Photo: Getty Images

One of the foods traditionally consumed during the New Year’s celebration is the pomegranate, because it (traditionally) has 613 seeds or because it is supposed to usher in a fruitful year. Of course, the fruit has also been suggested to have a number of health benefits quite outside the spiritual realm. Whatever your reason for preferring the fruit, JPost brings the timely tidings that scientists at Ben Gurion University are working on breeding fruits that taste better, and are more colorful. Sounds like tasty news to us!

Photo: Flickr, Used under Creative Commons License

Sir Paul’s concert last night was the culmination of weeks of anticipation and national Beatlemania. The big event, at Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park, drew over 40,000 Israelis of all ages and backgrounds who wanted to attend what might well be considered a defining moment of Israeli culture. After wishing his audience “Shana Tova” and “Ramadan Karim,” the member of the Beatles and Wings played a three-hour gig of some of his greatest hits. JPost has coverage and an interview; you can see a short video clip on Haaretz.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons used under Creative Commons license

The New York Times this week covered the solar energy scene in California, where BrightSource Energy, an American-Israeli venture is working hard to meet California’s energy needs. We’ve reported previously on similar joint ventures between California utilities and Israeli companies. Looks like Israel is going to play a big part in powering up the Golden State.

After a raucous countdown (see video above), Israelis who had been waiting for months to get their hands on Apple technology products poured into the iDigital Apple store in Ramat Aviv. The only disappointment seemed to be that the iPhone is still not available in Israel (though the iPod certainly is). Thanks to Globes and IsraGood for the story!

Photo: Sonicbids.com

Fresh off their recent successes, Flow, an Israeli Indie band, are coming to these shores for a tour of the USA. The band was recently named “Israel’s Indie band of the year,” and had one of their songs chosen as the anthem of the 2008 European Football Championship. Now they’re appearing at Cincinnati’s Midpoint Music Festival in September and, rumor has it, in New York. A sneak peek is at Cincinnati’s DERF Magazine.
Check out the band’s MySpace page for more information and music samples. It’s definitely worth the listen!

Einstein in New York with leaders of the World Zionist Organization
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Ynet reports today that a researcher scrounging through the basement of Hebrew University’s planetarium building came across Einstein’s personal telescope. The great scientist believed in the necessity of the national university and willed his papers to the institution as well. Apparently, he had also willed Hebrew U his telescope, but no one knew where to find it–until now.

Last night, crowds of New Yorkers in Chelsea Market found themselves surrounded by Israeli music, wine, and cheese.  And they loved it!!  The opening night of Robert Whitman’s latest masterpiece Pilobolus in Israel was resounding success, bringing people of many different backgrounds together to enjoy beautiful pictures of the Dance troup’s visit to Israel earlier this year.  For more information on the exhibit, see Robert Whitman’s website or the Pilobolus website.

Photo: Howie Hecht, used with permission

In celebration of Fashion Week in Boston, some of Israel’s most promising young designers showed off their latest designs. Among the designers represented were Maya Meirav, Hadas Tzur, and Liat Zarmon. Haaretz notes the presence of boutique owners, fashion buyers, and media personalities, who now have a new appreciation for Israeli fashion. With Israeli designs making their way to these shores with increasing frequency, there’s a better chance they’ll make it into your wardrobe as well.

Photo: Getty Images

While the Beijing Olympic Games made worldwide headlines last month, the Paralympic Games have gained relatively less coverage. Nonetheless, Israel’s delegation has performed remarkably, mostly out of the spotlight. As the JTA notes, the Israeli Paralympic delegation brought home six medals, fie silvers and one bronze. Three of the silvers came from Inbal Pezaro, at 21 the youngest member of the delegation. From all of us at IsRealli, Kol Hakavod!!

Photo: Israel Ministry of Tourism

With Tel Aviv approaching its centennial next year, artists are preparing for the big event. In advance of this momentous occasion, ArtTLV, an international art event from 24 September to 18 October, will celebrate Israel’s contemporary art culture alongside works from leading international artists. ArtTLV will be centered in Tel Aviv’s famous Bauhaus district and the exhibition’s theme will be “Open Plan Living,” an architectural concept advocating the creation of new spaces while breaking symbolic and hierarchical walls. More background comes from FlashArt.