A new cinematic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction classic was a great opportunity to speak with Emanuel Lottem, who translated Dune into Hebrew. The result was a fascinating conversation about fantasy literature in Israel and how Lottem came to translate the book while enlisting the help of his colleagues at the Foreign Ministry…
A Half-Angel, Half-Demon Named Azazel and His Connection to Yom Kippur
What are the strange biblical origins of the term “scapegoat”? And what does it have to do with the Jewish Day of Atonement?
The Temple Menorah in Kabbalistic Manuscripts
Kabbalistic literature looked for ancient symbols through which it could express its daring innovations. It found such a symbol in the Menorah…
The Surrender of the Old City’s Jewish Quarter
The tragic circumstances that led to the surrender of the Jewish Quarter’s defenders in Jerusalem’s Old City during the War of Independence
From Amsterdam to Persia: A World of Wine-Stained Haggadot
Four glasses of wine is a lot, are we really that surprised?
A Look at the Figure of Gabriel the Archangel
Gabriel, the archangel in charge of Heaven’s heavy lifting
The Story of Layla and Majnun – Romeo and Juliet of the East
This story which originated in 7th century Arabia has traveled across the world over the ages
The Origin of the Jewish Hat
How did the pointed hat of European aristocracy become an anti-Jewish Symbol? And was it the forerunner of the modern skullcap?
Sukkot During World War I: Open Roofs and ‘Mysterious’ Ditches
Photo taken by an Austrian soldier provides a rare glimpse
The Story of Daniel Hagège: Judeo-Arabic Author and Documenter of Tunisian Jewry
Hagège estimated that some 150 Tunisian authors wrote in Judeo-Arabic. This article is in memory of 100 years of Judeo-Arabic literature.
