Winter brings out Israel’s unique charms

Published on November 30, 2011

Despite being about the size of New Jersey, Israel has a winter season that offers tourists a unique opportunity to experience the country’s mystical meteorological rollercoaster in different urban and suburban settings.

Jerusalem lodging boasts refined eatery, spa

Published on September 13, 2011

JERUSALEM — It had been years since I’d ventured any farther than the lobby of the Inbal Hotel in Jerusalem, so when I received an invitation to tour its spa and one of its restaurants, it was hard to say no.

Oh Carnival Cruise Line, how I wish you’d step up to the rest of them…

By Julia Bendis
Published on July 18, 2011

I want my $5 back - a heartfelt letter to my bank!

By Julia Bendis
Published on February 4, 2011

The Dead Sea is dying and it's a 'man-made disaster' [VIDEO]

Published on August 3, 2008

The Dead Sea's rapid disappearance has become a grave concern for environmentalists, industries that profit from the sea and Israel's tourism sector

Israeli spas may be just the thing for what ails you

By Lisa Alcalay Klug
Published on June 28, 2007

Miracles in the Holy Land aren't only of a spiritual nature. Israel also boasts a long list of spas with amazing healing properties. Here's a look at some appealing and pampering clinics.

Honeymoon in the sun

By Lisa Alcalay Klug
Published on April 19, 2007

Sunny climes are made for honeymoons. Whether you opt for a kosher cruise, a getaway to Costa Rica, a retreat to Hawaii or another warm locale, juicy possibilities await with plenty of exotic, warm weather options. So take a look and pencil something in. You may soon decide it looks better in ink.

An American soldier’s Purim—1945

By Jane Ulman
Published on March 1, 2007

"Pardon me, sir, are you perchance a Jew?"

Ralph Goodman immediately reached for the .45 on his hip. The 24-year-old American soldier didn't know what to expect from the approaching middle-aged man wearing a felt hat, one side folded up, and speaking Australian-accented English.

Muddy the Body, Cleanse the Soul

By Soriya Daniels
Published on March 16, 2006

Visitors to Israel are often looking for a spiritual uplift, and one of the country's best-kept secrets for achieving that transcendent state is not found in Jerusalem's Old City. Perhaps it is the oxygen-rich air coupled with the high-concentration of relaxing bromide. Or maybe it's the lure of natural therapeutic essences in the surroundings of scenic beauty. Simply put, there is no better place to unwind and rejuvenate than in Ein Gedi country.

Home Pampering Easy as 1, 2, Ahhhhh

By Beth Gilbert
Published on February 16, 2006

No one deserves a spa experience more than you do. Just picture it -- warm tubs scented with essential oils, invigorating body scrubs, refreshing botanical blend face masks smoothed on in soothing circular massaging motions and misty showers with luscious gels.

Sweet Indulgence at Chocolate Spa

By Lisa Alcalay Klug
Published on July 7, 2005

The Spa at the Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pa., is every chocolate lover's fantasy. With bowls of silver-wrapped kisses (certified kosher) seemingly everywhere, and hot cocoa waiting by the fire, it may be the world's only spa that actually encourages guests to consume the stuff between treatments.

Healing the Spirit, the Torah Way

By Gaby Wenig
Published on February 5, 2004

Hinda Leah Scharfstein sees the Torah as more than just the original source of halachah, Jewish law, and the earliest telling of our nation's birth.

"The Torah takes a holistic look at the individual, and it does tend to have a sort of healing effect on people," said Scharfstein, the executive director of Bais Chana Women's International, a New York-based nonprofit. "I attended my first holistic Torah retreat 20 years ago, and I have been involved on a professional and personal level with it ever since, and since then I have definitely felt better. My thinking has become healthier, and I feel more whole."