Search Results for: blog visiting israel for the first time

Learning and Teaching about the Holocaust

During my last year of teaching in Israel, I prepared my own literature program about the Holocaust. Like other English teachers on staff, I was really insecure on how to approach teaching it and more particularly, I was afraid that it would reveal to me the true essence of being a Jew. I chose Elie Wiesel’s powerful gripping account of his experience living at the extermination camps in Buchenwald and Buna in Night. Not too long ago, this book made headlines with Ophra’s Book club. I highly recommend reading this book. I thought the book was age appropriate for my … Continue reading →

The Iranian Missile Crisis

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran is making a statement. In fact, he’s been making statements for quite some time now. Despite repeated warnings from other countries, Iran continues to develop its nuclear program and test fired missiles that have the capability of reaching Israel, among other Middle Eastern states. Why Is Iran So Dangerous? My disclaimer to this is that I don’t have the time or space to explore all the issues in the Middle East. Frankly, we could write books and books and still probably not cover all the bases. However, the BIG issue that everyone is talking about … Continue reading →

The Ten Commandments Series: The Second Commandment

The second commandment, as found in the King James version of the Bible, Exodus 20:4-6 reads: 4. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 6. And shewing mercy unto … Continue reading →

Educational Vacation Destinations

The school year may be over, but the learning shouldn’t stop… sound familiar? My dad used to use that line on me as a kid. It was his way of trying to convince me (and my brothers) that our summer days would be better spent at the museum rather than at the local pool. In previous blogs I have offered many suggestions for summer vacation destinations, though I will sheepishly admit many of them fall under the amusement park/water park category. That said the following more-educationally-friendly destinations (my dad would be so proud) are ones you may want to add … Continue reading →

Author Interview – Lynn Austin

I happened upon Lynn’s books in the library and fell head over heels in love with them. The first series I read is based on the life of King Hezekiah from the Bible, and I enjoyed reading about that time and having it brought to life for me. I asked Lynn some questions about that series, and she delighted me by answering them. Here are her thoughts, exclusively for Families.com. Lynn, can you tell us a little bit about how your series about King Hezekiah came to be? My husband and I went on a tour of Israel with a … Continue reading →