Ariella Cohen

Philadelphia

Deputy Editor at The Philadelphia Inquirer

Assistant Managing Editor @PhillyInquirer News. Drop me a line here: [email protected]. Formerly #moreperfectunion, @whyy, @nextcityorg, @thelensnola

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Articles

The Blogs: Blessing or Gift?

1 week ago | blogs.timesofisrael.com | Ariella Cohen

What is the difference between a blessing and a gift? Can the two words be used interchangeably? Are they one and the same? Does a blessing have to be something spiritual? Must a gift be physical? As I was seeing “77” all over social media today as we celebrate Israel’s 77th birthday, I started thinking about the significance of 77. The first thought that popped into my head was the word “זז” which relates to movement. Then I realized that 77 is the numerical equivalent of the word “עז“.
That is not our MO

Aug 2, 2024 | blogs.timesofisrael.com | Ariella Cohen

I’m curious what the thought process was behind handing out candy upon hearing that a major terrorist was eliminated. Or rather if there was a thought process at all. I was quite surprised to see the local news stories about it. It seems reasonable to rejoice at such a feat, but the more I thought about it, the more it felt wrong. Jews are supposed to emulate God. Not terrorists. Why would we do something that only terrorists do?
Where have all the good men gone?

May 12, 2024 | blogs.timesofisrael.com | Ariella Cohen

Sitting here on this eve of Yom Hazikaron, my heart is feeling very heavy. I am trying to wrap my head around the magnitude of the loss that we as a nation have dealt with and continue to deal with. I can’t. But I still try. I heard today (from what I think is a reliable source) that Israel has lost almost 700 soldiers since the last Yom Hazikaron. Thinking deeply into what that really means is painful. But I do it anyway.
From Babies to Old Ladies - Ariella Cohen

Feb 15, 2024 | qoshe.com | Ariella Cohen

Columnists Actual . Favourites . Archive Aa Aa Aa - A + ..... © The Times of Israel (Blogs) visit website
The Cowards of Today

Jan 20, 2024 | blogs.timesofisrael.com | Ariella Cohen

It’s been a while since I’ve noticed the parallels between current events and the weekly parsha. I’m sure they’ve been there, but they haven’t been jumping out at me. This week though, something in particular caught my eye. After Makat Arbeh began, Pharoah quickly ran to get Moshe and Aharon to stop the locusts (Shemot 10:16-17.) This same action happened after all of the previous makot as well. It’s begun to sound quite repetitive at this point.
The 100th Day of School

Jan 15, 2024 | blogs.timesofisrael.com | Ariella Cohen

Yesterday marked the 100th day of the war. Milchemet Simchat Torah, Operation Swords of Iron, whatever you want to call it. 100 days since October 7th. 100 days since the hostages were taken to Gaza. 100 days since the morning of Simchat Torah when we were all just minding our own business and forced to watch the world turn upside down. 100 days (and counting) since then. What’s weird is that 100 days has a different connotation for me. A slightly more pleasant one.
Laura Pannack (Archive) - Musée Magazine

Jan 3, 2024 | museemagazine.com | Ariella Cohen

What made you decide on photographing these two communities specifically? How did you discover them? Tipton, England, was an area I chose when working on a commission from Multistory. I was asked to select anywhere in the Black Country. Gagey was after a reconnaissance of a few weeks in Tasmania, Australia. A friend was living there and recommended I visit. You do an excellent job capturing the essence of these children in your photographs.
Some Things Are Still Black and White - Ariella Cohen

Dec 7, 2023 | qoshe.com | Ariella Cohen

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Some Things Are Still Black and White

Dec 7, 2023 | blogs.timesofisrael.com | Ariella Cohen

How many times have you (almost) missed a stop sign because it was blocked by a tree or hard to see in the dark? Do you doubt the sun’s existence even if it is temporarily hiding behind the clouds? Were your glasses really there the whole time even if they were “lost” for five minutes before finding them on your head? In the eloquent words of Pasek and Paul from Dear Evan Hansen, when you’re falling in a forest and there’s nobody around, do you ever really crash or even make a sound?
What about the men?

Nov 27, 2023 | blogs.timesofisrael.com | Ariella Cohen

I understand that women and children are generally known to be more vulnerable than big strong men, but I am not hearing any discussion at all about the release of our men being held hostage. (I know that Israel doesn’t necessarily have a say in who is released in this current deal, but even before this they’ve been saying that they are prioritizing the women and children.) Physical strength is not a factor when dealing with captors who have the desire and ability to kill at will.