Other Sites Where My Stories Have Appeared

Invoking Marla
Published on the Aish.com website on August 5, 2004

Am I cheapening Marla's memory by using her death to teach a point about living?

Click here to read the story.

In Israel, a Relative State of Calm...For Now
Published on the "J" - Jewish News Weekly website on July 29, 2004

Click here to read the story.

Cycle of Quiet
Published by Israel21c on July 11, 2003

Contemplating a trip to Israel is no longer so overwhelming and frightening.

Click here to read the story.

No Wilderness in Sight, but Camping in Israel Still Pretty Wild
Published on the "J" - Jewish News Weekly website on June 25, 2004

Click here to read the story.

FIRST PERSON. On Independence Day, Father Fights against Fear — and Shaving Cream
Published by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency on April 20, 2004

A small Independence Day battle.

Click here to read the story.

This story also appeared in the following newspapers:
- Virtual Jerusalem - click here to read.
- Chicago Jewish Community Online - click here to read
- Dallas Jewish Week - click here to read
- "J" - Jewish News Weekly - click here to read

Passover in Israel is an Entirely Different Bag o’ Beans
Published on the "J" - Jewish News Weekly website on April 2, 2004

What’s the difference between celebrating Passover in Israel and the U.S.? According to Brian Blum, it’s a big one. Is it more meaningful to celebrate in the land of Milk and Honey?

Click here to read the story.

The Jacuzzi Loop
Published on JewishFamily.com on February 28, 2004

If one is not mindful, daily life in Israel can become filled with “what-ifs,” reports Brian Blum.

Click here to read the story.

Bumping Into the Wrong Bus in Jerusalem
Published on the "J" - Jewish News Weekly website on February 27, 2004

Click here to read the story.

Mmm...Crunchy
Published on JewishFamily.com on January 21, 2004

Cholent is a tried and true recipe in many Jewish homes. But ‘s a cook to do when some uninvited guests make their way to the kitchen?

Click here to read the story.

Cold Turkey
Published on the Aish.com website on February 11, 2004

After some bouts of panic, a family decides to kick the TV habit.

Click here to read the story.

An Earthquake in Israel — What’s Next, Frogs?
Published on the "J" - Jewish News Weekly website on February 13, 2004

Click here to read the story.

FIRST PERSON. A Bomb? A Plane Crash? An Invasion? Thank God — It’s Only an Earthquake
Published by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency on February 11, 2004

A former Californian takes stock of an earthquake in Israel that was a distraction from daily terror alerts.

Click here to read the story.

Also appeared on the Virtual Jerusalem website - click here to read.

When Joy and Sorrow Collide
Published on the "J" - Jewish News Weekly website on February 6, 2004

Click here to read the story.

Pick up the Phone
Published on the Aish.com website on January 18, 2004

I hadn't thought much of Michael in the last three years. Until a few weeks ago when I heard that he had died of a sudden heart attack.

Click here to read the story.

At the Camp Drop Zone
Published on the Jewish Western Bulletin (Vancouver) website on January 16, 2004

A kid's nightmare ? the overly demonstrative parent.

Click here to read the story.

The World as We See It: Spinning the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Every Which Way
Published on the American Press Institute website on January 14, 2004

Alan Abbey provides a summary of Israel-oriented websites and includes a mention of This Normal Life.

Click here to read the story.

Krispy Kremes vs. the Traditional Chanukah Jelly Donut
Published on the "J" - Jewish News Weekly website on December 22, 2003

Click here to read the story.

Israeli or American? A Transplant Wrestles with Temptation after a Carefree California Summer
Published on the "J" - Jewish News Weekly website on November 14, 2003

Click here to read the story.

The Schmooze Factor
Published by Israel21c on October 27, 2003

Making sure you get your priorities right in a new synagogue.

Click here to read the story.

Jody's Breasts
Published on JewishFamily.com on October 21, 2003

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we present Brian Blum's story of his wife Jody's first mammogram.

Click here to read the story.

Yom Kippur Groupies: Services Like You've Never Heard Them
Published in the Hagshama-WZO Website on October 1, 2003

Ebn mixes Israeli pop tunes, snatches of reggae, classic folk (Greensleeves is a favorite), Sefardi nigunim, the best of Carlebach of course, and urban rap.

