Jerusalem

Discover how Shoshana Bechar left Paris for Israel, found her connection to Judaism, and experienced a life-changing journey during a time of war.

Judith Fresnd's journey from a secular life in a Galilean village to embracing Jewish traditions in her Jerusalem home is a testament to the twists of fate.

Many are familiar with the iconic 'Lions Gate' in Jerusalem, but few know the true story behind its bold lion figures. Did King Solomon place them there? Not exactly.

In the 1870s, members of Jerusalem's old yishuv made significant strides in agricultural settlements under the guidance of prominent rabbis, particularly the leadership of Rabbi Yehoshua Leib Diskin.

One fateful night, Aharon Hershler faced a band of robbers led by a notorious thief named Abu Isa. He courageously fought them off but was fatally shot when Abu Isa feared Aharon recognized him and could inform the authorities.

On his 1839 visit, Moses Montefiore envisioned leasing land from Egypt's ruler to develop Jewish agricultural settlements in what is now Israel. Discover his ambitious plans for 200 villages!

Once a thriving Jewish community with 300-400 families in Jerusalem faced heavy taxes and persecution, making expansion difficult. Despite this, dedicated efforts by Jerusalem's Jewish residents attracted scholars and fueled a renaissance in nearby Safed during a time of relative peace.

Judith Montefiore, the wife of Sir Moses Montefiore, was a remarkable woman in her own right. Her contributions to the Jewish community were as significant as her husband's.

King Agrippa arrived on Tisha B'Av, leading 3,000 troops to suppress the rebellion but was defeated. Roman soldiers in the fortresses around Jerusalem were slaughtered. The king's palace and archives were burned. By Tu B'Av, the zealots had triumphed.

Florus decided to provoke a revolt by force. He arrived at the gates of Jerusalem, where the city's dignitaries came to greet him, only to be trampled by his soldiers' horses. In 'response', he claimed the Jerusalem leaders had insulted him and demanded their surrender.

Herod watched from the sidelines, horrified. Could it be that the stubborn Jews want to make Aristobulus king and depose him?

Herod sheltered his family in the stronghold of Masada while Antigonus laid siege. Escaping yet again, Herod aligned with the Roman legion to capture Jerusalem.

*Tuvia* heard that in Padua, Italy, Jews aren't discriminated against, and he could earn a doctorate there. He traveled, completed his studies, and even received medical certification. At the same time, he was offered the position of personal physician to Ottoman Sultan Mehmed IV, and he accepted.

Over the years, archaeological evidence has emerged for each part of the biblical story. In 1830, Sennacherib's Prism was discovered in his palace at Nineveh, detailing his campaign in the land of Judah.

Defying the prevailing Christian Byzantine disdain for Jews, the Empress Eudocia showed respect and kindness. A Jewish delegation requested her to overturn the Roman-imposed ban on entering Jerusalem, and she graciously agreed.

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

As the cantor brings out the Torah scroll and the congregation accompanies him to the bimah, an unexpected dramatic moment unfolds when an unknown woman interrupts: "I won't let you read the Torah!"

As his family relocated to London, David Sassoon began amassing rare manuscripts from across the globe. With his resources and connections, he successfully acquired a vast and impressive collection of manuscripts, which gradually became known as the "Sassoon Collection."

Rabbi Pesach was puzzled and reflected on his actions. The old community of Jerusalem lived in poverty, in small apartments, sustained by minor trading or charity, with little more than a bed, table, and some vegetables in their homes...

As she stood before the wall adorned with colorful tourist graffiti, a young Arab boy tugged her sleeve. He chipped away a piece of the massive stone and offered it to her for ten Jordanian liras.