Sukkot Blessing at the Western Wall

{image_1}It was estimated that from 70,000 to 100,000 people came to the Kotel (Western Wall) in October to participate in, or to watch the traditional Sukkot [Feast of Tabernacles] “Blessing of the Cohenim” [or Priestly Blessing as instructed in Numbers 6:22–27].

Israel: World’s 6th Healthiest Country

{image_1}Israeli breakfasts—eggs, salad, cheeses, juice—are known for their freshness and nutrition. According to a new report, it would seem that by starting the day on a healthy kick, Israelis tend to veer toward a strong lifestyle.

You Want Fanatics to Have Nuclear Weapons?

FROM THE VOICE OF REASON

{image_1}Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was asked whether he believed a “containment strategy” would work on Iran, as was done with the Soviet Union in its time. Netanyahu responded: “I think Iran is very different. They put their zealotry above survival; they have suicide bombers all over the place. I wouldn't rely on their rationality…

Immigrants Helping Immigrants

{image_1}Many times over the years, we have published articles on the immigration of Ethiopian Jews, also called Falashas. The stories of how they arrived back in the 1980s and ‘90s are some of the most dramatic and amazing in the history of Jewish immigration. But their struggles do not end upon arrival. Coming from a strong tribal culture into a technological, modern nation has been extremely challenging.

Numbers are Important

{image_1}When you pick up a newspaper in Israel, you will see two dates on the cover: the Gregorian date and the Hebrew date. The biblical Hebrew calendar is not the same as the one most of the world uses today, but rather a lunar calendar based on the movements of the moon in which each month has 30 days. In modern day Israel, the lunar Hebrew calendar is still used alongside the more familiar Gregorian.

Christian Leaders Declare Solidarity with Israel

{image_1}Among the thousands who went up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles in October were 25 Christian parliamentarians from all over the globe. This unique group of lawmakers attended a landmark three-day leadership conference sponsored by the International Israel Allies Caucus Foundation (IIACF), and Bridges for Peace was honored with an invitation to participate.

Prepare!–kun

{image_1}Sometimes, a single word can be found to describe a current reality or even an entire period in history. Such is the case today in Israel where one word seems to be on the lips of everyone: prepare. As storm clouds gather on the horizon, much attention is being given to the concept of preparation, on virtually every level of society.

Reacting to Chemicals: The Other Weapons of Mass Destruction

{image_1}They have already been the impetus for a war in the Middle East. They have been sought by ruthless regimes. And, they have caused serious and real concern across the world. But they aren’t nuclear in nature. No, these are other weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), and they have already been unleashed on the Middle East region.

Burial Stone Uncovered

{image_1}A basalt burial stone with an embossed image of a man was unearthed during this summer’s 13th season of digging at Susita-Hippos, which overlooks the east side of the Sea of Galilee.

The Pros and Cons of Striking Iran

{image_1}An American strike on Iran could delay the Islamic Republic's nuclear program by four years; an Israeli strike could delay it by two, whereas a military operation could lead to an all-out war in the Middle East, unite citizens in Iran, and widen gaps between the Western and Islamic worlds, a recent report published by the “Iran Project” revealed.

Schools Drilling Distance-learning Paths

{image_1}Preparing for Iranian reaction to a possible nuclear attack? The Education Ministry directed primary schools across Israel to practice online distance-learning in order to prepare for a drastic happening such as war or an earthquake.

Face-lift for Lions Gate

{image_1}A large part of the Israel Antiquities Authority’s job is the work of conservation. Over the past five years, they have been working meticulously to conserve and rehabilitate the gates and walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, one of the most important monuments in Jerusalem. The latest is the impressive Lions Gate in the eastern wall, which was badly in need of repair.