Monthly Archives: October 2016

The earliest non-Biblical mention of Jerusalem

Posted on October 30, 2016

The Israel Antiquities Authority has recovered a papyrus from the time of the 1st Temple (7th century BCE) documenting a wine shipment from Na’artah to Jerusalem. This is the earliest extra-biblical source to mention Jerusalem in Hebrew writing. The papyrus … Continue reading →

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1000-year-old Muslim inscription confirms site of Jewish Temple

Posted on October 30, 2016

Archaeologists have located a 10th century CE inscription above a mihrab-prayer niche in an active mosque in the village of Nuba, near Hebron. It states that the original name of the Dome of the Rock was Beit al Makdas (in … Continue reading →

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The rains have arrived

Posted on October 30, 2016

Three days following commencement of the prayers for rain, thunderstorms arrived in Israel. Whilst central areas experienced scattered showers, the south had flash floods and strong rain that temporarily closed Eilat airport. 32 mm of rain fell in Eilat, 10 … Continue reading →

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Niece of Fatah founder tattooed “Israel” on her back

Posted on October 30, 2016

Sandra Solomon is the niece of Saher Habash, one of the founders of the Fatah party. Born in Ramallah, raised in Saudi Arabia, moved to Canada and converted to Christianity. She now loves the State of Israel so much, she … Continue reading →

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Recreating the sound of the High Priest

Posted on October 30, 2016

I reported previously (in 2011) about the discovery of a garment bell that a High Priest would have worn on his robes when administering in the Temple’s Holy of Holies.  The sound of all 72 bells has now been recreated, … Continue reading →

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Unearthing the 2900-year-old gate of Lachish

Posted on October 30, 2016

The Israel Antiquities Authority’s has now fully excavated the 8th Century BCE (1st Temple period) Lachish city gate near Mount Hebron. They say that it may prove King Hezekiah’s Biblically-recorded efforts to abolish idol worship in the region. http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Culture/Gate-shrine-from-First-Temple-period-unearthed-at-Tel-Lachish-National-Park-468904

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Exiled Spanish & Portuguese Jews are returning home

Posted on October 30, 2016

The Aliya to Israel of some of the 100 million plus Bnei Anusim (descendants of Sephardi Jews forced to convert to Christianity) could be larger than the return of the “lost tribe” of Ethiopian Jews. Many are discovering their Jewish … Continue reading →

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Israel’s first Arabic-language foreign Oscars entry

Posted on October 30, 2016

For the first time, a film entirely in Arabic will represent Israel at the Academy Awards (Oscars). “Sand Storm”, a family drama set in the Bedouin community, won six Ophir Awards (Israel’s top film competition), including for best film. http://variety.com/2016/film/awards/israel-oscar-best-foreign-film-sand-storm-1201868901/ … Continue reading →

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Tel Aviv Piano Festival

Posted on October 30, 2016

More than 150 top Israeli and international pianists will perform at the annual Tel Aviv Piano Festival from Nov 9 to Nov 12. The largest concerts will be held at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. http://www.itraveltelaviv.com/events/tel-aviv-piano-festival/ http://www.pianofestival.co.il/

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Music and Ethics

Posted on October 30, 2016

Musethica is an international nonprofit that advances classical music education and brings music to special audiences that otherwise do not have the chance to encounter it. Its 3rd International Chamber Music Festival takes place from Oct 28 to Nov 5 … Continue reading →

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