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How Do You Recode History’s Bad Programming?
January 24, 2019
Have you ever wondered about the phrases “history repeats itself” and “there is nothing new under the sun”? The latter is from Ecclesiastes, written in ancient times, not too long after the beginning of recorded history. These sayings point to the strange patterns that keep repeating themselves despite man’s best efforts to learn. One of the more sinister patterns, actually a virus, is anti-Semitism. Today, the BDS [1] movement’s targeting of Jewish economic life threatens to set a terrible historical pattern in motion.
Where did the Holocaust Begin?
At the end of WWII, as the depth of Nazi travesty and inhumanity against the Jewish people was fully disclosed, the world found itself in shock. Yet the foundations and the groundwork for the atrocities began much earlier. They began in the everyday lives of people like you and me. The Nazis didn’t start out with the all-powerful, totalitarian political machine that they later perfected. When Hitler came to power in 1933, one of his first acts was to proclaim a one-day boycott of against Jewish shops. Before the deathcamps, Jewish economic activity was restricted, and certain occupations were forbidden to Jews. Then there was Kristallnacht – the night of broken glass, the shattering destruction of Jewish businesses and burning of Jewish books and houses of worship. Next came the Nuremberg race laws. Each step was incremental, and few people foresaw the last step: The Final Solution.
It Doesn’t Have to Happen Again
BDS represents part of the evil cycle and repetition of history. But there is also the countercyclical force that stands for good. Did you know that during WWII Jews in Nazi-occupied Denmark and Norway were never forced to wear the Yellow Star of David? The Nazis expected such a move would trigger too much public resistance? Well, BDS is no stronger than the public’s acceptance of it, and your attitude, no matter whether it is vocal or subtle, makes a difference.
BDS is a Serious Threat
Sadly, some Jewish businesses have already had to shut down because of the BDS movement’s relative success. But there is a way to work against this trend. Lev HaOlam offers an effective grassroots response to get around the boycott. If Jewish businesses get grassroots support from ordinary people all over the world they can live down any boycott.
Your Actions Matter
You may not have time to follow the developments and moves that BDS pushes through, but your attention and help is a direct, lifegiving injection to the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. No boycott will succeed if you stand with Lev HaOlam and help their partners bring their goods to market. You don’t have to snuff out BDS all on your own; you just have to help Jewish businesses stay alive. Find out more at Lev HaOlam.
Shiloh – A Spiritual Time Capsule
January 17, 2019
Have you ever thought about how the Jewish people is G-d’s living time capsule? When we read about the patriarchs, judges and kingdom years in Israel, we are reading about events that took place thousands of years ago. So much time has passed that all people groups from those ancient eras have disappeared, save one. Only the Jewish people have an unbroken historical identity that survives to this day. It’s remarkable when you think of it. We know this because the Bible is a time capsule that allows us to connect with what happened those thousands of years ago.
One item G-d put in this time capsule is Shiloh. For hundreds of years, after the conquest of the land and before Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem, the Hebrew Tabernacle resided in Shiloh and was the divine portal to commune with the Creator. Shiloh is where Hannah urgently and insistently entreated her Lord for the blessing of bearing a child, and where G-d granted her request. Shiloh is where Hannah’s son Samuel, the last great judge of Israel, grew up and where he first heard the voice of the Lord. We know and believe this because of what was recorded in Scripture, but isn’t it amazing that locations and archeological excavations give support to this? Even more exciting is the fact that the Jewish people have now returned, standing on the promise given by G-d.
While Shiloh today is more of a historical site than a spiritual center, it does hold a new piece of the time capsule: Hebrew agriculture.
Ahiya Farm is one of the signs that the Jewish people have returned to the land promised to their forefather Abraham. The olive trees and the rich olive oil that Ahiya Farm produces is no random business enterprise. The large areas with olive trees and vineyards are cultivated with a keen awareness of love and purpose to build the Land of Israel through revived Hebrew agriculture. Fittingly, Ahiya Farm is known for having one of the largest olive oil presses in Israel, just as old olive presses have been unearthed at the archeological site at Tel Shiloh. Through Lev HaOlam, you can be part of the vision for Hebrew agriculture in the Land of Israel, and your support will have a direct impact on continuing the living history of the Jewish people.
Airbnb Picked the Wrong Fight
December 10, 2018
Claiming the Promised Land and securing the survival of the Jewish people have always involved an element of struggle, and victory has rarely been effortless. Throughout history God has raised up heroes like Esther and Mordechai, or the Maccabees, whom we are commemorating right now by lighting the candles during Hanukah. These were leaders who brought the people and the forces of good together. You personally can find out what’s going on in the struggle today and how you can help fight the good fight.
One chapter in the struggle for the Holy Land is taking place with Airbnb, who blacklisted Jewish-owned homes in Judea and Samaria from their online booking platform. Airbnb didn’t just do this out of the blue. BDS interest groups pressured the company to remove the Jewish listings. It seems like a petty and meaningless move, which blocks a deeper understanding of what’s going on in Israel. The best thing people can do is come to Judea and Samaria to visit. This would help them understand the realities and the issues in a much more informed and grounded way.
But the problem goes even deeper. The worst thing is that Israel is being singled out yet again. The move by Airbnb is a typically sad case of applying double standards to Israel while turning a blind eye to dictatorships and terrorist organizations. Airbnb doesn’t have an issue with Hamas’ brutal regime in Gaza or the fact that the Palestinian authority actively encourages terror, e.g., by naming schools and streets in honor of terrorists and providing financial compensation for them after they have done their deed, a policy known as “pay to slay.” Globally, there is a string of questionable states and regimes where Airbnb does not seem to have problems setting up shop. So why should they trample on people reclaiming their ancient heritage?
