All Articles ByYosef Yabece

Unveiling history: The discovery of the Cairo Geniza reveals the unseen legacy of Rashid's Jewish community, from post-Expulsion traders to scholars.

The shape of the letter 'Dalet' resembles a door, with its open and closed sides. Its numerical value is four, symbolizing the four corners of the Earth, signifying growth in all directions.

The story of Joseph's sale marks the beginning of a significant dispute, as the sons of Leah, led by Judah, sold Joseph into Egypt because their paths diverged so greatly. Yet, their intentions were both with heaven in mind.

In the 1870s, members of Jerusalem's old yishuv made significant strides in agricultural settlements under the guidance of prominent rabbis, particularly the leadership of Rabbi Yehoshua Leib Diskin.

The phrase "M-L" stands for fulfillment but also for cutting, like in the word for "circumcision." The structure of the name for Gimmel is G' for giving and M-L for complete giving, fulfillment of all needs until there's no more need, thus achieved a perfect form of giving.

The Zionist historical narrative has often portrayed the Old Yishuv as uninterested in agriculture, relying only on donations. Historians reveal a different story: a constant desire for land work existed, though it wasn't feasible until the latter half of the 19th century.

Initially dismissed by researchers, these ancient stories proved true as underwater archaeology unveiled entire cities buried beneath the waves.

A group of rabbis, including elders, gathered around the Greek church building at the southern end of the famous promenade, where they climbed one by one up a tall ladder placed against the church wall. At the top, they grasped the stone wall on the roof and jumped onto it. What's the connection between rabbis and a Greek church in Tiberias?

Rabbi Aryeh Leib Fromkin established a winery and an agricultural farm, but feared the diseases in the area. He would walk three hours from his home in Yehud to the winery and farm each morning.

The name of the letter is 'Bayit' which translates to 'house.' It signifies the definition and demarcation of a place, creating an 'inside.' A person inside feels at home on this piece of earth because it's surrounded by the walls they built.

One fateful night, Aharon Hershler faced a band of robbers led by a notorious thief named Abu Isa. He courageously fought them off but was fatally shot when Abu Isa feared Aharon recognized him and could inform the authorities.

Rabbi Meir saw an opportunity to establish a new Jewish settlement in Israel. He reached out to Moses Montefiore, Rabbi Nathan Adler – the Chief Rabbi of London, Rabbi Yoel Moshe Salomon, and other affluent individuals. Together, they submitted a proposal to purchase lands in Jericho. Rabbi Meir suggested naming the new Jewish city 'Petah Tikva.'

Pioneers faced challenges from local Arab landlords worried about decreasing property values from new neighborhoods sprouting outside the city. In response, they formed the "Gvardim," a self-defense group consisting of armed Jewish settlers who patrolled the desolate fields.

Attracting a large following, Abu Isa declared himself the messiah and led a rebellion against Persian rule. By drawing a circle in the sand and swearing protection to all within, he instilled fear of sorcery among the Persians—a tactic that elevated his status.

Hashem decreed that Abraham's descendants would be strangers in a foreign land, enslaved and oppressed for 400 years. This promise of exile formed us as a nation with a mission, not merely a tribe settling in its land, building homes, and planting vineyards, potentially forgetting its purpose.

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.