Preface: a piece I wrote for Family Tree Magazine several years back: Don't Prune That Tree Wherever we go-whether it's Israel, Canada, Colombia, Slovakia, Australia or America-I can usually name a local cousin or two from the thousands of people I've researched over the years. My kids, exasperated, invariably ask, “A real cousin? Does he … Continue reading Genealogy: when too much is too much

On receiving results of a genealogical DNA test  (going back some 5-6 generations),  I found that I'm  related, somehow, to Pnina Gutman. Those who follow my writing may recall that, several years ago, I wrote a piece, "Who Am I and What's My Name?" describing her search for her identity. Tragically, she's still looking.     … Continue reading Pnina Gutman: Who Am I and What’s My Name??

I just learned that my cousin, Eta Fishman, died a week ago.  As I was told, "she died at 9 am and was under the ground at 11:30." So unfortunately, I did not accompany her on her final journal. Eta was born 103 years ago in Chotin, Bessarabia.  During the Holocaut she was incarcerated in Transnistria. … Continue reading Eta Zazulia Fishman, z”l

  A gigantic dust storm is covering all of Israel.  Reminds me of my years in Beersheva, in the Negev.  Dust storms were fairly frequent, and because our house was old, its doors and windows were not air-tight.  So every day of dust, I  washed all the clothes we wore, washed our hair, changed all … Continue reading Dust Storm

    When I was a child, Chanuka offered  a wonder of light and excitement, but now, Chanuka is an old friend come to visit, come to mark my days.     After fifty-odd years, my preparations are quick and matter-of-fact. I’ve already polished our menorah, purchased the candles, and stocked up on applesauce for the latkes.  … Continue reading Eight Chanukas…. חג שמח!