Ways to Help the Ukraine from Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback & Stephen Wise Temple

My Chelm Story!!

By Hazzan Michael Stein Where to begin? This past Shabbes was a fantastic experience in every way!! Lighting Shabbat candles in the synagogue in Chelm, where there has not been a service for 80 years, was a humbling experience. As I explained the meaning of lighting Shabbat candles, the metaphor of bringing light again into … Continued

First Light of Hanukkah in Poland

By Hazzan Michael Stein The train from Krakow to Gdansk/Sopot/Slupsk was almost six hours, but the most comfortable ride ever. The US Infrastructure bill barely passed, which would provide an opportunity to upgrade our rail system. With food, drinks, internet, and electric outlets, the high-speed train outclasses anything we have in the US. I spent … Continued

Are You Dreaming of Italy? #WeAreInPuglia

I used to travel to Genoa to see my friends every year—except due to COVID I have been in Los Angeles since March 9, 2020 which if you are counting is now 400 days. Visit Puglia shared these treats to encourage me to dream of my return to Italy! For a marvelous Monday, smell the … Continued

Coming Home to Greece with Diane Kochilas

For an expat like me, homecomings and farewells are part of the bargain of loving two countries: Greece and the United States. New York, Athens, and the Blue Zone Greek island of Ikaria triangulate my existence, and until this past March with COVID-19, I moved fluidly between them. My back-and-forth sojourns have been so frequent … Continued

A Whirlwind Day in Prague, Czech Republic

I ventured to Eastern Europe for the first time ever this summer, looking to see where my relatives originated. My first stop was Prague, formerly in the country of Czechoslovakia and now the capitol of the Czech Republic. I quickly found myself glancing at the locals to see if I bared any resemblance.   As I … Continued

Journalists at VOGA ILTM party

What Happened at ILTM Cannes 2018? Part TWO

What Happened at ILTM Cannes 2018?  Read about Part One here: To watch Part One: Click HERE. PART TWO: I loved the International Luxury Travel Mart conference! We started with breakfast with Marriott International Luxury Brands at the JW Marriott on Boulevard de la Croisette. Jennie Benzaquen shared exciting new developments throughout the brands and … Continued

Sunset in Cannes by Lisa Niver

What Happens at ILTM Cannes 2018? Part 1

Travel Journalists on the VIP Media Program had interactions with many incredible hotel brands. Our first media luncheon was at Relais & Châteaux property Bruno Oger La villa Archange in Cannes. I recently stayed at Auberge Saint-Antoine Relais & Châteaux in Québec City.  I was able to meet with the General Managers and top executives … Continued

Shangri-la Hotel, At the Shard, London by Lisa Niver

What Did We Do In London? Shangri-La Hotel, At the Shard

Thank you to Julie and Nancy, my dive and travel buddies from Princess Cruises, for joining me in London at Shangri-La Hotel, At the Shard. See the first part of our journey here. What were our Adventures? Video: What to do near Shangri-La Hotel, At the Shard, London? Where did we go? Shakespeare’s Globe Theater Tate … Continued

We Said Go Travel