Click here to read the story.

Yom Kippur is a Blast and Our Leader is its First True Rock Star
Published on the "J" - Jewish News Weekly website on September 26, 2003

Click here to read the story.

FIRST PERSON. After Terror, Israelis Move On Because They Have No Choice
Published by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency on September 18, 2003

Brian Blum discusses how he and other Israelis deal with terror attacks as part of their lives ? finally realizing that they cope because they have no other choice.

Click here to read the story.

FIRST PERSON. The Story of a Terrorist Attack in Israel: Chaos and Normal Life Again in Jerusalem
Published by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency on September 12, 2003

Click here to read the story.

Making the News
Published on the birthright israel website on August 14, 2003

Sometimes the journalistic penchant for even-handedness becomes just plain obscene.

Click here to read the story.

A Hogwarts Bar Mitzvah Could Diversify Potter Series
Published in the Northern California Jewish Bulletin on June 20, 2003

Click here to read the story.

Bar Mitzvah at Hogwarts
Published on JewishFamily.com on June 20, 2003

On your way out to buy the new Harry Potter book? Read about Dobby's Bar Mitzvah here first.

Click here to read the story.

Dancing with the Snakefish: Celebration and Mourning in Jerusalem
Published in the Hagshama-WZO Website on June 10, 2003

A free concert was recently held in memory of the two American students killed at Hebrew University. Blum explores the seemingly incongruity of the event.

Click here to read the story.

Scouting the Normal Life
Published in the Friends of Israel Scouts on June 1, 2003

Growing up, these weren't words I would ever have imagined using in the same sentence. It's not that I have anything against the Scouts. It was just that I never seemed to fit into those institutions that were so much of the American mainstream. I always preferred playing the rebel. I had my own drum to beat.

Click here to read the story.

Also published in Israel21c. Click here to read the story.

Verifiably Single
Published in the Oberlin Alumni Magazine on May 18, 2003

At the airport they are looking for terrorists. The rabbi is looking for a liar.

Click here to read the story.

Scouting the Normal Life
Published by Israel21c on May 18, 2003

Israeli campsites are dripping with history and symbolism.

Click here to read the story.

Running the Land of Israel
Published on JewishFamily.com on May 15, 2003

Click here to read the story.

It's a 'Blog' World
Published by Israel21c on April 27, 2003

Allison Kaplan Sommer reviews Israeli 'blogs' - including This Normal Life

Click here to read the story.

For Sephardim, No Need to Pass Over Sushi at Pesach
Published by The Northern California Jewish Bulletin on April 11, 2003

Click here to read the story.

Passover the Sushi
Published by JewishFamily.com on April 9, 2003

Writer Brian Blum takes a look at some of the differences between how Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews approach Passover.

Click here to read the story.

I Worry About My Single Friends on Valentine's Day
Published by The Northern California Jewish Bulletin on February 14, 2003

Click here to read the story.

Saying a Special Sh'ma
Published by JewishFamily.com on February 9, 2003

Brian Blum shares his families? reflections on the Columbia tragedy and looks at why a communal response is so important to recovery from trauma.

Click here to read the story.

A Tragic 'Where Were You When' Moment for Israelis
Published by The Northern California Jewish Bulletin on February 7, 2003

Click here to read the story.

Changing with the Times
Published on Jewish News of Greater Phoenix on January 31, 2003

Click here to read the story.

Immigrant from US Finds That Voting Highlights the Significance of Home
Published on JTA on January 28, 2003

Click here to read the story.

A Matter of Life and Death
Published on israel21c.com on January 26, 2003

Click here to read the story.

Wired Life: Web Offers Wide World of Alternative Opinions
Published on The Sacramento Bee, January 16, 2003 Issue

David Hoye's article mentions "This Normal Life" in a round up of blogs from the Middle East.

Click here to read the story.

Ode to a Friend
Published on The Source: Israel Info-Access Magazine, July-August, 2002 Issue

Click here to read the story.

