I recently returned from an extraordinary trip to Israel where I volunteered to teach youngsters through an organization called Living Bridge, Partnership 2000 Arad/Tamar-New Jersey/Delaware.I spent two weeks in Arad which is on the east coast of Israel in the Negev Desert, near the Dead Sea and Masada, and it is very safe there.  more

I've been here in this green place for four months now, and the colors are changing every day, at a dizzying rate. As opposed to Israel, each season of the year is sharply delineated. When I arrived, I was continually delighted by the greenery all around me as I drove down the roads. Shortly after that the leaves turned red and yellow, just like in paintings by Van Gogh, beautiful strong, warm colors, which constantly catch your eye. And a few days ago I looked up and suddenly realized that winter had arrived.  more