Jewish history

Sometimes, parting with jewelry wasn't about mitzvahs, but rather necessity—paying taxes. Our ancestors in the Diaspora faced constant taxes, each time under a new pretext. Just as they earned a few coins, a new order demanded yet another tax.

The Torah mentions woven gold threads along with hammered gold. How were these threads created?

Picture Rabbi Shabtai leading the Shabbat melodies, with Prague’s most esteemed joining in, three centuries ago. But what if you could actually hear it today?

About 300 years ago, a letter from Constantinople reached Jerusalem, detailing fashion do's and don'ts for Jews. What prompted this letter and who was behind it?

We're all familiar with the renowned story of Choni HaMa'agal and his miraculous prayer for rain after a severe drought. However, could it be that Choni was murdered? If so, by whom and when?

Around 350 years ago, a young Jewish girl kept an autobiographical historical diary describing her life from childhood in the Jewish communities where she lived. Her writings vividly capture Jewish community life in Western Europe, offering a fascinating historical perspective on the events of that era.

Why were pomegranates included on the robe? What surprising discovery was made during excavations in Jerusalem's City of David?

In the early settlement sites of the Israelites, a massive public structure shaped... like a foot has been discovered. Why the unique design?

The Torah recounts the sin of the Golden Calf at Mount Sinai. How did the Israelites live their daily lives back then? Did they leave behind any travel journals?

Around 150 years ago, Thomas Edison invented the phonograph, a predecessor to the record player. This device could record and play back human voices, causing much intrigue and wonder at the time.

Decades after the execution of nine Jews in Iraq, Joyce Sason recalls those dark days, her father-in-law's imprisonment, and her great-grandfather, the Ben Ish Chai.

The Hasmoneans, upon becoming wealthy, crafted a grand three-cubit golden Menorah, adorned as described in the Torah. This symbol of the Temple and the Jewish people has a rich history. But where is it now?

Irena Sendler was a social worker in Warsaw who began smuggling children out of the ghetto. The Gestapo suspected her, but they couldn't prove anything. They tortured her, but she didn't break. Faced with execution, her life took an unexpected turn.

The Chafetz Chaim, renowned for guarding his speech, once stepped out of character with a warning to a fellow Jew. What led to this unprecedented moment?

Was Pharaoh really a little man with a big heart issue? While we haven't uncovered Pharaoh's entire medical history, we're certainly intrigued by his legendary stature.

We've given up on Pharaoh from the Exodus story, as he refused to understand anything despite all the plagues. But what about his son?

How did Rabbi Akiva know about a centuries-old tunnel beneath the graves, and what was its purpose? Discover the details.

Discover how ancient ovens shaped Talmudic discussions and their stark contrast to modern technology.

In Greek times, Egypt retained bitter memories of the Hyksos, who once conquered and humiliated the land. When asked about the Israelites, some mixed the stories: 'Of course, a cruel people once ruled us. What were they called? Hyksos, right?'

In a fascinating discovery in Egypt, an ancient palace was found with significant markings of the number 12. Its main hall is supported by 12 pillars, with 12 prominent tombstones in the burial complex. Could this be Joseph's palace, marking the 12 tribes of Israel?