The passion of oil
Chanukah, which is coming to an end this week, mainly celebrates the miracle of the oil. Yes, there were other miracles, too, especially the fall of “the mighty into the hands of the weak,...
From one coast to the other: It’s Passover ‘to go’
My head is spinning. A Passover seder meal totally planned and nearly completely prepared on the East Coast and then flown to the West?
For Gloria and Bob Spitz, it’s no big deal. Gloria says,...
Purim: From Exodus to Esther
The 14th of Adar, Purim, is one of my favorite holidays. I love dressing in costumes, getting together with my community and partying with friends. Hopefully, we do this more than once a year!...
Israeli archaeologists say 2,200-year-old sling bullet possibly linked to Hanukkah story
Israeli researchers recently discovered a lead projectile dating from the Hellenistic period in the ancient palace at Yavne, an archaeological site in central Israel.
The 4.4 centimeter (1.7 inch) long projectile was designed to be...
International Fellowship to help 120,000 Jews in former Soviet Union with Passover
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews is sponsoring tens of thousands of Passover food packages for 120,000 Jewish families living in the former Soviet Union, made possible by Christian friends of Israel.
The Federation...
Rabbis, Jewish world leaders unveil symbolic synagogue, prayer space at Babi Yar
Marking Yom Hashoah—Holocaust Remembrance Day on the Jewish calendar—the Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial Center unveiled the very first Jewish prayer space on Thursday.
The symbolic synagogue structure was opened at a ceremony that included special prayers led...
Thousands celebrate Sukkot in Hebron
While the traditional Priestly Blessing at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City is the best known Israeli highlight of the Sukkot holiday, thousands of Jews visited Hebron and its Tomb of the Patriarchs on Tuesday.
The...
Ancient Jerusalem roof tiles provide a link to Hanukkah story
Roof tiles dating back over 2,000 years uncovered just outside the Old City of Jerusalem provide a tangible connection to the story of Hanukkah, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Wednesday.
The 16 ceramic tile...
How will this Chanukah be remembered?
As much of the world enters Christmas holiday preparation mode, focusing on gift-giving and sharing festive recipes, Israelis are connecting the dots to put this year’s Chanukah festival into context for our time.
Many religious...
The search for success
Chanukah, the beautiful "Festival of Lights," begins on Dec. 7. Everyone knows the story: The Maccabees defeated the mighty Greek armies and reconquered Jerusalem. When they wanted to kindle the Menorah in the Temple,...