Joan Ellyn Silber, Ph.D.

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HILLS OF JERUSALEM

Posted by on Jan 10, 2016

HILLS OF JERUSALEM

The hills of Jerusalem surround me . From the vantage point of our small apartment the view is expansive.         The tower of the Old City pokes its steeple above the landscape to the South. It is sunset. A bit of rainy haze hovers in the air; the Western sky is painted with streaks of pink and orange, and the deep red orb sinks quickly. Thousands of distant lights twinkle as the night covers...

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DIVIDE AND BE CONQUERED

Posted by on Aug 29, 2015

DIVIDE AND BE CONQUERED

DIVIDE AND BE CONQUERED SUMMERTIME — when we used to spend our hours reenergizing, swimming and having barbecues in the back yard.  That was when news came on the radio and papers, slow and steady.  Editorials were where the opinions resided.  Facts were on the news page. We talked to our next door neighbors about how the grass grows. But that is no longer the way of today. This month, I...

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THE GREAT SYNAGOGUE

Posted by on Jul 22, 2015

THE GREAT SYNAGOGUE

In the last week of June, I had the privilege of doing the photography for a talented group of archaeologists who were mapping the area of the Great Synagogue of Vilnius [Vilna in Yiddish], Lithuania. I had never given this historic and spiritual center a thought — until now. Once upon a time, NOT so very long ago, there stood in the middle of the town of Vilna, Lithuania, The Great...

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Not so easy —- Freedom

Posted by on Apr 11, 2015

Not so easy —- Freedom

Ten shiny silver candle sticks , their bright flames flickering with familiar joy, lined our celebratory table. Along with 25 sterling goblets waiting to be filled with the relaxing affect of cabernet, chardonnay, and grape juice, and with two rows of pink, violet, and spring-white flowers proudly displayed in crystal vases, they announced the importance of the event. Guests arrive at 6:30 pm...

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