Romi Sussman, at The Blogs

Romi Sussman

Mar 28, 2024, 3:15 PM

In a world that has literally gone mad, we have to hold onto what we know to be right and look to the quiet heroes among us. Idan Amedi is one such example. Amedi is a singer-songwriter and an actor. He’s...

Mar 3, 2024, 11:44 PM

From Soldier to Civilian

Today, my oldest son finished his army service. I remember the piece that I wrote over seven years ago, the day that we got his Tzav Rishon, his first call to the army. I wrote, at that time, about...

Jan 14, 2024, 12:06 PM

4 ways to mark 100 days

100 days. If you asked most Israelis how long we've been at war, they might say that it feels like a lifetime. Or they might say that it’s been one day, since we are all stuck forever on October 7, 2023. Or...

Dec 6, 2023, 9:45 AM

Don’t You Love Your Son?

I just dropped my 17-year-old off for his tzav rishon, his initial army intake appointment. Through my tears (obviously, because who isn’t crying these days), I told him to do his absolute best and to remember that after his...

Nov 27, 2023, 1:53 PM

For seven weeks

For seven weeks, we have held our breath with the rest of the country. Held our breath for the murdered to be identified and named, for the war to start and achieve victory, for the return of the captives....

Nov 14, 2023, 12:31 AM

When you ask me how I am

When you ask me how I am, and I stare off into space, I’m not trying to be rude. I’m trying to formulate a response. When you call me on the phone or WhatsApp me to see how I am, and...

Nov 9, 2023, 10:37 AM

To Be Israeli Is

To be Israeli is To have your 17-year-old ask you if he can please miss school today To attend the funeral of a 20-year-old soldier he’s never met. To be Israeli is To think that’s perfectly normal and to tell him that he...

Oct 31, 2023, 8:24 PM

Nobody trains you for this

Nobody trains you for this. There is no parent’s manual for what to say to your gorgeous uniform-clad soldier when he calls close to 11pm to say that he will be out of touch for an indefinite time. No one tells...

Jun 29, 2023, 12:20 PM

A Glimmer of Hope

Cakes at the Pina Chama, Gush Etzion. Picture by Romi Sussman

We've got problems in our teeny country. Upon this, we can probably all agree. I read the news and feel like I’m drowning in strife, infighting, hatred and despair. We are attacking each other internally and being attacked, seemingly...

Apr 11, 2023, 12:00 AM

Life Today in the Shadow of Murder

In honor of Rabbi Dee's request to post a picture with an Israeli flag. Painting by a Sussman child.

It’s almost impossible to put into words what our community of Gush Etzion (and Efrat more specifically) is experiencing at the moment with the murder of Maia, Rina and Lucy Dee. We live one town over from where the...

About Me

Romi Sussman is a teacher and writer. When she's not at her computer, she's juggling raising six boys ages 13-23 and conquering daily life as an Olah. She enjoys blogging here and on her personal blog at http://aineretzacheret.com.

Contact Me