On a sleepy Shabbat morning, Leah Gontchevsky woke up a little later than usual. Just the previous eve, her wedding with Yitzik Neuberg had taken place. She glanced at the bed beside hers only to find it empty. Where was her groom?
In the 1800s, the brave Jewish settlers broke out of Jerusalem's ancient walls, daring to build in areas once deemed perilous.
Baruch, a wealthy community leader, lost a court case with Rabbi Yosef ben Lev and was fined a significant sum. Brazenly, he slapped the Rabbi in public. Rabbi Yosef walked on but later tore his robes in mourning for the insult to Torah. This led to a mysterious fire and plague.
Around nine years ago, ISIS captured the city of Palmyra in Syria. The unique history of Palmyra had been forgotten for many generations. It was only in modern times that its ancient ruins began to attract tourists and archaeologists. However, those familiar with our sources can learn about the entire history of the city, originally known as Tadmor.
In the 19th century, as secularism took hold in Europe, some Jewish communities sought refuge in the spiritual sanctity of the Holy Land.
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.
Recent archaeological discoveries in Jerusalem's Arnona neighborhood reveal remnants of a tax collection center believed to be established by King Sennacherib of Assyria.
Nations were created to influence history towards a world perfected under Hashem's sovereignty. While some had brief roles, Esau—identified with Edom—has a long, complex mission.
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...
A peculiar procession was seen through the farm gates: ten elderly Jewish men, some very old and with white beards, dressed in traditional Jerusalem attire, arriving in three carriages to the colony and the farm. What are such people doing in the heart of the working settlement?
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.
On his 1839 visit, Moses Montefiore envisioned leasing land from Egypt's ruler to develop Jewish agricultural settlements in what is now Israel. Discover his ambitious plans for 200 villages!
In 1389, the revocation of the Jewish protective status led to a brutal attack on Prague's Jewish quarter during Passover, infamously known as 'The Great Prague Massacre'.
During the reign of Muhammad Ali (1831-1840), Jewish immigration increased, leading to overcrowding in Jerusalem's Jewish Quarter. The Orthodox community's population doubled in the first three years, prompting new arrivals to purchase properties in the "Bab al-Huta" area, about a 45-minute walk from the Jewish Quarter.
Hershele was not just a jokester; his wit and charm allowed him to jest even with the noble landlords of his time without repercussion.
Located in the most undesirable part of Rome, the Jewish Ghetto was fraught with challenges, yet it became a testament to resilience amid adversity.
Life in the Venetian Jewish ghetto was densely packed. As the community expanded, the space became increasingly restricted. Residents lived in cramped apartments, and the streets were crowded and bustling.
While many cultures have foundational figures, they often exist simultaneously. In contrast, the Jewish tradition honors three generations: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This article explores why all three are essential as patriarchs of the Jewish people.
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