Slide Shows

Costumes and Parades – Purim

Megillat Esther

Purim is the lightest and most fun of all Jewish holidays. That does not mean that there is not a lesson to be had, but at least on the days of Purim we are allowed to go outside our normal behavior, dance, make parades, have parties and other fun activities.

The holiday or festival of Purim celebrates the story as related in the Book of Esther. The story takes place in ancient Persia empire. The king, Ahashuerus, had an advisor,vizier, Haman, who plots the extermination of the Jewish people there. Ahashuerus makes some bad decisions due to his excessive drinking, i.e. being drunk. Luckily one of his wives, Queen Esther learns about Haman’s plot and that Ahashuerus has given permission to carry out the plot. Esther turns to her her uncle and foster parent, Mordecai, and together they foil Haman’s evil plans to exterminate the Jews.

The day following the defeat of Haman was declared a day of festivities and rejoicing. [Read more...]

Pictorial Time Line of the Land of Israel

I remember when I first came to Israel and started learning its history. I was confused and perplexed. I just could not make it fit together. Until I was presented with a time line. Now I had a tool to refer back to and make events fall into place.

This is also my experience as a tour guide. Many of my tourists get mixed up. After all Israel has quite a long and rich history with many events that have had impact on the world.

Because of this I have created a time line with the most important events, historical and biblical references. I made it pictorial, only to make it more colorful. [Read more...]

Capernaum – The Town of Jesus

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View of Sea of Galilee from Capernaum

On the north shore of the Sea of Galilee lie the ruins of the town of Capernaum. This town has in modern times become known as the Town of Jesus, because this is where he spent the greater part of the three years of his ministry.

Capernaum has been in ruins and forgotten since the 7th century. It was rediscovered in the middle of the 19th century by the American explorer Edward Robinson, mainly the synagogue. His findings were confirmed by later explorers as well as archaeological excavations. [Read more...]