A Heartfelt Story About Israel: Connection, Courage and Community

The Heart of a Homeland

In the rolling hills of the Galilee (a region in northern Israel), the Cohen family has lived for generations. Their story begins with Rivka, a spirited woman who grew up tending olive trees with her father. She remembers the scent of wild thyme in the air, the sound of goats in the distance, and the stories her grandmother told by candlelight. These weren’t just bedtime tales—they were memories passed down, keeping the family’s connection to the land alive.
Rivka’s husband, Eli, came from a nearby village. A quiet man with strong hands and a gentle heart, he built their home with stones gathered from the surrounding fields. Together, they raised three children, teaching them the values of hard work, kindness, and faith in the future. Their home was always open—neighbors came for Shabbat dinners, travelers stopped for a warm meal, and laughter echoed through the olive groves.
Life in the Galilee wasn’t always easy. There were years of drought, times of uncertainty, and moments of fear. But through it all, the Cohens held fast to their roots. They found strength in community, in the songs sung at festivals, and in the quiet moments watching the sun set over the hills. Their story is one of perseverance, woven into the very fabric of Israel’s history.

A Childhood Among the Olive Trees

Rivka’s daughter, Tamar, grew up with dirt under her fingernails and sunlight in her hair. She helped harvest olives, learned to bake challah with her grandmother, and listened to stories about the Maccabees and Queen Esther. These weren’t just lessons—they were part of her identity, shaping her understanding of what it meant to be Israeli.
Tamar’s favorite time of year was Sukkot, when the family built a sukkah (a temporary hut) in the backyard. They decorated it with pomegranates, paper chains, and drawings from the children. Neighbors gathered to share meals under the stars, telling stories and singing songs that echoed through the night. It was a time of joy, of remembering the journey through the desert, and of celebrating the harvest.
As Tamar grew older, she began to understand the deeper meaning of these traditions. They weren’t just rituals—they were acts of remembrance and resilience. Each holiday, each story, connected her to generations past and to the land she called home.

A Soldier’s Story

When Tamar’s brother, Yossi, turned eighteen, he joined the Israel Defense Forces. It was a moment of pride and worry for the family. Rivka packed him homemade cookies and a small book of Psalms, while Eli gave him a firm hug and a quiet blessing. Yossi served in the Negev Desert, where the days were hot and the nights cold. He wrote letters home, describing the camaraderie among his unit and the beauty of the desert landscape.
During one patrol, Yossi’s unit discovered an ancient mosaic buried in the sand. It was a reminder that even in the harshest places, history and beauty endure. That moment stayed with him, a symbol of the deep roots that run through the land of Israel.
When Yossi returned home, he brought stories that made the family laugh and cry. He spoke of friendships forged in fire, of quiet moments under the stars, and of the pride he felt serving his country. His story became part of the family’s tapestry, another thread in the rich fabric of Israeli life.

Traditions That Bind

The Cohen family’s story is filled with traditions that connect them to their heritage. Every Friday, Rivka lights the Shabbat candles, her hands steady with years of practice. The table is set with challah, wine, and dishes passed down from her mother. As the family gathers, there’s a sense of peace that settles over the home—a pause in the week to reflect, to rest, and to be together.
On Hanukkah, the children take turns lighting the menorah, their faces glowing in the candlelight. They play dreidel, eat sufganiyot (jelly donuts), and listen to stories of bravery and faith. These moments aren’t just celebrations—they’re affirmations of identity, of belonging, and of hope.
Even in times of difficulty, these traditions offer comfort. They remind the family of who they are and where they come from. They are a bridge between past and future, between memory and hope.

A Gift from the Land

The Cohens also run a small business making olive oil from their grove. It’s a labor of love—harvesting by hand, pressing the olives, and bottling the golden liquid. Each bottle tells a story of the land, of the sun and soil, of generations who cared for the trees.
They sell their oil at local markets and through Lev Haolam boxes, sharing a taste of Israel with people around the world. For Rivka, it’s more than a product—it’s a way to connect, to share her family’s story, and to invite others into their world.
Customers often write back, saying how the oil reminded them of a trip to Israel, or how it brought warmth to their Shabbat table. These messages mean the world to the Cohens. They know that through their work, they’re building bridges of understanding and love.