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Read more about the experiences of our community members.

Mar 2, 2024

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The only thing I trust is my need to question - 3/2/24

by Janet Hammer

Three elderly hostages are dead. The first I heard of this sad news item cited the palestinian News Ministry. It flashed across my phone as I was talking to one of my kids.
 
Chaim Gershon Peri, 79, Yoram Itak Metzger, 80, and Amiram Israel Cooper, 85 are three of supposedly 7 hostages re…

Mar 1, 2024

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The Evil Psychological Tattoo - 3/1/24

by Janet Hammer

Today I am attending a memorial service for a dear friend’s mom. Her mom died well into her nineties after what we call a good “long life.”
 
Death is a poignant moment and grief knows no boundaries. Whether it is after a life well lived or a life cut off too soon the ensuing grief …

Feb 29, 2024

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We Are All Hostages - 2/29/24

by Janet Hammer

In ancient Israel life revolved around seasonal harvest. Pilgrimage walks from all corners of the Land of Israel brought people together to observe religious rites. In the process their individual prayers/devotions became empowered. 
 
In ancient Israel and in traditional Judaism there w…

Feb 28, 2024

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It’s Not Happening Here. Is It??? - 2/28/24

by Janet Hammer

There was a time, not too long ago, when the very notion of having to hide your Jewishness in America would have seemed unfathomable. Kind of. I mean, we have a good 150 yers of hiding our Jewishness here in the United States, changing our names, shedding our rituals, folding our kippahs nea…

Feb 27, 2024

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Angry Birds and a World of Possibilities - 2/27/24

by Janet Hammer

As I look at myself writing I become more conscious of the mission I’m on. What started as a collection of observations about my recent trip to Israel has morphed into a place where I record my thoughts, impressions, and feelings about the events that have unfurled since October 7. Things …