Dispatch from Jerusalem

A Peculiar Treasure—Segulah

{image_1} Segulah is used eight times in the Hebrew Scriptures. Six of those times, it refers to Israel (Exod. 19:5; Deut. 7:6, 14:2, 26:18; Ps. 135:4; Mal. 3:17). It is translated in various Bible versions as peculiar treasure, special treasure, or treasured possession. One commentator defined it as “property in the special sense of a private possession that one personally acquired and carefully preserves.” Rabbi Sheldon Marder, on MyJewishLearning.com, gives Rabbi Hirsch’s definition (19th-century) as an “exclusive possession to which no one else except its owner is entitled and which has no relationship to anyone except its owner.”

Iran Won’t “Retreat One Iota”!

{image_1}Iran’s president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said his country would not “retreat one iota” in its nuclear activities. In his first reaction to a new call by envoys from the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations for Tehran to end uranium enrichment within two weeks or face possible new sanctions, the hard-line leader said: “The Iranian people are steadfast” and they “will not retreat one iota in the face of oppressing powers.”

Rabbi Finds His “Righteous Gentile”

{image_1} Tel Aviv Chief Rabbi Meir Lau was reportedly deeply moved as he told how the identity had recently been discovered of a man who helped save his life during the Holocaust 63 years ago. Lau, formerly chief rabbi of Israel, told Israel Radio that while he had known the first name of his 18-year-old rescuer, Fyodor, he had not known his family name of Michajlitschenko, a name that was only uncovered during a search of hitherto inaccessible Nazi records.

Israel Warns Russia!

{image_1} It is rare to read a headline that says, “Israel warns Russia!” Recent reports suggesting that Russia is on the verge of selling the advanced electronic warfare S-300 anti-aircraft missile system to Iran caused Israel to threaten to neutralize the S-300 and its salability.

Living in Bible Times

By Cheryl Hauer, International Development Director

{image_1} One of the most common statements uttered by Christians as they explore the Land of Israel is, “It would have been so wonderful to have been here during Bible times.” Their minds are filled with first-century images of quaint villages in the Galilee, the mighty Temple in Jerusalem, and eager crowds gathering to listen as itinerant rabbis preach from hillsides—definitely “Bible times” images. But those images are no more so than the exciting and diverse sights and sounds that are everyday life in this remarkable nation today.

Israeli Wave Energy in China

{image_1}Israeli company S.D.E. Energy, developer of an innovative technology for generating electricity from sea waves, has signed an agreement for selling sea wave power plants in China. Construction of the power plants will be financed by investors from Hong Kong and China. Two joint venture companies will build an initial model in southern China. If successful, it will launch the establishment of sea wave power plants throughout China.

Yom Kippur Traditions

{image_1} Each of the biblical feasts has a symbolic food associated with it—even Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), the most severe fast of the year. A pre-fast feast helps worshippers make it through the 25-hour fast, which is observed much like a Shabbat (Sabbath) meal, except it is eaten before sundown. Table linens and clothing are white to symbolize the hope of sins forgiven. The best dishes are used, two candles are lit, and blessings over the wine and bread are recited. Sometimes the bread is decorated with birds to remind them that just as birds fly, so their prayers will rise quickly and be answered.

Hamas Successfully Rearming

{image_1} Shin Bet Director Yuval Diskin painted a bleak picture of recent occurrences in Gaza and East Jerusalem during a government meeting. “Since the ceasefire began, four tons of explosives have been transferred into the Strip for Hamas, as well as 50 anti-tank missiles, light arms, and materials for Kassam manufacture—metal rods and gunpowder,” he said. “Most of the smuggling is taking place by land, through tunnels. Hamas has taken control of the tunnels in the area. There is Egyptian action aimed to prevent the smuggling, but there have been no special reports lately.”

Germans and Israelis dig together

{image_1} There were some 50 German theology students digging at the site, led by Professor Dr. Manfred Oeming. In addition to excavating at the site, the students attended academic lectures and went on tours to important religious and historical sites around Israel, including the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem.

Hamas Demands 1,000 for Shalit

{image_1}Gilad Shalit, a young Israeli soldier, was kidnapped in August of 2006 and is being held captive at an undisclosed location while Hamas negotiates with Israel for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for his release.