“The Y Generation” explains succinctly that today’s young adults are searching for something meaningful and pleasure both in their professional and personal lives. “Going the Distance”, a triathlon story puts into focus how hard the young work and play to achieve this and where parents feature. Travel is close to all our hearts and to whet your appetites read about Montevideo, Sofia, and a learning experience in Appalachia. Foreign Tax Accounts and the legal aspects, and Renting an Apartment in Israel are illuminating and useful articles. Israel’s Image plagues us all and it is exciting therefore to read of novel approaches: exposing Israel’s creative energy and volunteering programs for overseas youth. People are inspiring: a 99-year old, Ruth Reuven, reveals her philosophies and beautiful actions during her life; two Anglos – Prof. Lennie Blieden and Jill Sadowsky - are recipients of Life Achievement Awards 2011from the Ministry of Health. ESRA too is inspiring with its many constructive community projects which you can read about in this issue - empowering the Ethiopians, giving aid to change the lives of needy persons and help to disadvantaged children; and with its volunteer, social, cultural and educational activities, and Oliver by Logon. Aspects of life in Israel can be found in this issue – hassling with Hebrew, English for the young, the parental strain of having children in the army, The Soldier and the Terrorist which juxtaposes our feelings and dilemmas. Saving and sheltering abandoned dogs in the Galilee is an inspiring endeavor of a former Canadian and Cat Culture in Tel Aviv is encapsulated in beautiful photos – two stories of love of animals. On a psychological level Battling with Bereavement, achieving your goals, which synagogue to chose also feature. Enjoy and enrich yourselves at interesting museums – Herods a British Mandate themed hotel, the Ceramic Center, and the Joe Alon Center, view the fascinating old Falastin newspapers and visit the beautiful new National Library. Read whether to play safe or sound bridge and find good reading suggested in our book reviews. If you are looking for professional s and service givers, see our list of advertisers and classifieds. Merle Guttmann Close