Multimodality: The Key to a Richer Mobile Experience
Published on Wireless Future Magazine, March, 2002 Issue

Not about Israel at all, here's a story I wrote about "multimodality."

Click here to read the story.

Stories Appearing on JewishFamily.com

The Jacuzzi Loop
Published on JewishFamily.com on February 28, 2004

If one is not mindful, daily life in Israel can become filled with “what-ifs,” reports Brian Blum.

Click here to read the story.

Mmm...Crunchy
Published on JewishFamily.com on January 21, 2004

Cholent is a tried and true recipe in many Jewish homes. But ‘s a cook to do when some uninvited guests make their way to the kitchen?

Click here to read the story.

Jody's Breasts
Published on JewishFamily.com on October 21, 2003

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we present Brian Blum's story of his wife Jody's first mammogram.

Click here to read the story.

Bar Mitzvah at Hogwarts
Published on JewishFamily.com on June 20, 2003

On your way out to buy the new Harry Potter book? Read about Dobby's Bar Mitzvah here first.

Click here to read the story.

Running the Land of Israel
Published on JewishFamily.com on May 15, 2003

Click here to read the story.

Passover the Sushi
Published on JewishFamily.com on April 9, 2003

Writer Brian Blum takes a look at some of the differences between how Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews approach Passover.

Click here to read the story.

Saying A Special Sh'ma
Published on JewishFamily.com on February 9, 2003

Brian Blum shares his families’ reflections on the Columbia tragedy and looks at why a communal response is so important to recovery from trauma.

Click here to read the story.

Stories Appearing on Jewsweek

Go to the Jewsweek page for Brian Blum or click the links below.

What is Jewsweek? Read this article.

The A-Ha Moment
Published on Jewsweek on September 12, 2004

My son's bar mitzvah provided eureka moments for everyone -- including me.

Click to read the story.

The Last Tuck-In
Published on Jewsweek on August 27, 2004

My son may be maturing, but so is our relationship.

Click to read the story.

A Strapping Young Man
Published on Jewsweek on August 12, 2004

Learning to pray all over again.

Click to read the story.

Invoking Marla
Published on Jewsweek on August 4, 2004

Learning new data from losing old data.

Click to read the story.

The Snorkeling Rabbi
Published on Jewsweek on July 27, 2004

While vacationing in Hawaii we were reminded of the realities of home.

Click to read the story.

Putting Up with It
Published on Jewsweek on July 22, 2004

Miniature golf can mean different things to different people.

Click to read the story.

Fast Food, Fast Camping
Published on Jewsweek on July 15, 2004

Parents' Day at camp isn't all it's cracked up to be ... for the campers.

Click to read the story.

Cycle of Quiet
Published on Jewsweek on July 6, 2004

Is there any solace in the calm before the storm?

Click to read the story.

2000-Year-Old Traffic Jam
Published on Jewsweek on June 25, 2004

I hoped for an Indiana Jones type adventure during a trip to the tunnels in Jerusalem. Instead, I got a traffic jam.

Click to read the story.

Is it Real or is it Memorex?
Published on Jewsweek on June 20, 2004

If my child performed on stage and I forgot to record it, did it really even happen? An existential question on a bad habit.

Click to read the story.

Insomaniac
Published on Jewsweek on June 9, 2004

What do you do when your ideological commitment to a place is literally making you sick?

Click to read the story.

Camping...in Style
Published on Jewsweek on June 5, 2004

Whatever happened to roughing It?

Click to read the story.

Mayors in our Midst
Published on Jewsweek on May 20, 2004

A chance to host visiting dignitaries allows both sides to learn lessons about the other.

Click to read the story.

Better off Red than Dead
Published on Jewsweek on May 13, 2004

Going to the beach isn't as easy as it used to be.

Click to read the story.

The Blessing of a Broken Heart
Published on Jewsweek on May 6, 2004

Three years ago, Koby Mandell, 13, was brutally murdered by terrorists. His mother's book describes her own religious and spiritual transformation since.

Click to read the story.

Busted
Published on Jewsweek on April 28, 2004

Trying to weasel my way out of a ticket isn't as easy as I thought.

Click to read the story.

