Jewish tradition

Cholent isn't just nostalgic—it's part of halachic tradition. But why must we eat hot food on Shabbat?

Why did this ancient city vanish without a trace? What led to its disappearance from Egyptian culture? Ramses II, the grand king, had millions of slaves build a unique city that his son, Merneptah, later moved away from. Discover the enigma behind these ancient ruins.

When the Sultan's entourage arrived in the morning, they found the tree bent and withered. "What a pity," they thought, "that such a beautiful tree is now ruined. There's no point in using its timber." They went to find another tree for the Sultan. But as soon as they left, the tree sprang back to life, its branches stretching skyward once more.

*Nun* often symbolizes faithfulness and continuity, drawing connections to the soul's eternal journey and resilience against adversity.

Observers would believe history was made in Pharaoh's palaces and that the actions of shepherds in Canaan were irrelevant. But we, the descendants of Abraham, know that sometimes history is written by the solitary individual, isolated from the world, with their impact only realized in the future.

Why are there no camel remains found in ancient sites, despite their usefulness in crossing deserts? This puzzle challenges our understanding of biblical history.

Did you know the Torah scrolls aren't punctuated? So how did people know how to read them back in the day before printed books?

Ever wondered why so many Torah portions end on a somber note? Let's explore why the final chapters brim with blessings and curses, and how this connects to our current lives.

These commandments, which reflect changes in circumstance, seemingly contradict the idea of the eternal nature of the Torah. If the Torah is timeless, why does it change?

The age of the universe, or the time since creation, seems to be a source of tension between science and Jewish tradition. Yet, an exploration of current scientific findings and Talmudic wisdom suggests potential harmony and enrichment between science and the teachings of the Torah.

Discover the intriguing history of ancient synagogues. Join us on a journey to uncover their mysteries and significance.

A jealous Arab merchant persuaded his Jewish friend to disguise himself as a Muslim to enter Kairouan for trade. But as soon as he stepped into the market, the schemer shouted: 'A Jew has entered Kairouan and is defiling the city!' The authorities arrested him and put him in jail awaiting his fate.

The Midrash mentions that the tekhelet was hidden away, leading to a lost knowledge of how to produce tekhelet from the remarkable snail mentioned in the Talmud. Despite various descriptions and clues in the Talmud, the means to locate it have been elusive for generations.

Following historical events, a group known as the Sadducees emerged, challenging the authority of the traditional sages. They demanded proof that their interpretation was incorrect.

Impurity typically stems from negative things—death, insects, disease. But childbirth? A pure Jewish child is born into the world. Why impurity?

An intriguing insight from Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky suggests women with specific conditions can consult a female Kohen. The Torah doesn't limit these decisions to male Kohanim, opening fascinating discussions about gender roles in ancient rituals.

Was Pharaoh circumcised? Discover 3 surprising tidbits about the ruler of Egypt according to the tales of the sages.

"People don't realize the effort invested in growing fine etrogs," claims veteran grower Rabbi Nahum Luria. In an engaging conversation, he reveals the life of an etrog grower.

Together with the Written Torah, Moses received the Oral Torah, including the Mishnah, Talmud, and Agadah, as well as contemporary Torah insights. All were given from Above.

Shashi Keshet looks back with great satisfaction, sharing the significant events that transformed his life: the eternal longing for his parents, the friend lost on the battlefield, and the privilege of continuing the generational chain of the Jewish people.