Azrieli Center, Tel Aviv – February 2010

I have spent most of this week trying not to think about Pesach. I failed. Every year, the festival looms like an ominous threat, because it’s always hard work (especially for Susan) and the change in diet is challenging on many levels. But, as someone reminded me earlier in the week, it’s good to be alive and able to complain. This observation is somewhat heightened by last night’s news of the death of Rabbi Daniel Beller, the rabbi of Shivtei Yisrael in Ra’anana, a thoroughly nice man, well respected, loved, and sure to be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, and we hope they will be spared sorrow for many, many years to come.

After that, the sad truth is that life goes on, with every moment as precious as ever, no matter how we fill it. And so it is that I offer the regular weekly selection of links. I cannot promise you will find answers to the philosophical challenges of our time, or the meaning of life and death. But there are occasions when other less weighty topics are the best medicine for the challenges we all face.

• An Israeli initiative is needed now
• Students in Tunisia fly swastika flag near Jewish community
• The link between Hamas and BDS
• UNESCO director distances herself from Temple Mount decision
• Why you don’t sleep well in a strange bed

Shabbat Shalom!

Chag Sameach!