Grandma's army

“WE ARE WHAT WE EAT” Food production is arguably the most important industry in the world – the entire population relies on it. For the best part of human history most of human labour was devoted to it. Today, it feeds over seven billion people and two billion people work in the food industry. Our physical and mental well-being is directly linked to what we eat and drink. The nutritional content of what we eat determines the composition of our cell membranes, bone marrow, blood, hormones, tissue, organs, skin, and hair. Our bodies are replacing billions of cells every day — and using the foods we consume as the source. Israel is known for its first wave of agricultural innovation – the invention of drip irrigation to counteract the country’s arid climate and water shortage. This was followed by the development of cherry tomatoes and other examples of agricultural technology. Today, we see a second wave of innovation – the transition from food security to nutritional ...

Non-Jewish readers are perhaps not aware of the fact that Jews – believers and non-believers alike – are nearing the end of a three-week intensive period of Festivals. They began with the Jewish New Year and since then have run almost the whole gamut of human emotions –introspection, repentance, grief, etc. We have now reached the last festival called Succot which lasts eight days.   It is the only Jewish Festival in which we are commanded to be “happy”. In our prayers, we call it simply “the season of our rejoicing.” Another factor in which this commandment differs from others is the fact that the Torah (Pentateuch) does not elicit any reason. Happiness which is unconditional.   Happiness for the simple fact that we are alive. Another day in which we are given the chance to learn and to develop.   A grateful person is a happier one. To give thanks for everything we have, since nothing should be taken for granted: not family, not children, not parents, not ...