Ophir Tal, Cultural Educator from Israel | Emissary of the Jewish Agency and the UJA Federation of New York at the 14th Street Y

Today I won’t write about the lockdown, nor will I elaborate on the mass protest, which is taking place against the Israeli government. Instead, I’d like to embrace the spirit…

Much of what has been said about the second COVID-related lockdown in Israel is enduring. With all its attached hardships, I believe it’s the essential step Israel should take, even…

I’m overwhelmed. I’m overwhelmed by the sudden shift from a crippling quarantine to an intense new reality in Tel Aviv. So many people want to reunite with me, check in…

Truth be told, I didn’t believe this day would come. This day of closure, in which I’ll come back to Israel from two exciting, life-changing years at the 14th Street…

Every year in May or June, the 14th Street Y celebrates a Tikkun: a mesmerizing deep dive into Jewish and Israeli culture, our way of celebrating the Jewish holiday of…

Mimouna is the traditional North African Jewish celebration of eating chametz to mark the end of Passover. Ophir Tal, Israeli Emissary on behalf of The UJA Federation to The 14th…

“I remember the first thing I noticed when we came into the harbor-I woke up, and suddenly smelled something. And of course, it was pollution”-Greta Thunberg, Environmental activist and winner…

Before I start, I want to tell you all just how much I have missed you, dear readers. For those of you who follow my blog each month, you may…

Dear Friends and members of The 14th Street Y, When I decided to become a Shaliach, an Israeli relationship-building emissary, I knew that missing home would be a challenge. I…

Let’s take the term “High Holidays” and analyze it together. What association comes to mind with the word ”high”? To me it symbolizes “uplifting” or “ascending.” In Hebrew, the High…