Jewish history

What the Nazis couldn’t destroy, others did. Jews were told it was a 'temporary evacuation,' but it was the end of a centuries-old community in Tripoli.

To build a home, they dug a large pit, divided it into rooms, left two chimneys, built stairs going down, and covered it with beams topped with a thick layer of clay. These homes provided excellent protection from thieves, cold, and heat. The climate inside was temperate, and so the Jews of Gharian lived for many years.

Authorities viewed coin shaving as a crime punishable by death, as there was no other way to protect their currency. It was nearly impossible to identify the shaver, as anyone could claim they received the coin in that state. Thus, when a coin 'shaver' was caught, the punishment was severe.

From Cordoba to Cairo, from Torah to Medicine: The Remarkable Journey of Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon

A deep look at cultural shifts, political debates, and the quiet revival of Jewish communities in London

As the sun began to set, a mysterious man appeared and joined them to complete the minyan. After the holiday, he blew the shofar and vanished. The next day, the synagogue’s gabbai dreamt of the man, who said, “I am Abraham, your father. I saw your distress, and therefore I came to join you for the prayers of Yom Kippur.”

When I asked him, 'What's the fuss over Jews buying a village?' he replied, 'It's certain, as we've been told by our ancestors, that if the Jews buy four paces and take a step in the Emeq Ibn Amar (Jezreel Valley), eventually the whole valley will be in their hands!' So, why was the purchase of the land in Fula such a big deal?

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls dismantled theories claiming multiple biblical versions existed in ancient Israel. It also challenged broader narratives of biblical criticism, revealing that assumptions about ancient editing practices were deeply flawed.

From her miraculous birth to her role as the mother of Moshe, Yocheved stands as a timeless symbol of courage, faith, and Divine purpose

The final prophet of his era, Malachi communicated rebuke, hope, and a promise of redemption that still echoes today

The Sinai revelation isn’t just a matter of faith — it’s a unique case of collective national memory, passed down by millions of witnesses through an unbroken historical chain from generation to generation

After their prayers and pleas, the Jewish community returned home to prepare for Shabbat—unaware that dark, turbulent skies were gathering, a phenomenon unseen for many years.

Brilliant commentator, defender of Hebrew, and lover of Israel, Rabbi Tanchum’s writings reveal a rare glimpse of Jewish life and scholarship in Egypt and the Land of Israel in the 13th century

Jewish communities around the world were destroyed, ranging from Mesopotamia to Libya. An ancient papyrus found in Egypt, dated eighty years after the rebellion, reveals that Egyptians celebrate their victory over the Jews annually.

Seeking revenge against a tyrant, rebels executed his daughter, triggering a brutal crackdown threatened to annihilate the Jews of Lod. Yet, two brave souls stepped forward, ready to sacrifice their lives for the community.

Known for his diagnostic genius, Assad could discern a person's profession and ailments just by observing them. This is the incredible story of Assad, the Jewish oculist admired by Muslims.

True change begins not in palaces of power, but with individuals of faith who awaken the light within the darkness

In 1012, during a Jewish funeral in Cairo, chaos erupted as a mob attacked the mourners. Many were wrongfully arrested, leading the community to fast and pray until their release.

Heliodorus arrived in Jerusalem, demanding the keys to the treasure rooms from Oniao the High Priest. He sought access to every area containing money, bringing beasts of burden and a guard to transport the riches for the king.

It appeared to be a golden age for the Jews of the Seleucid Empire, as their loyalty and resilience were recognized and rewarded. Could anything go wrong?