X

NEW FEATURE

You can bookmark articles to Read Later

Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut: When Our Mourning Turns to Joy

boy-Israeli-flag

Yom HaZikaron is a solemn day not unlike last week’s Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), which commemorated those who died during the World War II Holocaust—those murdered outright and those who died fighting the Germans in acts of resistance. Although this day was originally dedicated solely to those who have died in battle, in more recent years the day has been expanded to include victims of terrorist attacks and political violence in general. When it comes to a close tonight at the military cemetery on Mount Herzl, also called Har HaZikaron (Mount of Remembrance), the flag will be returned to full staff as Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence Day) is ushered in with full military colors including marching bands.

more
X

NEW FEATURE

You can bookmark articles to Read Later

Israeli Pilgrims Permitted to Enter Tunisia

Djerba-Ghriba

The government of Tunisia decided for the first time to allow tourists from Israel to use their Israeli passports on an annual pilgrimage during the upcoming Lag BaOmer holy day to the Ghriba Synagogue on the island of Djerba. In the past, they required a special document issued by the Tunisian embassy. Since Tunisia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, the move has drawn opposition from lawmakers who see this as de facto recognition of the Jewish state.

more
X

NEW FEATURE

You can bookmark articles to Read Later

Acharon Shel Pesach: A Feast for the Messiah

Passover-Kotel

In Chasidic Judaism in the Diaspora (outside Israel), a final feast will begin tomorrow before sunset and continue until after nightfall. This final festival meal on the seventh day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (eighth day of Passover) is called Seudat Moshiach (Feast of Messiah). It was initiated by the founder of the Chasidic movement, Rabbi Yisrael (Israel) ben Eliezer, also called Baal Shem Tov or Besht, a Jewish mystic (ca. 1700–1760). The traditional Feast of Messiah, held in anticipation of the future redemption by the Messiah, includes songs, matzah (unleavened bread), and the four cups of wine typical of the Passover Seder.

more
X

NEW FEATURE

You can bookmark articles to Read Later

Divine Presence of God Felt During Priestly Blessings at the Wailing Wall

Tallit-Prayer Shawl-Kotel

Early this morning, tens of thousands of Jewish people from here in Israel and around the world descended through the alley ways of the Old City of Jerusalem, walked down the ancient stairs and through tight security, before entering the open area which was quickly filling up before the Holiest place in Judaism – the Western (Wailing Wall). For the past couple of days the Cohanim (Jewish Priests) have been preparing themselves to enter into a state of holiness to give the special blessings to the people of Israel this morning. They were purified in the mikvah (water immersion pool) and then conducted other blessings of washing. This morning wearing their tallit (prayer shawls), they presided for God over the people in the Holiest Place accessible to the Jewish People today – the Western Wall.

more
X

NEW FEATURE

You can bookmark articles to Read Later

Chinese Jews Celebrate First Community Passover Seder in 200 Years

Tzuri (Heng) Shi

This Monday in Kaifeng, China, on the first night of Passover, a Chinese Passover celebration marked a historic moment, when over 100 descendants of the Jewish People sat at the Seder table two centuries after the death of the community's last rabbi. “Kaifeng’s Jewish descendants are a living link between China and the Jewish people, and it is very moving to see the remnants of this community returning to their Jewish roots," said Michael Freund, the chairman and founder of Shavei Israel, which sponsored the event.

more
X

NEW FEATURE

You can bookmark articles to Read Later

Israeli Prime Minister Takes a Moment to Bake His Own Passover Matzah

Israel-Passover-PM Benjamin Netanyahu-matzah-Kosher for Passover-Pesach

In preparation for Passover next Monday, the Israeli Prime Minister visited the Kfar Chabad Matzah Bakery and baked his first "homemade" matzah. Last week, Prime Minister Netanyahu received instructions on how to make kosher-for-Passover matzah, which must be prepared quickly. To keep the dough from rising, it is not allowed to stand longer than 18 minutes.

more
X

NEW FEATURE

You can bookmark articles to Read Later

Israelis to Pray for Rain at the Western Wall

Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi David Lau

Israel’s Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi David Lau has called for day of prayer for rain on this week’s upcoming Fast of Esther (Ta’anit Esther). Lau made the announcement during a meeting with the Chairman of the Agricultural Caucus in the Knesset (parliament), MK Zevulun Kalfa, at which time they discussed the drought and the Shemita agricultural Sabbath. “The Master of the World teaches us that the rain is ‘ours’ because it depends on the Jewish people and their prayers,” said Lau. The prayer rally for rain will be held on March 13 at the Western (Wailing) Wall and will end with Mincha (Afternoon Prayer).

more
X

NEW FEATURE

You can bookmark articles to Read Later

Hanukkah: A Great Miracle Happened Here

Shamash-menorah-candles

The word Hanukkah comes from the Hebrew word hanukh, which means dedication or education. Hanukkah is celebrated as the Feast of Dedication to remember the re-dedication of the Temple after God faithfully delivered Israel from her oppressors. In fact, the reason for lighting eight candles and celebrating Hanukkah for eight nights relates to God's faithfulness and the miraculous story of Hanukkah.

more
view Related articles

Article Categories