Israel Active

Until recently, Jewish worshipers were only allowed to visit the tomb of Biblical Joseph in Shechem (Nablus) at night and under strict military escort. In future, they can remain at the site until 8 a.m., marking a return to early morning access that has not been permitted since the early 2000s.

The Great Isaiah Scroll, the oldest nearly complete book from the Hebrew Bible, dating back to the second century BCE, was originally created as two separate scrolls. The first 33 chapters were written on a different parchment to chapters 34 -70. And the scribes were different too.

A rock-hewn mikveh (ritual purification bath) dating to the final days of the Second Temple period was discovered recently during excavations beneath the Western Wall Plaza. It bears ash remains that testify to the destruction of the Temple by the Romans.

Marlene Kolangi founded “Israel Orphans of 10/7” to provide financial aid, therapy and support to children shattered by the events of Oct 7 2023. The charity supports 151 children with $500 to $750 Tav Hazahav gift cards per child each month, non-invasive play therapy, and personal contact.

Tickets for the Feb 9 concert at Hangar 11 at Tel Aviv port, featuring recently released captive Alon Ohel, sold out within hours after the pianist announced the event on social media, underscoring the public response to his return and recovery.

Former Gaza hostages Matan Zangauker and Ilana Gritzwesky have announced their engagement. Matan endured 738 days in Hamas captivity and was one of the last hostages to be released. Ilana survived 55 horrific days in Hamas captivity. They were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Two rabbis from Israel have quietly joined a Jewish delegation in Aleppo, entering synagogues and a former Jewish school that have been locked for decades - a scene that would have been unthinkable under the old Assad regime.

Archaeologists digging underneath the southwestern corner of the Temple Mount recently discovered a metal pendant bearing a symbol of a menorah, raising questions about how a clearly Jewish item reached Jerusalem during a time when Jews were banned from entering the city.

In 1798, on 19th Kislev, Chabad founder Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (author of the book of Tanya) was released from prison in Russia. In his honor, MK Tzvi Succot (Religious Zionists) invited reform rabbi Gilad Kariv (Labor) to study with him. MK Kariv agreed.

Israel is to invest millions of dollars in Jewish education in the U.S. after seven pilot programs showed “unprecedented” growth in enrollment in participating schools. Israel invests in the Diaspora, as it is the “Nation State of the Jewish People” (enshrined in its Declaration of Independence).