Trees throughout Israel have burst forth with blossoms of all colours, writes Michael Kuttner…

According to the experts this heralds the advent of spring although winter may still be lurking and could conceivably give us a last cold blast. In 1992 Purim was celebrated in March and it snowed in Jerusalem so anything is possible.

The thousands of birds which migrate south via the Hula Valley are starting to gather so it seems that they know the season is changing.

AN ISRAELI MEDICAL MIRACLE 

Participants at a recent medical conference were stunned to hear this true story.

Thanks to YouTube this can be shared by millions of people around the globe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JuC8_LMmyc

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

 Do you know anything about the Circassian community in Israel? One of their villages is now a popular tourist attraction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE2DwCHm1JM

LEVITES REHEARSING 

Religious Jews believe that at some time, hopefully in the not too distant future, the Third Temple will be rebuilt.

In preparation for that day the Temple Institute in Jerusalem has established a class for the descendants of the Levites to practice liturgical songs for when they take up their appointed roles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYeftC7kS3k

Michael Kuttner is a Jewish New Zealander who for many years was actively involved with various communal organisations connected to Judaism and Israel. He now lives in Israel. 

[This article was originally published on J-Wire and is reproduced here with permission from Michael Kuttner.]