The History of Hatikvah

In celebration of Israel’s birthday we examine the history of our national anthem.

by Marnie Winston-Macauley

Israel, our homeland; a small country that stands for huge ideas and ideals. This small country took a barren desert, surrounded by enemies, and turned it into a lush land, wealthy in its values, and remarkable in its achievements for the region, and for the world.

With the anniversary of Israel’s independence upon us, let us celebrate by looking at our anthem, Hatikvah which has been the voice of Jews for over one hundred years.

With An Ant’s Focus

Written by Gail Morris

Is your best never good enough? Talk to a mentor. 

“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer…” (Proverbs 30:24-25)

While in an Ecuadorian rainforest, our group came across a long trail of army ants. They were thorough and determined to build their home. Proverbs 30:24 tells us that although ants are small, they are extremely wise. The ant highway was proof. There was a clean swath four inches wide across our leaf-littered walking trail. It was as slick as a newly waxed car. Busy workers raced in a straight line on this spic-and-span patch of dirt. Each followed the previous worker up the bark of an ancient tree, then, disappeared into dense foliage.