Grandma with two IDF lone soldiers in family reflects on shared values

Phyllis, far right, and the extended Solomon gang. 

By Phyllis Chancy Solomon

As a member of the Sapphire Society and co-chair of Women for Israel in Central New Jersey, I often think about my journey with JNF and how I got to where I am today. Many people planted the seeds. 

Emma, the bat mitzvah. 

My parents, Ben and Ceil Chancy, were ardent Zionists involved in organizations supporting Israel pre-1948. I remember my mother sewing layettes with her friends for the babies emigrating from Europe to Israel and the joy my mom and dad felt in reaching across the world with their love and compassion. My husband, Herb, had a strong desire to visit Israel and join, work, and support all causes Israeli. He was the driving force that ignited our family's interest. 

And, of course, there's the JNF family, and in particular Vivian Grossman, who walked me through my first JNF trip and continues to provide support and guidance as I take on new responsibilities. 

In the JNF Kitchen: Festive salad with goat cheese bruschetta

Yummy bruschetta from Alto Dairy in Israel's north. Just add salad.

This #RecipeOfTheWeek comes from Ariel Mazan, former kibbutz dairy farmer and owner of Alto Dairy in Israel's Western Galilee. Alto is owned and operated by the Mazan family and inspired by Ariel's Mazan's passion for cheese making. 

As Times of Israel said, "This family-run outfit is 'a little fanatic' about offering goat-only products." In the best possible way, of course. The dairy develops and produces a unique variety of cheese from the finest Galilean goat milk using traditional methods. When visiting Alto, travelers can stop by a boutique store and a coffee bar/restaurant serving a rich dairy menu including breakfast and lunch.

How well do you know JNF projects in Israel? Take our quiz!

You support Jewish National Fund and the broad scope of work it does in Israel in areas ranging from water conservation, forestation, and cutting-edge agricultural innovation to preserving key historical sites, developing remote desert areas and ensuring an inclusive society for those with special needs. But just how well do you know the many individual projects that make up the JNF tapestry?  

Take our quiz to find out, and be sure to share your results! 

CEO Russell Robinson on making JPost's list of most influential Jews

JNF CEO Russell Robinson at the Ammunition Hill plaque dedicated to his father, Richard Robinson. 

We were thrilled to see CEO Russell Robinson named one of Jerusalem Post's 50 Most Influential Jews. We asked Russell to share some personal thoughts on this tremendous honor.

By Russell Robinson

I am humbled to have been chosen as No. 26 on the Jerusalem Post's list of 50 Most Influential Jews. I am reminded of a story I heard about Golda Meir, who once responded to a leading volunteer of the Jewish world admitting to feeling humbled: "You are not good enough yet to be humbled." Well I don't know if I am good enough, yet I am humbled.    

The selection came as a surprise: I turned on my computer one day and navigated to JPost (as is my morning ritual) and was shocked to see what was in the news. There it was!

Check out all the ways you can savor Sukkot with JNF

HaShomer HaChadash's annual Sukkot harvest festival.

This Sunday, October 23, the holiday of Sukkot begins at sundown, ushering in a week of festivities in Israel. Here's a comprehensive list of JNF tours, as well as partners open during the week. If you're traveling in Israel, come tiyul and celebrate with us!

In the JNF kitchen: Colorful salad featuring flavors of the Arava desert