Journalism by Jewish college students, for Jewish college students.
Israel was founded on an idealistic community structure. From the seeds of socialism, Jews from predominantly Russia and Poland sought a re-creation of the Jewish identity as strong pioneers on kibbutzes. Kibbutzes were places where sabras were fostered and women found equality as their physical labor gained value. But after the 1973 War, the kibbutzes…
During my five months in Israel, I had fallen in love with the harsh landscape–from every craggy hill to thorny bush, to the poppies which came after the spring rains. I embraced the terseness of the Israeli people, and I immersed myself into the culture until I experienced their uncompromising warmth and hospitality, in addition…
I hear this sentence a lot. It is in response to where I live in Israel. It is generally accompanied by a bewildered, or even a smug face. Most Israelis, including those from Modi’in have no clue that there is an 8-acre farm, along the outskirts of their town. It is not surprising. Modi’in has…
I am in a deeply committed relationship with mud. Like most relationships, it caught me unexpectedly. One day, I was working on a farm, learning about whole-systems and planting some kohlrabi, when bam! It happened. Mud came into my life and somehow I am now specializing in mud building at Chava v’ Adam Ecologit. But…
Each morning, I wake up to the playful sound of “RooCoo!” The crowing alerts the group of Americans and our madrich, or counselor, that breakfast is ready. I emerge from my cocoon of blankets and sleeping bag and peel off one of my several layers. I stumble from my geodesic dome and step out into…