All Articles Fromיהוסף יעבץ

The Chabad dance at the end of a gathering or during Simchat Torah is known as the "Star Dance": Two chassidim place a hand on each other's shoulders, while the rest position their hands on the "bridge" formed—on either side. The "star" spins to the beat and the rhythm of foot stomps.

Rabbi Samuel married his learned daughter to Rabbi Jacob Mizrahi, a top student, on the condition that Asenath would continue studying Torah, not engage in household chores.

When King Gunthar of France took the throne, the Jewish community extended a dignified welcome. Yet, he responded with curses, immediately intensifying restrictions against them.

One morning, two Jewish brothers named Chanilai and Chananiah were late for work. The foreman punished them with brutal lashes. The brothers, resourceful and courageous, fought back—against the Persian Empire!

"Are you Giovanni Pettito? Come with us," they ordered. Confused, he followed. They demanded he pack his things and took him to Damascus Airport. Giovanni was expelled from the country. What was the crime of such an archaeologist and scholar?

Professor Samuel Lebens' lecture brought the idea of religious faith as a serious and legitimate topic to discuss, not merely an object to analyze. At the University of Haifa, such an approach is still rare.

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!"

When Moulay sought funds from wealthy Jews to battle his father, the sultan, and was refused, his revenge was to wage war on the Jewish community upon gaining power.

Aaron was commanded in Parshat Behaalotcha to light the Menorah in the Tabernacle, morning and evening. While we often picture the Menorah with curved branches, was that its true appearance?

The Rabbi warned of the consequences he'd face if he questioned Christianity, where even questioning it could be a death sentence. How did this debate unfold with such high stakes?

One morning, Rabbi Kalonymus found a manuscript on his desk, known back then as a "Kuntres." Flipping through it, he discovered an incredible idea—a commentary on the Talmud! Although unaware of the author, Rabbi Kalonymus began using the Kuntres that very day to teach the Talmud.

When anti-Semitic sentiment flared, even the nobility couldn't resist. The Jews of Blois faced horrific consequences as injustice and greed took center stage.

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."

Another intriguing expression still used today originates from the Mishnah: 'He placed his money on the deer's antlers.' This means he's risking his funds. But what does this have to do with a deer's antlers?

The Israelites were counted through the half-shekel contributions they offered. These half-shekels from 603,550 individuals amounted to a hundred talents of silver, and from these talents, the Tabernacle's sockets were crafted. The challenge begins when one attempts to calculate the size of these sockets.

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...

For three years, the contents of the scrolls were unknown. Opening them with force would have destroyed them. Eventually, suitable technology was found, but deciphering the text remained challenging.

The concept of 'Flavor Equals Substance' often symbolizes a deep examination of a topic, but its origins lie in a fascinating Jewish legal principle.

While many are familiar with the "Lenin Volga-Don Canal" in Russia, few realize it's the backdrop of a captivating historical connection between East and West that led to the conversion of the enigmatic Khazar kingdom to Judaism.

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.