Strengthening the Family Unit, Combatting the Divorce Rate

We decided to publish this piece because it's a refreshing spin on Israeli discourse surrounding the family unit, and it stems from an unlikely and inspiring source!

[Originally published in BeSheva and translated by Hillel Fendel]

These days, when public discourse seeks to break down the institution of family into tiny pieces, it's nice to hear a different tone - especially when it comes from the secular-liberal direction. A new family-nourishing initiative has been started in the city of Rishon LeTzion by Iris Kagan-Chakmon, the Mayor's Advisor on the Status of Women. So reports the BeSheva newspaper.

News Analysis: Even After Unity, Questions Still Abound

By Hillel Fendel

United Right Party leaders (Credit: Arutz Sheva/Twitter)

It's now final - almost: The two largest parties right-of-the Likud will be running together in the upcoming elections – but it is not clear whether this union will also include additional smaller parties.

One major advantage of the union thus far is that it will spare much election campaign mud-slinging between the members.

Interview with Oriya Reshef: On Life and Mission

Oriya Reshef grew up in Bet El, attended Bet El's Jeanie Gluck High School Academy for Girls, and currently lives with her husband and children on a very special mountain next to the town.

In this interview, Oriya talks about her feelings living in a high-conflict zone, the beautiful aspects of growing up in Bet El and raising her kids here, and her hopes for the future.

[Interview conducted by Sharona eshet-Kohen]

Oriya with her husband and two children

One Year ... Massive Change!

Check out these photos from last year and this year of our construction of the new IDF Preparatory Academy -- the difference is insurmountable!

(Note in the top left corner of each photo the same fence around the site -- it's precisely the same angle in each photo!)

Apologies for This Sensitive Topic, But...

Wake Up! Internet Alarm!

[by Yedidya Meir, Besheva, translated by Hillel Fendel]

It's a bit awkward for me to write about the dangers of the internet, but I have no choice.

1.  I so much don't feel like writing about this. Why should I get myself involved in this dirt? Isn't it something for teachers and rabbis to talk about, privately? Who am I to preach? I would much rather write nice snuggle pieces about Gush Etzion, or about Avigdor Lieberman's ridiculousness in simultaneously attacking the hareidim who don't enlist and the religious officers who are taking over the IDF.

But the truth is: The above points don't really matter. I seem to be in a position to do this, and many have asked me why I don't, and Pirkei Avot teaches that where there's no man, overcome your embarrassment and be a man. So here goes.