head south and the days begin to grow shorter. It will take another three months, until the autumnal equinox, for the periods of daylight and darkness to reach equilibrium once again. The rays ultimately reach the Tropic of Capricorn (latitude 23.5 degrees south) on the day of the winter solstice and the whole cycle begins again!

On Monday, the Farmers' Almanac published a fact vs. fiction article on the five common myths associated with the spring equinox, written by Amber Kanuckel. Here are some highlights:

Can you stand a raw egg on end?

This myth holds that the sun’s presumed gravitational pull on the Earth, and its position in the sky, means that you can stand an egg up on end during the precise moment of the vernal equinox. Verdict: equinoxesfallen comrades for life. Having this purpose to live for helps the surviving soldiers find meaning and cope with their traumatic experiences.

Israelis Have Hope For The Future

Despite the many challenges they are facing, most Israelis have maintained the ability to say "Yihiyeh Tov" -- It will be good.

Despair is a greater enemy to the Jewish people than any external force could ever be. It is important to remember that God Himself declared in an eternal message to the Jewish people, "There is hope for your future" Jeremiah 31:16. It is hope that keeps the Jewish people trusting in God, looking toward the future and believing in the promise of redemption and a better tomorrow.

May the optimism, perseverance and courage of the people of Israel be a model to