Through the use of four short stories by Aaron Meged, this essay looks at the lives of several members of the pioneer generation in Israel. It examines the relationship between the creation of the state of Israel and the identities of the former pioneers.

Jacob introduces his essay: This essay addresses some of the central questions in an Israeli television program on accommodating Jewish Orthodox and non-Orthodox lifestyles within one family. I discuss my prediction that in coming episodes of the show, an Orthodox husband and a more secular wife will stay together despite the husband's request that his wife go to the Jewish ritual bath for women, the mikveh, on a regular basis, so they can preserve their sex life.

Folk dance is a very important part of Jewish and Israeli culture, and in this essay I explore the role that it plays. It provides an outlet for connection between the past and the present both spiritually and culturally, and it contributes to the feelings of community that are vital to Judaism as a culture and religion.