443 Calculations
Published on Jewsweek on April 22, 2004

In the very real game of Middle East Roulette, you can only pretend that you've avoided spinning the wheel.

Click to read the story.

Story Hour
Published on Jewsweek on April 15, 2004

My anxiety-ridden role as storyteller for the day.

Click to read the story.

The Secret Life of Legumes
Published on Jewsweek on March 31, 2004

How Passover in Israel is an entirely different bag of beans.

Click to read the story.

Up Against the Wall
Published on Jewsweek on March 28, 2004

We really should visit the Western Wall more often.

Click to read the story.

Lost and Found
Published on Jewsweek on March 19, 2004

While my life was heading down the path of Lost in Translation, I took a detour and found myself Found in Jerusalem.

Click to read the story.

The Note
Published on Jewsweek on March 4, 2004

Despite a possible strike, skipping school is not as easy as it used to be.

Click to read the story.

The Jacuzzi Loop
Published on Jewsweek on February 26, 2004

Running around in circles can actually save your life.

Click to read the story.

The Giving Tree
Published on Jewsweek on February 19, 2004

Giving blood is not as easy as it looks.

Click to read the story.

All Shook Up
Published on Jewsweek on February 11, 2004

When an earthquake isn't that scary.

Click to read the story.

Covenant
Published on Jewsweek on February 6, 2004

Birth and death collide on a random street in Jerusalem.

Click to read the story.

Cold Turkey
Published on Jewsweek on February 4, 2004

Teaching my kids to stop watching television -- cold turkey.

Click to read the story.

Mmm...Crunchy!
Published on Jewsweek on January 22, 2004

A cholent disaster leads to a lesson learned.

Click to read the story.

Overly-Sensitive New Age Guy
Published on Jewsweek on December 26, 2003

When I go to the movies I want peace and quiet. So shut up.

Click to read the story.

Kindergarten Pluralism
Published on Jewsweek on December 14, 2003

Defining a class and category starts at an early age.

Click to read the story.

The Lost Jews of Jaipur
Published on Jewsweek on December 8, 2003

My excellent adventures in India.

Click to read the story.

The Travel Doctor
Published on Jewsweek on December 3, 2003

Taking a vacation can really hurt.

Click to read the story.

The Cooking Party
Published on Jewsweek on November 15, 2003

Planning a party for 10-year-old girls is not as easy as you may think.

Click to read the story.

The Israeli in Me
Published on Jewsweek on November 2, 2003

Finding out that Israel was indeed our home sweet home.

Click to read the story.

The Schmooze Factor
Published on Jewsweek on October 23, 2003

Chatting, talking, schmoozing -- whatever you want to call it, it's a tradition in our synagogue.

Click to read the story.

Jody's Breasts
Published on Jewsweek on October 17, 2003

Lump or no lump, my wife was going to get her breasts checked out and I became anxious.

Click to read the story.

Amir Against the Wind
Published on Jewsweek on October 14, 2003

Saving the sukkah is not an easy task.

Click to read the story.

Sukka on the Roof
Published on Jewsweek on October 14, 2003

Sukkot wouldn't be Sukkot without a little added excitement.

Click to read the story.

Grapefruit Jews
Published on Jewsweek on October 10, 2003

A tip from a fellow Jew leads to High Holiday contemplation.

Click to read the story.

Yom Kippur Groupies
Published on Jewsweek on October 2, 2003

Yom Kippur is the happiest, rockin-est, dancin-est holiday on the Jewish calendar.

Click to read the story.

Apples and Bunnies
Published on Jewsweek on September 26, 2003

The story of how we bought bunnies, sold them to someone else, and what this all has to do with Rosh Hashanah.

Click to read the story.

Dance of the Discount
Published on Jewsweek on September 25, 2003

Traveling through Prague on $10 a day.

Click to read the story.

How We Do It
Published on Jewsweek on September 26, 2003

How do Israelis cope with terrible tragedies like suicide bombings? Israelis are like one big family. We all feel the pain and then we move on.

Click to read the story.

Driving Through Terror
Published on Jewsweek on September 10, 2003

I've been close to terror attacks before. But I've never tried to drive through the ensuing chaos.

