Coins, pottery, and ritual baths recently uncovered revealed a Hasmonean-era Jewish town at the Susya in Mount Hevron. The findings are surprising in light of historical reports about Hasmonean activity to convert the Edomites who lived in the region, in year 112 BCE. The discovery a settlement site from the time of the Hasmonean Kingdom
Ancient Jewish town from Hasmonean period discovered Read More »
Jewish History, Middle East7 years of research yields trove of material about wartime experience A new book was launched on Dec 12 in Shanghai that gives a new Chinese perspective on Jewish refugees in China during World War II. Publication of Jewish Refugees in China (1933-1945): History, Perspective and Chinese Model marked the conclusion of a project sponsored
New book tells stories of Jews sheltered in China Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History[twittervideo:2036113] Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday wished the Jewish people a happy Hanukkah. Hanukkah began at sundown on Tuesday with the lighting of the first candle. “At sunset today, Jewish communities in Canada and around the world will welcome the beginning of Hanukkah – one of the oldest traditions in the world,” said
‘Hanukkah candles remind us that light drowns out darkness’ Read More »
International, Jewish Religion, USABy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — The annual fun is upon us. But for those interested in such things, there’s lots of fuzzy history to contemplate. It’s probably best to ignore all that comes next, to enjoy with the kids and grandchildren, the parties, in Israel the long vacation from school, as well as the gifts
Chanukah in myth and history Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Jewish History, Jewish ReligionWhen you step inside artist Kalman Aron’s modest apartment in Beverly Hills, a lifetime of creation surrounds you. The walls are covered in paintings and finished canvases are stacked on the floors, a dozen deep. The paintings range from portraits to landscapes to abstract works. They’re just a fraction of the roughly 2,000 pieces Aron
For over 90 years, this Holocaust survivor’s art has kept him alive Read More »
International, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, USABy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — Early on in his new book about Yossi Beilin and the failed peace process (English title: The Left-Wing’s Sorrow), Avi Shilon, the historian of modern Israel, makes the point that you cannot remove the religious dimension in seeking to make peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Even if you have
Israel vs. the Diaspora Read More »
International, Jewish Religion, Middle East, USA
© Oliver B. Pollak RICHMOND, California — The November 2016 election rekindled my 1960s haiku habits. I may take the name “17 Syllable human.” An email announced Chabad’s 5 pm Menorah candle lighting at Hilltop Mall in Richmond. Latkes, song, Jews. Tuesday morning another Chabad email stated there would be candle lightings in 798
Shortly after Rabbi Aharon Yehuda Leib Shteinman passed away Tuesday morning at the age of 104, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin marked the passing of the late rabbi in a statement, lauding Rabbi Shteinman”s wisdom and humility, saying that he “gave direction to thousands”. “Our teacher, the brilliant Rabbi Shteiman, was a leader who bore the
‘Rabbi Shteinman carried entire Jewish people on his shoulders’ Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle East, Obituaries & memorials
By Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Tonight begins the festival of Chanukah. It is a time when we celebrate truth about who we are and where we come from. The events which Chanukah commemorate took place more than 2,000 years ago, when the Greek Empire invaded the Land of Israel and conquered Jerusalem.
Judaism’s long history in Jerusalem Read More »
International, Jewish Religion
CHURACHANDPUR, India (Press Release)– Thousands of members of the Bnei Menashe community from across northeastern India gathered today to light candles for the first night of Hanukkah. “The story of the Maccabees’ heroic determination to preserve their Jewish identity resonates strongly with the Bnei Menashe, who – against all odds and with tremendous effort –
Bnei Menashe celebrate Chanukah in India Read More »
International, Jewish ReligionThe head of one of the two rival groups of the staunchly anti-Zionist Satmar Hassidic movement ripped into President Trump for recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital last week. Satmar, known as one of the most dogmatically anti-Zionist Hassidic sects, refuses to recognize the State of Israel and calls on members living in Israel not to
Satmar group slams Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle EastThe Ministerial Legislative Committee approved a government proposal sponsored by Labor and Social Services Minister Haim Katz (Likud) which would allow the minister to define and limit the conditions under which government employees or employees of state-owned entities may be employed on the Sabbath. Under the proposal, the Labor and Social Services Minister would be
‘Shabbat Law’ wins coalition backing Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle EastBy Matt Lebovic An unprecedented world tour of artifacts from Auschwitz-Birkenau premiered in Madrid on December 1, the first stop in a “roving exhibition” about the Nazi death camp where one million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust. With the tagline, “Not long ago. Not far away,” the tour will appear in 14 cities during
Global tour of Auschwitz relics begins seven-year, 14-city journey Read More »
International, Jewish History, USAGil Troy The Union for Reform Judaism is holding its Biennial in Boston this week. I know nothing about their governance procedures, but hope they pass — by acclamation — a resolution supporting President Donald Trump’s move recognizing “Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.” The resolution should affirm: Such a resolution, even if accompanied by
Is Reform Judaism forgetting its Zionism? Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle East, USA