Widespread literacy in ancient Israel
Tel Aviv University researchers have discerned that literacy during the First Temple period existed throughout all levels of the administrative, military and priestly systems of the Kingdom of Judah. 16 ancient Hebrew inscriptions unearthed in Arad were written by at least six authors.
The oldest Haggadah
Remnants of one of the world’s oldest surviving Passover haggadahs (text of the Passover seder service) discovered in the Cairo Genizah, are currently on display at the National Library of Israel in Jerusalem. The haggadah, hand-scribed on parchment, dates from the 12th century CE.
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Jewish symbols on ancient Egyptian temple
Two Star of David engravings have been discovered in an ancient Temple in the southern Egyptian city of Aswan. The Roman Temple, which dates back to the 3rd century B.C, is located in the Elephantine Island in Aswan.
Low suicide rate and getting lower
Israel’s suicide rate is the second lowest compared to 28 European countries.
The 4th best place to raise your kids
InterNations’ Family Life Index, says that of the world’s 41 top countries to raise a family, the best are Austria, Finland, Sweden and Israel. The UK was 22nd; The USA was 25th. Saudi Arabia was 41st.
Pharaoh’s amulet found in Temple Mount debris
Archaeologists have deciphered a 3,200-year-old Egyptian amulet found whilst sifting debris dumped by the Muslim Waqf when building on Temple Mount. It contains the name of Pharaoh Thutmose III, who reigned Egypt from 1479 BCE to 1425 BCE
Pope’s skull cap raises money for SACH
Two years ago Pope Francis swapped one of his white skullcaps (calotte) with a TV journalist who has now donated it to an online auction to raise money for the Israeli charity, Save a Child’s Heart. SACH doctors perform life-saving cardiac surgery on children from developing countries.
From Biblical town to modern city
Beer Sheva, the capital of the Negev desert, was one of the towns where Abraham lived. It is now a modern city containing Ben Gurion University, a leading cyber-technology park, interesting museums and a vibrant night life - all contributing to the economic and cultural boom of the city.
If on-line media told the Exodus story
This humorous yet educational video questions how today’s media would have handled the reporting on the Jewish exodus from Egypt over 3000 years ago.
Woman’s seal from First Temple discovered
A rare 2500-year-old seal, inscribed with the name of Elihana bat Gael in ancient Hebrew letters, was unearthed at the City of David in the Jerusalem Walls National Park. The seal, found in a building from the First Temple period, showed the high legal status of the woman owner.