Click to read the story.

Leaving Terezin
Published on Jewsweek on September 9, 2003

A European vacation with the family turns educational -- for the father.

Click to read the story.

Boogie Brian
Published on Jewsweek on September 4, 2003

My goal: To become a boogie boarding guru. Dude.

Click to read the story.

The Naked Truth
Published on Jewsweek on September 5, 2003

A trip to a nude beach leads to a little surprise and a lot of fun.

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It's a Wand-erful Life
Published on Jewsweek on August 23, 2003

Traveling through airports and getting "wanded" is somewhat fun -- for a little while.

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Reverse Culture Shock
Published on Jewsweek on August 24, 2003

From Botox to breast augmentation, my visits to the U.S. are getting racier and raunchier.

Click to read the story.

Tisha B'Av, 2003
Published on Jewsweek on August 13, 2003

A once seemingly insignificant festival gains new meaning this year.

Click to read the story.

The Drop Zone
Published on Jewsweek on August 6, 2003

Dropping my son off at camp brings back memories, both good and bad.

Click to read the story.

Making the News
Published on Jewsweek on July 31, 2003

A hypothetical conversation behind a true story.

Click to read the story.

Salty Fish
Published on Jewsweek on July 24, 2003

Trying to knock down the language barrier.

Click to read the story.

Spoiler Alert
Published on Jewsweek on July 17, 2003

A stolen car part makes a statement -- in more ways than one.

Click to read the story.

Freedom and Responsibility at the Zoo
Published on Jewsweek on July 7, 2003

The Jerusalem Zoo, and zoos in general, hold a very special place in my heart.

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Preaching to the Choir
Published on Jewsweek on July 3, 2003

A trip to hear my daughter sing teaches a valuable lesson in "workaholism."

Click to read the story.

Bar Mitzvah at Hogwarts
Published on Jewsweek on June 25, 2003

It seems to me that it's high time for J.K. Rowling to stage a magical but tasteful bar or bat mitzvah at Hogwarts.

Click to read the story.

Land of the Bullies
Published on Jewsweek on June 19, 2003

Israel is full of bullies in many shapes and sizes.

Click to read the story.

The Waiting
Published on Jewsweek on June 19, 2003

Time after time, we just hope and pray that someone we know was not killed. And wait.

Click to read the story.

Hole in One
Published on Jewsweek on June 12, 2003

Turning a bad situtation into something more.

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Slowest Common Denominator
Published on Jewsweek on June 12, 2003

Being stuck at home is a gift. A change of pace. A moment of grace.

Click to read the story.

Dancing with the Snakefish
Published on Jewsweek on June 2, 2003

A benefit concert to celebrate life and remember loss loved ones.

Click to read the story.

Aviv and Ayah
Published on Jewsweek on May 29, 2003

My child's pain turns into a fairy tale.

Click to read the story.

Eurovision and the Jews
Published on Jewsweek on May 22, 2003

Watching the admittedly cheesy Eurovision contest is a rite-of-passage in our household.

Click to read the story.

Teenager Too Soon
Published on Jewsweek on May 22, 2003

My son is growing up, but is it too soon?

Click to read the story.

TV Zombies
Published on Jewsweek on May 19, 2003

Getting away from the television set and into nature.

Click to read the story.

Scouting the Normal Life
Published on Jewsweek on May 16, 2003

My daughter, the Israeli Girl Scout.

Click to read the story.

Ankles and Hearts
Published on Jewsweek on May 14, 2003

I learned more than one lesson from fracturing my ankle.

Click to read the story.

Independence Spray
Published on Jewsweek on May 8, 2003

Ah, the subtle joys of shaving cream on Israel's 55th birthday.

Click to read the story.

Running the Land
Published on Jewsweek on May 6, 2003

I don't run for exercise; I run to escape.

Click to read the story.

Addicted to Overdraft
Published on Jewsweek on May 1, 2003

A little checks and balances never hurt anybody.

Click to read the story.

Betting on SARS
Published on Jewsweek on April 29, 2003

We can't let the terrorists, the viruses, or whatever comes next -- get us down.

Click to read the story.

