War on Christmas and Hanukkah
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for Christians and Jews, especially when Christmas and Hanukkah coincide, as they do this season. Jews around the world will celebrate Hanukkah this year from December 18 until December 26th. When I used to live in the United States, the union of the two winter holidays aroused […]
Temple Menorah/Hanukkiah controversy: straight arms or round
Every year on Hanukkah, an 800-year-old controversy over the Temple Menorah is seen around the world about how the Menorah was constructed – whether it featured straight arms or round arms. This year, a manuscript featured in a New York exhibition underscored this controversy. A closer look reveals that the controversy may not actually be […]
Hanukkah Irony: The Holiday’s Real Message is Alien to Most American Jews
The festival of lights needs to be celebrated as a fight against the idols of woke popular culture, not a blue-tinsel version of Christmas.
2,200-year-old trove of silver coins offers historical proof of Hanukkah events
A new discovery by Israeli archaeologists has offered unprecedented historical proof of the history of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, which will begin on Sunday. Some 2,200 years ago, someone, likely some Jews fleeing from the war waged against them by Antiochos IV, found shelter in the Judean Desert. The fugitives were carrying a small […]
White House unveils Hanukkah menorah as part of official Christmas decorations for first time
As part of its annual Christmas decorations tradition, the White House has unveiled a new addition: a menorah in celebration of Hanukkah. The menorah is included in Cross Hall, a broad hallway on the first floor of the House, underneath a wreath. It is positioned between the portraits of presidents Jimmy Carter and Lyndon Johnson. […]
A Hanukkah Gift: Argue, Don’t Fight
As much as the Jewish tradition values reasoned argument, in the hard reality of communal life that tradition often succumbs to the thrill of the fight.
Biden on 2nd Temple destruction: ‘We can always Build back better’
The US president seemed to be optimistic that the third Temple will be rebuilt saying: “Whether it’s in the temple of Jerusalem or a temple of our democracy nothing broken or profaned is beyond repair…nothing. We can always build back better.”
Hanukkah Guide for the Perplexed 2021
The “Festival of Lights” highlights the centrality of the Land of Israel in the formation of Jewish history, religion and culture.
Hanukkah in Dubai; “UAE as the brightest light in this region”
In a sight that would have been unthinkable less than one year ago, the world’s tallest building proudly displayed a Menorah, sending the light of Torah all over the Arab Gulf state.
Two Hanukkah Parties in the White House; Cheers of “Four More Years”
While Jews celebrate the miraculous victory over an evil anti-Israel regime, President Trump hosted a double celebration featuring many of the devout Jews that have been prominent elements in his administration.