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Ira Mosen - First Among Nations

A novel about struggle and perseverance in the Holy Land

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A Jewish Doctor’s Guide to Ramadan

August 24, 2020 by Ira Mosen 2 Comments

As a Jewish doctor with lots of Jewish patients, a question I am frequently asked is “should I fast on Yom Kippur?” Today, I experienced a Middle Eastern variation of this theme. Allow me to explain.

A new patient, an elderly Muslim woman, came to my office today accompanied by her son. They live in a neighborhood in East Jerusalem where I would not feel comfortable walking – or even driving. She spoke in Arabic, with her bilingual son translating into Hebrew.

She was referred to me because of a decline in kidney function that started at the beginning of June. I asked her what changes took place just before June. Any new medications? Procedures? Illnesses? She denied all of the above. Further questioning revealed that Ramadan – which follows the lunar calendar – started this year at the end of May. I reviewed her medications which included two diuretics (water pills) which she had continued taking throughout Ramadan. And she affirmed that she had felt particularly lightheaded, dizzy and weak during the whole month.

My conclusion was that she became dehydrated during Ramadan, due to a combination of fasting and diuretic medications. I counseled her to make sure to drink an adequate amount of fluids, even during Ramadan (at night, when she is allowed to eat and drink). And I advised her to not take her diuretic medicines during that month.

I care a great deal about my patients, regardless of their race, religion, or the color of their skin. And I think that my patients recognize and appreciate this concern. My salary is paid by the health clinic so I don’t ask my patients for anything in return. But I hope that through my work I can spread a culture of tolerance and coexistence. I know that I can’t change the whole world, but I will certainly keep on trying.


First Among Nations is a book and accompanying podcast about an Israel that is markedly different from the one often portrayed in the media.For more unexpected stories about life in Israel, read Ira Mosen’s debut novel, First Among Nations. It is now available on Amazon.

Filed Under: Life in Israel Tagged With: Cross Cultural, Ramadan

Recent Posts

Book Review: First Among Nations in The Jerusalem Post

January 28, 2021 By Olive Blossom Press Leave a Comment

First Among Nations was reviewed in The Jerusalem Post, read the complete review here.

In First Among Nations, Hajji gives this beautiful red wildflower to Adin. She knows immediately that kalanit is Israel’s national flower.

A Jewish Doctor’s Guide to Ramadan

August 24, 2020 By Ira Mosen 2 Comments

As a Jewish doctor with lots of Jewish patients, a question I am frequently asked is “should I fast on Yom Kippur?” Today, I experienced a Middle Eastern variation of this theme during Ramadan.

The First Among Nations Podcast is hosted by Ira Mosen. The podcast is based on the book of the same title, and consists of readings from the book itself and a virtual book discussion group.

First Among Podcasts: Intro to the Podcast, Episode 0 (Part 1)

August 20, 2020 By Ira Mosen Leave a Comment

Welcome to the first episode of the First Among Nations podcast. This podcast is intended to function as a virtual book club for the book of the same title. In this episode, I describe the meaning behind the cover and read the prologue. Enjoy and please join in the discussion with our community!

Hills East of the Sea of Galilee in Israel, as pictured on the cover of First Among Nations.

From the Midwest to the Middle East: Debut Novelist Offers Fresh Insights into Israel

August 3, 2020 By Olive Blossom Press Leave a Comment

First Among Nations is the debut novel from Ira Mosen, an American physician now living in Israel. It captures the sights, sounds, tumultuous history, and modern realities of Israel.

Rakefet is a common wildflower found in the rocky hills of the Golan Heights.

The Pharmacist, the Hijab, and the Smile

July 30, 2020 By Ira Mosen 4 Comments

Ira Mosen recounts a story of filling a prescription in Israel before Passover, and the hijab-wearing pharmacist surprises him with an unsolicited act of kindness.

The First Among Nations Podcast is hosted by Ira Mosen. The podcast is based on the book of the same title, and consists of readings from the book itself and a virtual book discussion group.

Coming Soon: The FIRST AMONG NATIONS Podcast

June 17, 2020 By Ira Mosen 1 Comment

The First Among Nations Podcast, hosted by Ira Mosen, is based on the book of the same title, and consists of readings from the book itself and a virtual book discussion group.

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Recent Posts

  • Book Review: First Among Nations in Publishers Weekly
  • Book Review: First Among Nations in The Jerusalem Post
  • A Jewish Doctor’s Guide to Ramadan
  • First Among Podcasts: Intro to the Podcast, Episode 0 (Part 1)
  • From the Midwest to the Middle East: Debut Novelist Offers Fresh Insights into Israel
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