Jewish history

From royal advisor to protector of refugees, the humble Torah giant who shaped Jewish life in Turkey

On Shabbat, the 9th of Tevet in the year 4827 (December 30, 1066), a mob stormed the palace of Rabbi Yosef HaNagid. Despite disguising himself, painting his body black, and hiding among the servants, he was recognized and...

In 1813, following the Russians' victory over Napoleon, the Polish government commissioner tried to persuade Bernhard to return and take charge of Poland's health services. He declined, emphasizing his priority to care for the health of Poland's Jewish community, which the government overlooked.

In 1840, the English assisted the Turks significantly in controlling the land, and in return, demanded reforms toward minorities. The English meant the Christians, but this law included the Jews...

Discover the teachings, legends, and historical legacy of one of Judaism’s greatest figures

How Rabbi Moshe Sofer’s legacy continues to shape Jewish law, values, and the power of humility

On the fourth night of Sukkot, we welcome Moshe Rabbeinu into our sukkah and reflect on the timeless power of humility and Divine mission

During the Maharal's time, the ghetto experienced a golden age, with a thriving Jewish community. Printing presses in the ghetto produced significant works of Jewish scholarship.

While there was no ideological opposition to work, including agricultural work, ensuring Torah scholars could continue their learning was always prioritized. Historically, the Tribe of Levi and their affiliates focused on holy work, a tradition rooted in Jewish consciousness, recognizing the spiritual vitality of Torah study.

Located in the most undesirable part of Rome, the Jewish Ghetto was fraught with challenges, yet it became a testament to resilience amid adversity.

In 1809, the first group of the Vilna Gaon's students, led by Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Shklov, embarked on a perilous journey to Israel. They withstood a grueling year-long sea voyage before settling in Safed.

In a time of profound danger for European Jews, Western nations turned their backs. Explore the heartbreaking journey of 937 Jewish refugees aboard the MS St. Louis, sent back to a Europe under Nazi threat after being denied asylum.

In an era of tribal unrest, Bedouin leader Daher el-Omar sought to develop the land and welcomed Jewish settlers known for their deep connection to Israel.

Once a thriving Jewish community with 300-400 families in Jerusalem faced heavy taxes and persecution, making expansion difficult. Despite this, dedicated efforts by Jerusalem's Jewish residents attracted scholars and fueled a renaissance in nearby Safed during a time of relative peace.

Despite knowing the risk, the soldiers chose mercy, leading to their ultimate stand against thousands. Surrounded and outnumbered, they fought bravely before falling one by one.

How Jewish boxers and community fighters confronted Nazi rallies in the United States, disrupted propaganda movements, and helped protect American Jewry before World War II

Jews once thriving in major cities were forced out, finding new homes and livelihoods in the Pale of Settlement towns. Established families were shuffled from one settlement to another based on arbitrary bureaucratic maps. The allocation of Jews in these regions was impractical and inefficient.

Moments before the chaos, a mail carriage arrived carrying a letter from Emperor Leopold II himself. Sent from the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, the letter held the police chief of Bamberg personally accountable for any harm to the Jews.

Dr. Guy Stiebel and his team have challenged the long-held belief about Masada's Roman siege duration with groundbreaking research, revealing it only lasted a few weeks.

Discover how Halberstadt, Germany, became a hub of Jewish learning and culture, all thanks to a visionary banker who lived centuries ago.