Aug 18, 2008

While scrolling through the Apple App store (on iTunes), I came across a really cool iPhone app called iBlessing that helps beginners in Hebrew learn to recite the correct prayer over their meal (as praying over bread is apparently different then praying over meat). Once the screen loads up, all a user has to do is touch one of the food items on the table and...

Jul 9, 2008

(Hat Tip: Israel National News and IsRealli, Image Credit: Haaretz.com) It looks as if the Israeli Knesset has voted in a new holiday to honor the Ethiopian Jews, many who made aliyah towards the Jewish state. (Ynet News) The Knesset plenum decided to formally add the Ethiopian Sigd holiday to the list of State holidays, and will be holding an annual state...

Apr 22, 2008

It looks as if China’s Jewish community was able to finally celebrate a wedding in an ancient synagogue that had been closed since the days of World War Two. (Haaretz.com) A glass was smashed, and a cheer went up. After months of careful negotiations with the Chinese government, Shanghai’s Jewish community celebrated a revival last month as a...

Apr 20, 2008

Whether you reside in the holy land or elsewhere, I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Passover over the next week. In the meantime, here is a questionnaire from Aish.com to test your depth of this holy festival. Note: For those of you still looking for some kosher news regarding Israel, I’ll be posting some more stories throughout the week. Of...

This is probably something that you do not hear about everyday! It looks as if a Muslim Mosque located A-Taibeh, Israel has decided to celebrate the Jewish states existence by repainting itself to reflect the nation’s national colors. (Israel Hasbara Committee) In a gesture to Israel and its 60th anniversary the residents of the Galilee Israeli-Arab...

It looks as if Russia (a country that is slowly opening up to Israel) may build a Jewish Synagogue/community center as part of its plans in hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics. (Israel National News) Sochi, a city of 400,000 people, is located on the Black Sea. “We love Russia and the city in which we live, and bless the state corporation…for the...

Feb 25, 2008

(Image Credit: Menorah.com) Its not everyday that one hears about a Neo Nazi leaving their previous psychotic ideals for something better, let alone the Jewish faith. But it looks like one man, after discovering his Kosher roots, decided he could no longer fight the very thing he once pledge to destroy. (Ha’aretz) Before learning about his Jewish roots,...

Nov 14, 2007

Haredi (or Orthodox Jews) are one of the few Israeli citizens exempt from mandatory service within the Israeli defense forces (or IDF). While most Israeli’s are expected to serve within the military, Orthodox Jews are often given the option to abstain in order to continue their religious studies. Despite the above option afforded to them, it seems as if...

Aug 27, 2007

(Image: Pope Benedict XVI, Credit: Wikipedia) It looks as if Shimon Peres is going to have an audience with the Pope this upcoming September 9th (ironically on the same day Jerusalem is having a rock concert). One wonders what questions he will have for Pope Benedict XVI. (Israel National News) Israeli President Shimon Peres is scheduled to meet with Pope...

Jul 17, 2007

(Image: Modi’in City, Credit: JTA.org) In a surprise move, it looks as if the Reform Jewish community is actually encouraging their members to take a second glance at Israeli life. Previously the denomination and the Israeli state have been at odds with each other (each refusing to recognize the other in some form or fashion) but it seems as if both are...

May 1, 2007

(Image: IDF members of a Nahal Haredi unit in prayer. Credit: IDF, via JTA.org) Outside of Israel, Orthodox Jews are often viewed as what the average Israeli citizens looks like (a common misconception that frustrates some of my Jewish friends). Ironically, although all Israeli’s are required to enlist in the military service, Orthodox Jews (to my...

It seems that several hundred Christians will be visiting the Holy Land in order to celebrate the reunification of Jerusalem exactly 40 years ago. (Israel Today) More than 200 Evangelical Christians are expected to arrive in Israel on Tuesday for the “Jerusalem Assembly,” a three-day marathon of events, celebrating 40 years of the reunification of...