As the cantor brings out the Torah scroll and the congregation accompanies him to the bimah, an unexpected dramatic moment unfolds when an unknown woman interrupts: "I won't let you read the Torah!"
When Moulay sought funds from wealthy Jews to battle his father, the sultan, and was refused, his revenge was to wage war on the Jewish community upon gaining power.
The Rabbi warned of the consequences he'd face if he questioned Christianity, where even questioning it could be a death sentence. How did this debate unfold with such high stakes?
One morning, Rabbi Kalonymus found a manuscript on his desk, known back then as a "Kuntres." Flipping through it, he discovered an incredible idea—a commentary on the Talmud! Although unaware of the author, Rabbi Kalonymus began using the Kuntres that very day to teach the Talmud.
When anti-Semitic sentiment flared, even the nobility couldn't resist. The Jews of Blois faced horrific consequences as injustice and greed took center stage.
As his family relocated to London, David Sassoon began amassing rare manuscripts from across the globe. With his resources and connections, he successfully acquired a vast and impressive collection of manuscripts, which gradually became known as the "Sassoon Collection."
Rabbi Pesach was puzzled and reflected on his actions. The old community of Jerusalem lived in poverty, in small apartments, sustained by minor trading or charity, with little more than a bed, table, and some vegetables in their homes...
For three years, the contents of the scrolls were unknown. Opening them with force would have destroyed them. Eventually, suitable technology was found, but deciphering the text remained challenging.
While many are familiar with the "Lenin Volga-Don Canal" in Russia, few realize it's the backdrop of a captivating historical connection between East and West that led to the conversion of the enigmatic Khazar kingdom to Judaism.
As she stood before the wall adorned with colorful tourist graffiti, a young Arab boy tugged her sleeve. He chipped away a piece of the massive stone and offered it to her for ten Jordanian liras.
On Shavuot, we received the Torah. Our sages said Mount Sinai was named for the hatred it brought from the nations of the world. They hate us and try to seize the Torah through distortion and by opposing the Oral Torah.
From King David's birth to Operation Solomon: Explore 10 significant moments associated with Shavuot.
Czar Nicholas implemented a policy requiring Jewish communities to provide a quota of soldiers. Skeptical of their loyalty, he targeted children with the infamous Cantonists' decree.
Before World War II, the Great Synagogue of Vilnius featured a rather curious sight: a massive cannonball lodged into the roof. Despite its intimidating presence, this relic of war sparked more intrigue than fear. So, what was it doing there?
Experts gathered around the discovery site, slowly revealing the full inscription. Found to be part of a mosaic floor of Ein Gedi’s ancient synagogue, the text carried warnings, threats, and a secret.
Rabbi Meir Shapiro painted a vivid picture of a Jew sailing from England to the U.S., studying a page a day, and upon reaching America, joining others in synagogue on the very same page... A scenario once thought imaginary that soon became reality.
A renowned Jewish leader stood firmly against Napoleon, even declaring war on the endeavor to fall under French rule.
A rare artifact slipped and broke in half, revealing its secrets. Experts debate its authenticity but agree it is at least a century old.
Herod, the outsider, tormented and suppressed the Jewish people in a manner unprecedented, disregarding the role of a king meant to protect rather than oppress.
For thousands of years, numerous conquests and battles occurred over this land, yet no permanent settlement took hold. Unlike any other nation, much of it remained desolate and seemingly uninhabitable.
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