Text and photos: Lydia Aisenberg Close to the southern shore of the Sea of Galilee, where the River Jordan exits and begins its long journey wending through the Jordan Valley toward the Dead Sea, sits the Samakh Railway Station. In recent years the main structures and outbuildings, tracks and surrounding area have been expertly restored and further...

It was in the winter of 1974. It was raining in Jerusalem and my upstairs neighbor Dror popped in to ask if I wanted to accompany him to his business advisor, a Kabbalistic rabbi who lived in Katamon, not far from us in Beit V'gan. Dror had decided to move his business to Houston Texas as he suffered from PTSD. His tank was one of the few tanks tha...

Dear Friends, As we step into a new year, I find myself reflecting deeply on the extraordinary journey that ESRA has taken since its founding in 1979. We are now in our 46th year—quickly approaching 47, and with each passing year, ESRA grows not only in its impact, but also in its heart and its sense of purpose. What began as a small group of Engli...

I was walking down the street the other day when a sudden noise that sounded like a rocket siren pierced the air. For a moment I had an all-too-familiar tight feeling in my stomach, but then a motorbike sped past me and I realised with relief what had made the sound. A motorbike roaring down the road; a message ping on a cell phone that sounds like...

Starter  Crispy Latke Bites with Whipped Ricotta and Cranberry-Chili Jam Hanukkah latkes meet the cranberry side dish of Christmas dinner. These bite-sized stacks are festive, bright and pretty. Serves: 6–8 as appetizers Ingredients:For the latkes: 4 medium potatoes, peeled and grated1 small onion, grated1 egg3 Tbsp flourSalt and pepperOil for...