Scrollchest Blog

Christmas is not a holiday in Israel. All the shops and restaurants are open and bustling. When we lived in Haifa, with its Christian Arab population, there were Santas and sleighs on balconies and a Christmas tree in the town…

Last night, the last Chanukah candles were lit on the Chanukiah. Over eight evenings, they are kindled in increments, until all eight flames dance merrily, plus the servant candle that is used to light them. I am reminded of Chanukahs past and what they have meant to me. This year, more than ever, trusting in God’s presence and power to work miracles feels especially important. Lighting…

A thought hit me as I was taking communion last week: Jesus told Jews to drink blood! I have been learning in my course here at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem that Jews in Medieval Times…

There is a vast difference between Tel Aviv, where we spent last weekend, and Jerusalem, where we live. They are as if from two different planets.

Bobbie’s impressions of Jerusalem following her move to Israel at the start of the latest war.

Bithiah, the adoptive mother of Moses, is a well-respected ‘mother’ in Hebrew thought, although most of her life is shrouded in mystery.

Annmarie Miles, social media trainer, shares some vital tips to ‘give us a bit of an edge,’ with marketing our books.

Good writing creates engaging characters by showing not telling. We shall use an example from Chapter 2 of the biblical Book of Ruth that is beautifully and economically written to demonstrate how we learn masses about three characters just from action and dialogue.

We birth them, raise them… they fly. Then what? We can learn a lot about empty nesting from Mary of Nazareth who found new meaning after mothering.