Today is recognized as the fast of Esther. This was a fast called in preparation to go into the King of Persia and reveal Haman’s plot against the Jews. Having heard of this evil plot and of Esther’s initial hesitation to go before the King, her kinsman, Mordecai, sent word to her saying: “Do not […]
I have long felt that in many respects the body of Messiah is, in a manner of speaking, reliving the 1st century. Specifically, as we are reintroduced to the roots of our faith, and the discovery of just what it really means to be “in Messiah” questions arise. How do we do this? Should we […]
Today is the 11th day of the second Adar and you might be noticing, depending on where you live, that Spring is upon us or it’s just right around the corner. If you are looking outside and there’s still snow on the ground, just hold on – Spring is on the way. For many, that […]
It was on this day in 1862 that the U.S. Congress amended the Chaplaincy Laws, thus permitting Jewish clergymen to serve as Army Chaplains. While it could be justifiably argued that this adjustment had been a long time coming, the United States had, when compared to a lot of their European contemporaries, always acknowledged the […]
It was on this day in 1938 that the German Army marched into and occupied Austria. In celebration of their victory, they decided to launch numerous attacks on about 200,000 Jews. Why? Simply put; because they were Jews. Sadly, the adversary has found others in our time who, like the Nazis, seek to satisfy a […]
It was on this day in 1943 that over 4,000 Jews of Thrace were seized by Nazis and deported to Treblinka and Auschwitz. These Jews included inhabitants of the island of Samothracia, most all of whom were exterminated upon arrival at the death camps. One week later, over 7,000 Jews of Macedonia were rounded up […]
It was on this day in the year 1240 that copies of the Talmud possessed by the Jews of France were confiscated by the Church and ultimately destroyed by fire. Book burning seems to have been a popular past time in Europe throughout the ages. We say that because, as we know from recent history, […]
For centuries, the people of God have debated whether or not we are obligated to keep the commandments that were written by Moses in the Torah. Obviously there are some that should be kept by all people – “You shall not murder,” for example. But are the other instructions solely for the Jewish people or […]
It was on this day in 1957 that Israeli forces, bowing to international pressures, withdrew from the Gaza Strip and the Sharm El Sheikh area along the Gulf of Aqaba. This was the first such withdrawal because, as we know, the IDF had to re-enter the Gaza Strip in the Six-Day War in June of […]
Not too long ago we mentioned how Israel, assembled at the foot of Mt. Sinai, grew impatient at Moses’ delayed return from the top of the mountain. They eventually coerced Aaron into taking their gold and using it to fashion a Golden Calf. “Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the […]
As Jacob was preparing to cross into the land of Canaan to face his brother and chief nemesis, Esau, the Bible tells us that he was greatly distressed and afraid. In his defense, there was ample reason to be concerned; Esau was bringing 400, presumably armed, men with him to meet Jacob, After petitioning God […]
Today is the 30th day of Adar, the last day of the first month, Adar and tomorrow will mark the beginning of the new month, Adar Shini, or Adar II. The beginning of the month, in Hebrew, is called Rosh Chodesh (“Head of the month”) and is typically every 28 to 30 days, depending on […]
