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The Birth of the American Jewish Book
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, we set out on a journey through the books that accompanied the growth of American Jewry – from small communities that depended on volumes shipped from Europe, to a bible translated into the language of Native American tribes, the earliest books printed in Hebrew in America, and the emergence of one of the world’s major centers of Jewish publishing.
Rosh Hashanah
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From Portugal, to Aleppo, to Jerusalem
Created on the eve of a community’s destruction, the Lisbon Mahzor survived the horrors of persecution and expulsion, and then wandered the world as one of the few surviving treasures of a rare religious and artistic tradition. At some point along the war, its three volumes were separated. Only recently, thanks to the efforts of the National Library of Israel, have all three been reunited in Jerusalem, and now they have even been joyfully rejoined in digital form.
Hank Greenberg’s Rosh Hashanah Dilemma
Ninety years ago, American baseball star Hank Greenberg played on the Jewish New Year holiday, even hitting two home runs, but later sat out Yom Kippur
“And Charity Will Save From Death”: How Rabbi Akiva’s Daughter Saved Her Own Life
The stargazers predicted that Rabbi Akiva’s daughter would be bitten by a poisonous snake on her wedding day. The great sage now faced a cruel question: How to contend with such a prophecy? The Talmud tells of his choice, and how his daughter ultimately saved herself, unlike a certain Sleeping Beauty…
The Story of Israel Told Through Rosh Hashanah Greeting Cards
There was a time when Israeli greeting cards designed to celebrate the Jewish New Year were the most common mail item in the country. These charming postcards expressed the sentiments of their time in every Jewish home in Israel and in Jewish communities around the world
Yom Kippur
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Forgive, Don’t Forget: A History of Jewish Forgiveness
Today, we live in a world in which asking for and receiving forgiveness – even without any significant price to pay – is accepted, natural, and almost taken for granted. But is this gift really inevitable? A look at some of the earliest instances of wrongs and sins being forgiven in Jewish history can teach us a great deal about the nature of forgiveness, and about its delicate place along the vast spectrum between forgetting and punishment.
From Portugal, to Aleppo, to Jerusalem
Created on the eve of a community’s destruction, the Lisbon Mahzor survived the horrors of persecution and expulsion, and then wandered the world as one of the few surviving treasures of a rare religious and artistic tradition. At some point along the war, its three volumes were separated. Only recently, thanks to the efforts of the National Library of Israel, have all three been reunited in Jerusalem, and now they have even been joyfully rejoined in digital form.
My White Dress: Why Do Jews Wear White on Holidays?
During the holiday season, most of us will likely arrive at synagogue or at the family meal dressed in white, praying that no red wine or beet juice gets sprayed on our dresses and shirts. In fact, some Jewish men will be showing up at synagogue wearing a striking white robe – an introduction to the “kittel”.
The Mystery of the Jewish Soldier Who Fell on Yom Kippur, 1944
Two prayer books with some oddly intriguing labels have revealed a fascinating story involving an American Jewish soldier killed during a failed WWII operation. This story begins in Manhattan, 81 years ago. It ends at the National Library of Israel…
American Jewry
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Sid Gillman: Innovator and Star Jewish NFL Coach
Gillman succeeded at both the collegiate and professional levels of American football, with his innovative methods inspiring others and bringing greater excitement to the game.
September 11, 25 Years Later: “A Moment of Collective Trauma”
When reflecting on the most lethal terrorist attacks ever to take place in the United States, the parallels with Israel’s own recent history come into focus.
Recalling the March on Washington and a Pilgrimage That Never Was
American civil-rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King was a supporter of Zionism, who even planned to lead a delegation to Israel and hold a service near the Sea of Galilee.
The Birth of the American Jewish Book
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, we set out on a journey through the books that accompanied the growth of American Jewry – from small communities that depended on volumes shipped from Europe, to a bible translated into the language of Native American tribes, the earliest books printed in Hebrew in America, and the emergence of one of the world’s major centers of Jewish publishing.
History of Israel
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Between Seoul and Jerusalem
Each summer, South Korea marks its independence and the end of its pivotal war. Early on, Israel worked to bring peace to the far-away land.
Recognizing Israel: Harry Truman’s Historic Decision
President Truman’s call in May of 1948 could have gone another way, with most of his top advisors objecting to recognition of the Jewish State. Today, the National Library of Israel houses several historic artifacts from the momentous occasion.
