes about the circles of impact created by Jeremy’s Circle after her young niece was diagnosed with cancer. What...

Carol Silver Elliott

Apr 28, 2026, 12:17 AM

I often say that attitude is not everything. Rather, attitude is the only thing. It is a subtle difference but one that seems to me to be so important. What we bring to every interaction, every conversation, every experience...

Apr 23, 2026, 10:55 PM

One of the most simple, profound and moving of Judaism’s principles is a comment made by R. Akiva regarding a passuk in this week's parasha: ואהבת לרעך כמוך - אמר רבי עקיבא זה כלל גדול בתורה (רש"י, ויקרא יח:יט) You should love...

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