Sushi for the Passover Observant
Published on Jewsweek on April 15, 2003

"Kosher for Passover" designated foods should be appropriate for all Jews, but this is not so. Instead, custom defines what can, and cannot be eaten.

Click to read the story.

On Cults, Sadaam and Judaism
Published on Jewsweek on April 14, 2003

The ups and downs of living in a cult

Click to read the story.

Barenaked Birthday
Published on Jewsweek on April 7, 2003

A relative's tragic death at the hands of a suicide bomber will not stop us from celebrating her birthday.

Click to read the story.

Here We Go Again
Published on Jewsweek on April 2, 2003

It's strike time again.

Click to read the story.

CT
Published on Jewsweek on March 31, 2003

Going to get a CT scan in Israel is an interesting experience.

Click to read the story.

War as Peace of Mind
Published on Jewsweek on March 26, 2003

Here's an ironic thought: the war in Iraq may actually be serving to increase peace of mind among Israelis.

Click to read the story.

Post Purim Pirates
Published on Jewsweek on March 23, 2003

Pummeling through the post-Purim booty.

Click to read the story.

Seal Your Room, Open Your Mind
Published on Jewsweek on March 20, 2003

My logical brain said nothing's going to happen in Israel, certainly not in Jerusalem. Yet like many others, I made efforts to seal a room in my house.

Click to read the story.

Fear Factor
Published on Jewsweek on March 19, 2003

Dreaming sweet thoughts can only pause the anxiety we feel here in Israel. The countdown continues.

Click to read the story.

Video Zionism
Published on Jewsweek on March 13, 2003

An ode to my ecclectic video collection during a time of impending war.

Click to read the story.

Weapons of Mass Detergent
Published on Jewsweek on March 11, 2003

A chemical attack of another kind.

Click to read the story.

On Being Five
Published on Jewsweek on March 9, 2003

A letter to our son on his fifth birthday.

Click to read the story.

Chicken Little Syndrome
Published on Jewsweek on March 4, 2003

Why can't it snow meatballs instead of missiles?

Click to read the story.

Getting In
Published on Jewsweek on March 2, 2003

Getting my son into a school in Israel was much more complicated process than I thought.

Click to read the story.

Get My Drift?
Published on Jewsweek on February 25, 2003

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Click to read the story.

Duct Tape Conspiracy
Published on Jewsweek on February 20, 2003

The ins and outs of the latest in home security.

Click to read the story.

Avril and Madonna
Published on Jewsweek on February 6, 2003

I believe that both Avril Lavigne and Madonna are closet Jews.

Click to read the story.

Where Were You When...
Published on Jewsweek on February 2, 2003

In the face of disaster, the power of "Where Were You When?" is an integral part of the grieving process.

Click to read the story.

The Final Frontier
Published on Jewsweek on January 25, 2003

What better symbol for a borderless world than an Israeli in space, as far from fences and demilitarized zones as one can possibly be.

Click to read the story.

Middle Earth, Middle East
Published on Jewsweek on December 26, 2002

Click to read the story.

Greener Grass
Published on Jewsweek on December 24, 2002

Living in Jerusalem, we often dream about the luxuries of life back in America. But, sometimes, the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

Click to read the story.

Yuppie Falafel - the Chickpea's Twilight Hour
Published on Jewsweek on December 15, 2002

Goat cheese and pesto served on a falafel? A Mexican version? What has happened to Israel's national fast food?

Click to read the story.

Stories Appearing on Israel Insider

Go to the Israel Insider page for Brian Blum or click the links below:

The Blessing of a Broken Heart
Published on israelinsider.com on May 5, 2004

Three years ago, Koby Mandell, 13, was brutally murdered by terrorists. His mother's book describes her own religious and spiritual transformation since.

Click here to read the story.

Yom Kippur Groupies
Published on israelinsider.com on October 5, 2003

On the High Holydays in Israel, we found ourselves shul-hopping before discovering a place so unique it has developed its own fan club.

Click here to read the story.

How We Do It
Published on israelinsider.com on September 18, 2003

How do Israelis cope with terrible tragedies like suicide bombings? Israelis are like one big family. We all feel the pain and then we move on.

Click here to read the story.