When the Historian Said “No” to Ben-Gurion
Historian Jacob Talmon admired Israel’s founding prime minister and hoped to immortalize him in the work of a lifetime. But when the controversial Lavon Affair came to represent, in his eyes, a threat to Israeli democracy, the scholar who had built his reputation studying the dangers of political absolutism put down his pen, turned against his hero, and launched a public campaign that would shake one of the most fascinating intellectual relationships in Israeli history.
When Israel’s “Queen of the Kitchen” Was Named Yacov
In 1969, with Golda Meir serving as prime minister, the men of Haifa decided it was only fair to reclaim the kitchen. Meet Yacov Lishansky: military governor, gas station owner, and the first man ever to be crowned Israel’s “Queen of the Kitchen.” This is a story of mullet fish, royal aprons, and shakshuka cooked under fire along the Suez Canal.
Lives Lost: The Works of the October 7 Fallen
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David’s Light Still Shines
“To be able to have coffee whenever we want” – that was how David Meir, of blessed memory, defined economic independence. He worked to help those around him gain financial literacy. David grew up in the community of Kochav HaShachar, founded by his parents, and served in the IDF’s elite Sayeret Matkal unit. On October 7, he was among the first to reach the Gaza border communities and was killed in battle at Kibbutz Be’eri. A special edition of the book “The Psychology of Money” has now been released in his memory.
A Musical Gift Left Behind: Remembering Guy Illouz
Guy Illouz, 26, was carving a career in the music business. Hamas terrorists shot Illouz at the Nova festival and kidnapped him to Gaza. Illouz died there of his wounds.
Remembering Yonatan Richter
Yonatan (Shafik) Richter was an exceptional person. He lived a life full of practical achievements as well as great spiritual awareness, the kind of life that can serve as an inspiration to us all. He was a family man with a thriving career who also sought greater meaning and hoped to share his insights with others. On October 7 2023, he volunteered as a mental health supporter at the Nova festival, where his life was cut short.
Hannah Kritzman: The Storyteller of Kibbutz Be’eri
At age 15, Hannah Kritzman ran away from home to Kibbutz Be’eri, where she became a beloved preschool teacher and founded the local children’s library. 73 years later, on October 7, after spending hours hiding with her caregiver in her safe room, Hannah was shot by a Hamas terrorist, just as the two were being rescued. The memoir she completed shortly before her death offers us a glimpse of what a wonderful woman she was.
Life on the Border: A Tribute to the Communities of the Gaza Border Region
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The Lovers’ Garden of Kibbutz Nir Oz
A 50-year-old news article illuminates the deep bond between Oded and Yocheved Lifshitz from Nir Oz, who nurtured not only their love but also a unique and remarkable garden in their kibbutz. Both were abducted from their home on October 7, and now Yocheved waits for her beloved Oded’s return.
When the Farhud Came to Be’eri: October 7 and the Legacy of an Iraqi Pogrom
“We made Aliyah from Iraq to Israel so that Arabs wouldn’t be able to enter Jewish homes and murder us,” said Kibbutz Be’eri members who survived the pogrom known as the Farhud. In Be’eri, founded in part by Iraqi immigrants, there is a monument to the victims of the Farhud, suffered by the Jews of Iraq over 80 years ago. They couldn’t know that years later, their children and grandchildren would face a similar horror – but this time, in the Jewish state.
Nir Oz Will Blossom Again: The Story of a Legendary Kibbutz Gardener
In the early days, members of Kibbutz Nir Oz suffered from terrible sandstorms that made it difficult to move, see and even eat. Ran Pauker, the kibbutz’s legendary landscaper, was called to solve the problem, and along the way, Nir Oz became a green, ecological gem. When asked about the future of the kibbutz that suffered a fatal blow on October 7 – he says the vegetation will be restored within a year, as for the community: “We’ll have to wait and see”
We Shall Return: The Spirit of Kibbutz Nirim Will Prevail
“We shall return” – these were the words printed in Hebrew on t-shirts made by the survivors of Kibbutz Nirim. These words embody a history of heroism, pioneering, culture and Zionism which should serve as a model for all of us. Kibbutz Nirim, founded in 1946, faced a desperate battle for its very existence just two years afterwards. It survived then and survives now thanks to the unique spirit of its members.
The Man Who’s Been Documenting the People of Ofakim Since October 7
Nadav Mishali founded the cinematheque in the southern Israeli city of Ofakim. His personal story is bound up with that of the city itself and its brave and exceptional residents. Mishali has now taken on an even bigger mission – to document the stories of hardship and heroism that took place in Ofakim on Saturday, October 7, 2023
