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.
The Continuing Evolution of Tisha B’Av
Over the centuries, the most somber day in the Hebrew calendar has become associated with different tragedies across Jewish history. It is a process that still continues.
Shavuot: The Biblical Festivus
You might think Shavuot has a set date on the Jewish calendar – but think again. The holiday’s timing has long been the subject of debate, a dispute that once split the Jewish people. So who won, and why? And what does any of this have to do with Frank Costanza and “Seinfeld”?
The Passover Seder as Live Action Role Playing
Is it any surprise that the Passover Seder is essentially the world’s oldest Jewish role-playing game, predating “Dungeons & Dragons” by millennia? How did the Sages of yore get us to joyfully participate in Jewish rituals, and what does all this have to do with mutual scallion whippings?
Who Knows One? The Arrival of the Moss Haggadah
A unique Haggadah crafted by American-Israeli artist David Moss four decades ago joins the National Library of Israel’s collection.
Celebrating Hanukkah in Times of Danger
The light of the Hanukkah candles shining through our windows is one of the most important aspects of the holiday, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. Yet, there have been moments in Jewish history when even lighting candles posed a danger to Jewish communities around the world. Over the centuries, how have Jews coped when the simple act of lighting the menorah put them at risk?
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”.
Tu B’Av, the Jewish Valentine’s Day
“There’s nothing in the world I’d rather do than helping people find love,” says a matchmaker
Embracing the Light of Hanukkah
Jewish pride is exemplified annually in the tradition of lighting the hanukkiah candles, but the Hanukkah story itself is actually full of themes of concealment and hiddenness. So why is Hanukkah celebrated with this self-confident display of our Judaism and why is this practice so very important, especially in dark times like these, when Hanukkah will be celebrated amidst a backdrop of Jewish suffering and war.
What a Load of Kreplach!
Kreplach are small dumplings made with minced meat, chopped vegetables, and often a layer of cabbage leaf… and no one likes them! So why do we eat these little dumplings each Sukkot? Where did the tradition come from? And is it really important enough to ruin our chicken soup for?
