I believe in books and that Benjamin Franklin was right when he said the library is the greatest American institution. I am a library evangelist and was delighted to be in Los Angeles for the “It Happens Every Spring: Annual Library Lunch” at Stephen W. Wise Temple organized by Roberta Lloyd, Library Director and the … Continued
The Land of Milk and Honey In February 2011 my husband, Luke, and I boarded a flight from the USA bound for Tel Aviv. After 11 hours in the air we arrived in the Middle East. We had dreamed of making this pilgrimage for most of our lives. The thought of walking in the footsteps … Continued
When I was in college I always said I would travel when I found time. Textbooks have now been exchanged from Dr. Seuss. Grabbing a latte has been replaced with grabbing sippy cups for my toddlers. The time to travel became a distant memory of a young idealistic mind. My adult mind was unable to … Continued
” Where did David fight Goliath? Where did Abraham almost sacrifice his son Isaac? Where did Jacob dream of the angels going up and down the ladder? Where was Moses leading the children of Israel to the place they called the land of milk and honey? Where did Jesus born and crucified?” my pastor used … Continued
Having grown up on the streets of Northern Ireland in the 1980s, cultural, political, religious and geographical divides have always been a part of my life. Whether I’ve wanted them to be or not. As my travel lifestyle has developed over time, I have become much more intrigued by the parts of the world that … Continued
Shortly after accepting a full-time job at the French Theatre of Rome, I was invited to replace an employee – too far into pregnancy – on a secret destination journey. My friend and now boss, Fred, had planned this surprise to reward his team members for their hard work and success of the musical Sans … Continued
I belong to a family of preachers and teachers—all workaholics–but inside people. My strength is in my willpower and verbal skills, not my physical abilities. Joining the City of David archeological excavation in Jerusalem, Israel, after my junior year of college was completely out of character. Keith, my boyfriend, a recent history graduate and a … Continued
My friend Baruch and I wended our way up into the northern Galilee in Israel, up into the mountains. Just a few kilometers from the Blue Line – the UN determined border between Israel—we drove past an Israeli Army outpost and its patrols dressed in their heavy uniforms in all that heat. The day hovered … Continued
It was 1993. My husband and I were thrilled to be taking our four sons (aged 2, 7, 11, and 13) to Israel for Josh’s bar mitzvah. We had a layover in Frankfurt before we boarded our flight to Tel Aviv. Just minutes after pushing back from the gate, Josh’s voice yelled, “Why are tanks … Continued
Day 7 – Today is about life in Israel through the eyes of people like me. In celebration of Yom Haatzmaut, our hosts invite us to join them for their holiday celebrations. The first party is at a beautiful home and are immediately greeted by its owner, an American and her Israeli husband. They are … Continued