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click triangle to start video... And here, for your pleasure, is a translation of the Hebrew lyrics, sung movingly by a group of 10 singers: When I ask myself who I am, I am a bit Sephardi, a bit Ashkenazi, A bit Israeli, a droplet Exilic Perhaps I’m religious, perhaps secular, But between me and myself, I am a Jew, That is my uniqueness, Not better than the Other, not worse Simply Jewish. Sometimes a soldier, sometimes a student, I have a huge past, and I also see the future Sometimes a mitnaged [the opposite of Hasid], sometimes a Hasid, Perhaps materialistic, perhaps spiritual, But always, always, I am a Jew and that is my uniqueness. Not worse, nor better, a different drop, simply Jewish. Suddenly I returned from afar, So that we can be here together, that I can be more secure, That I can return to laughter, that…

April 17, 2010by Rabbi Mitchell WohlbergMy sermon received a standing ovation in shul last Shabbat. Here’s what I said:I must begin by telling you that I was uncomfortable writing this sermon. I wonderedwhether it was too harsh or not harsh enough. I asked myself if I should be delivering it or if Ishould have delivered it two years ago. So I’ll leave it to you to decide.This week Israel celebrates the 62nd anniversary of its rebirth … the greatest event inmodern Jewish history. You know by now how much Israel means to me. From my perspective,an Israel comes along once every 2000 years so it is to be cherished, protected and loved. In twoweeks I will make my annual visit to that beautiful country, taking along my entire family, whichmeans that for my oldest granddaughter – who is 7 years old – this will be her fourth visit but formy…

Israel's Population Up 1.8% The population of Israel on the eve of its 62nd Independence Day is 7.577 million – 9.4 times higher than it was when independence was proclaimed, 62 years ago. The United States' population, by comparison, stands at 309 million, or only 2.1 times higher than it was in 1948. Just over a fifth of the population is Arab, and just over three-quarters – 5.726 million – are Jewish. Israel’s population grew by 1.8% over the past year – about double the rate of the United States. Over the past year, 159,000 babies were born in Israel, and 37,000 people died – 4.3 births per death. (By contrast, the U.S. Bureau of the Census estimates that three babies are born for every two deaths – meaning nearly three times more births per death in Israel than in the U.S. Various explanations have been put forward.) Some 16,000 people…

click triangle to start video... ReWalk™ is a wearable, motorized quasi robotic suit. Partially concealable under clothing, ReWalk provides user-initiated mobility - leveraging advanced motion sensors, sophisticated robotic control algorithms, on-board computers, real-time software, actuation motors, tailored rechargeable batteries and composite materials. ReWalk™ works with users – not just for them. Users walk with the assistance of crutches, controlling suit movement through subtle changes in center of gravity and upper-body movements. In addition to simplifying suit control, this user participation in mobility brings tangible health and emotional benefits. ReWalk™ is not just a vertical wheelchair – ReWalk™ restores the element of control over mobility so lacking for wheelchair users. As any sedentary wheelchair user can attest, life in a wheelchair carries a hefty healthcare price tag. Serious problems with the urinary, respiratory, cardiovascular and digestive systems are common, as well as osteoporosis, pressure sores and other afflictions. By maintaining users…