Chanukah over Syria
This Chanukah, menorahs will be lit not only in the land of Israel, from Jerusalem to Gaza, but in Lebanon and on the heights of Mount Hermon overlooking Syria. Vacationing families will visit the...
Miracles then and now
Would you believe that it took a whole year for Chanukah to be recognized as a bona fide Jewish festival?
But it’s true. Here’s a quote straight out of the Talmud in Shabbos (21a). After...
On Chanukah, Netanyahu invokes Maccabees, threatens Houthis
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday threatened Yemen's Houthi militia while lighting the menorah on the first night of Chanukah at his office in Jerusalem.
Attending the lighting were Orna and Ronen Neutra, the...
Being Jewish at Christmas: Embracing the spirit of the season
As the holiday season unfolds, there’s an undeniable magic in the air. Twinkling lights line the streets, carols ring out from speakers in stores, and an unmistakable warmth fills the chill of December. For...
Tactical menorahs: A new first for the IDF Rabbinate
Under the shadow of the war in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria, the Israel Defense Forces are preparing for the holiday of Chanukah.
In the past few weeks, the IDF Rabbinate worked to distribute...
Progressives ‘celebrating’ Chanukah
This year’s first Chanukah candle will be lit on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 25, in a remarkable ecumenical link-up of Christmas festivities and the Jewish celebration of candles and latkes, sufganiyot and the singing of...
A rabbi’s Christmas wishes
To date, I have experienced more than 70 Christmas seasons in my lifetime. having spent all the previous ones as an “outsider.” I admit to a life-long appreciation of the Yule season’s message and...
Chanukah 2024: Around the world for the eight nights of the ‘Festival of Lights’
This is one tour where you’re going to want to bring your appetite along. And quite possibly a towel.
Because oil—and plenty of it—is flowing during the eight days of Chanukah.
That’s why all diets are...
Simchat Torah Hakafot with Nova survivors and hostage families
In Israel, Shmeni Atzeret/Simchat Torah ended on Thursday night with large public celebrations. In Jerusalem, hundreds danced to live music at the Western Wall Plaza, Liberty Bell Park and various other sites.
Outside of Israel,...
Simchat Torah: Should We Dance or Cry?
As we approach the one-year anniversary of the devastating attack on Simchat Torah, a day celebrated as one of the most joyous in the Jewish calendar, we are confronted with a profound paradox....