Driving Through Terror
Published on israelinsider.com on September 10, 2003

I've been close to terror attacks before. But I've never tried to drive through the ensuing chaos.

Click here to read the story.

Eurovision and the Jews
Published on israelinsider.com on May 28, 2003

It's just a silly song contest. Sure, winning fills us with national pride, but reading into every little thing can make you stark-raving Euro-crazy.

Click here to read the story.

Scouting the Normal Life
Published on israelinsider.com on May 20, 2003

Israeli camping is more than just fun. Every nice wooded campsite is dripping with history and symbolism.

Click here to read the story.

SARS Travel Warnings Ironically Familiar to Israelis
Published on israelinsider.com on May 2, 2003

The World Health Organization warned visitors to avoid Toronto due to the SARS virus. Israelis know - we can't let terrorists or viruses get us down.

Click here to read the story.

Sushi for the Passover Observant
Published on israelinsider.com on April 15, 2003

"Kosher for Passover" designated foods should be appropriate for all Jews, but this is not so. Instead, custom defines what can, and cannot be eaten.

Click here to read the story.

War as Peace of Mind
Published on israelinsider.com on April 1, 2003

So far we've seen no action in Israel - no missiles flying overhead. This is a good thing, but after such a buildup, the quiet is almost anti-climatic.

Click here to read the story.

Seal Your Room, Open Your Mind
Published on israelinsider.com on March 25, 2003

My logical brain said nothing's going to happen in Israel, certainly not in Jerusalem. Yet like many others, I made efforts to seal a room in my house.

Click here to read the story.

Happy Pur-o-ween
Published on israelinsider.com on March 18, 2003

Once, long ago in Shushan, there was a king who loved throwing costume parties. And this at a time when his evil adviser was stealing candy.

Click here to read the story.

Get My Drift?
Published on israelinsider.com on February 26, 2003

It doesn't snow all that often in Jerusalem. But when the snow accumulates on the ground, the city becomes paralyzed and the children rejoice.

Click here to read the story.

Duct Tape Conspiracy
Published on israelinsider.com on February 19, 2003

Having experienced the first Gulf War, Israelis have extra insight into the use and origin of duct tape - we know it's effective in removing warts.

Click here to read the story.

Good vs. Evil
Published on israelinsider.com on February 12, 2003

We need to know where we stand. Evil is real, and there are good guys and bad guys. But hope is not dead, and the U.S. made its case against Iraq.

Click here to read the story.

A Matter of Life and Death
Published on israelinsider.com on January 28, 2003

Although I miss the simplicity of the American voting system, Israel is a real democracy and my vote will have a profound effect on our daily lives.

Click here to read the story.

The Final Frontier
Published on israelinsider.com on January 22, 2003

What better symbol for a borderless world than an Israeli in space, as far from fences and demilitarized zones as one can possibly be.

Click here to read the story.

Corruption Disruption
Published on israelinsider.com on January 12, 2003

Talk of corruption and bribe-taking is getting in the way of the really important stuff: there's a war going on and people are trying to kill us.

Click here to read the story.

Nation Under Construction
Published on israelinsider.com on January 12, 2003

Despite the economic downturn and the war, Israel has somehow been able to mount massive public works projects in every direction.

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Assimilation: A Sabra Perspective
Published on israelinsider.com on December 25, 2002

Many Israelis seriously consider leaving the country, yet when abroad, they miss their homeland and make plans to eventually go back home.

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Paradise Lost
Published on israelinsider.com on December 15, 2002

Somehow we manage to block out terror attacks of mass proportions, but when children are abducted from their front yards, it's just too close.

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Doughnut Quiche
Published on israelinsider.com on December 4, 2002

As much as I fawn over Krispy Kremes, I still have a special spot in my heart for the jelly-filled fried dough delight that is ubiquitous during Hanukkah.

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Swapping Holidays
Published on israelinsider.com on November 28, 2002

Do North American immigrants in Israel still celebrate Thanksgiving? Brian Blum does. But with a unique, only-in-Israel twist.

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Yuppie Falafel - the Chickpea's Twilight Hour
Published on israelinsider.com on November 21, 2002

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