All Articles Fromיהוסף יעבץ

If the Crusaders made the grave error of not settling the land and instead residing in mighty fortresses, then the Mamluks made the opposite mistake. They were so concerned about foreign control that they destroyed the fortresses and ports, crippling trade and defense.

The Crusaders were formidable warriors, but their failure to settle the land turned victory into defeat. When a nation rules but doesn't settle, it struggles to maintain control and can be easily ousted.

As Nazi leader Fritz Kuhn began his speech, a bold young man suddenly stormed the stage, seizing the microphone to denounce Hitler and the Nazis in front of 20,000 fervent followers... That man was Isidore Greenbaum, a 26-year-old Jew from Brooklyn.

During the 18th century, Corfu etrogim gained prominence. Corfu, an agricultural island in western Greece, saw the potential in marketing etrogim to the Jewish diaspora, investing significantly in etrog groves, which were considered especially beautiful and thus highly esteemed.

Despite the strong Muslim presence in the region during this period, a significant population decline began in the late seventh century. Once fertile lands like the Negev became barren, a state that persists to this day.

Jews once thriving in major cities were forced out, finding new homes and livelihoods in the Pale of Settlement towns. Established families were shuffled from one settlement to another based on arbitrary bureaucratic maps. The allocation of Jews in these regions was impractical and inefficient.

Why does Moses repeat these curses? Wasn't it enough to mention them previously? How does this connect to the opening, "You are standing today," and to those who say, "Peace will be mine even as I follow my own path"?

From Byzantines to the British, historical conquerors could never fully settle the land of Israel, leaving it desolate until the return of the Jewish people.

A century ago, the outlook for premature babies was bleak. Considered lost causes, no efforts were made to save them. Enter Michael Coney, a Jewish man who turned this perception on its head.

Exploring ancient Hittite laws sheds light on the biblical narrative of Abraham's acquisition of the Cave of Machpelah. What seems peculiar at first glance—all the discussions, negotiations, and rituals—actually aligns with the customs of the time.

Moments before the chaos, a mail carriage arrived carrying a letter from Emperor Leopold II himself. Sent from the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, the letter held the police chief of Bamberg personally accountable for any harm to the Jews.

Thanks to an ancient Egyptian custom, we can learn a lot about the peoples of the Middle East at that time. Astonishingly, among the names are those of three families that seemed to have greatly angered the Egyptians, meriting a string of curses... These families are: Tavach, Tachas, and Maacah.

The ship was filled with emaciated people, left without food. Nazi officials debated whether to keep them as bargaining chips or simply sink the ship to "dispose" of the human cargo without leaving many traces.

Once fierce adversaries of Israel, the Philistines ultimately vanished from history during the reign of King David. Explore their origins, their conflict with the Israelites, and how peace was eventually achieved.

Few know the profound influence Torah laws had on the founders and lawmakers of the United States over the years. Some founding fathers even envisioned the Torah as the official law book of the new nation.

Amidst the chaos in Lebanon, Muslims and Druze gathered forces to attack Maronite villages, leaving devastation in their wake. Christians in Syria were similarly besieged. But how did Jews come to the aid of their Christian neighbors in this turbulent time, and what motivated their involvement?

A French man deeply desired to convert to Judaism, guided and mentored by a rabbi who ultimately saw a different purpose for him. This rabbinical guidance, combined with the role he embraced, transformed the life of this man, Aime Palliere, into one of the intriguing spiritual adventures of the 20th century.

Every good thing has its conditions and limits. When someone buys a new car or gadget, the first thing they should do is read the safety instructions, which contain many intimidating warnings. However, these are simply guidelines on how to maximize and enjoy the new device without damaging it or jeopardizing the user.

The Hurva Synagogue stands as a central landmark in Jerusalem's Old City. Why is it named so, and who was Rabbi Judah the Pious?

Who were the holy martyrs of Uman? Why is Rabbi Nachman buried in Uman instead of his hometown, Breslov?