Life in Judea and Samaria, the ancient Jewish homelands has not been easy in modern times. The contemporary Jewish residents could have chosen easier lives, to stay where they were, but they took a step of courage and have faith that help will come, that God will raise up the necessary help and deliver them out of tough situations. You can be part of that help.
How can you help? First, you can make your opinion known, to both Airbnb and others. Many organizations, including the Israeli government, and cities are taking steps to curtail Airbnb because of its business practices and its recent unfair and discriminatory action. But what’s even better is to support the people who are building their lives in ancient Jewish homelands. People in Judea and Samaria have opened up their homes – now they hope that people around the world will open up their hearts and minds. Come visit the Land or find out how you can help support Jewish businesses rebuild Jewish life in Judea and Samaria. Find out more on our website: www.levhaolam.com
Hebron’s Struggle and Promise – A Jewish Community Battling Against the Odds
December 3, 2018
Hebron houses the history of Israel’s ancient beginnings, but the city is also a reflection of the intense challenges that brave Jews have to overcome to claim their heritage in the land of Israel. Hebron’s Jewish community is not giving up any time soon, but they need your prayers, help, and support to maintain their small community of less than 1,000 souls in the midst of nearly 250,000 hostile Arabs. Can you imagine? Outnumbered 250 to 1!!
Continue reading to learn about the importance of Hebron for Israel’s past, present and future, and discover how you can help secure Israel’s future by assisting a community fighting against the odds.
In the Bible, Hebron’s Jewish existence goes back to Genesis 23, when Abraham legally purchased the Machpelah cave as a family burial site almost 4,000 years ago. Since then, his descendants have been forcefully and cruelly evicted from Hebron several times. Yet, though Hebron’s history has been full of challenges, overcoming these challenges has brought victories and accomplishments. Abraham, Caleb, and David’s descendants always return to claim their Biblical heritage, not just because it is theirs to claim, but because it is a God-given heritage with prophetic promise.
Hebron’s Jewish Soul
Continuing Hebron’s Jewish history is essential. In the Admot neighborhood, near the hill top with Jesse and Ruth’s burial site, Hebron’s ancient past connects with its living present. “King’s Life” is the newest line of natural health and beauty products from Meadow Essence, a family-owned business with a deep Jewish soul located here in the Judean heartland. The name of their newest product series is a clear tribute to Hebron’s status as David’s first capital city. The products are hand-crafted from local ingredients in the form of herbs, cold-pressed base oils and local organic beeswax.
Tense Security
Today, the IDF protects Hebron’s tiny Jewish community, who are dedicated to maintaining Jewish faith and communal life in and around the Patriarch’s Cave of Machpelah. There is a tense calm in Hebron, but there is also the awareness that this situation can rapidly change. The memorials to Jewish victims of Palestinian terror are a reminder of the cost of continuing Jewish life in Hebron. Life is not easy here and the Jewish residents have chosen to be on the frontline of a cause that does not bring material wealth. You can make a meaningful difference in their lives and help the Jewish community by supporting their businesses and enterprises such as Meadow Essence.
Hebron is the Foundation for Israel’s Future
David’s time in Hebron was an important time of preparation for all Israel’s national future and significant to him personally, as many of his children were born here. Just like David’s life was not without challenges and required perseverance, so his present-day descendants are determined to claim their heritage. You can support Hebron’s Jewish community by buying their products and help them develop business foundations for a thriving Jewish community in Hebron’s currently very difficult environment.
8 wonderful products that you’ll find inside this month’s package.
November 22, 2018
Opening your Lev HaOlam box is like opening a surprise every month – and this month is no different!
At Lev HaOlam, our team goes out every month to small, family-run businesses to find the best and most exclusive products for our boxes. You can rest assured that each of the goodies in this box are hand-picked by us – and we hope you’ll love them too!
Let’s take a look at some of the goodies you can expect to find in this month’s box:
Granola by Mandel
You haven’t tried granola until you’ve tried Mandel’s granola! What makes this granola extra special? The founder uses a secret family recipe that was passed down multiple generations – with some people saying that it’s the best granola they’ve ever had!
Mandel’s granola is the perfect treat for breakfast, as a snack, or on the go. It’s packed with fiber, nutrients, and best of all, it’s naturally sweetened with date syrup. Try it and we promise you’ll love it.
Olive Oil by Tura
This month’s box contains one of Tura’s most popular olive oil varieties, which are painstakingly grown from the estate’s groves and prepared in small batches for maximum flavor and consistency. After trying the oil, you’ll know why Tura’s olive oils are known around the world.
Pistachio Halva by Halva Kingdom
Move over, almond butter – pistachio halva is about to become the next foodie trend! This delectable dessert is a perfect spread on toast, baked in pastries, or even in smoothies. Halva Kingdom’s products begin with organic sesame seeds and hand-crafted with traditional methods. The company has over 60 flavors of halva, which have been perfected ever since the company was founded in 1947.
Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups by Holy Cacao
How could we forget about chocolate? Delight your eyes with Holy Cacao’s stylish box – and delight your taste buds with their milk chocolate peanut butter cups! These bite-sized pieces are great to enjoy by yourself or to be given as a gift.
Staying true to their “bean to bar” philosophy, Holy Cacao carefully sources beans from around the world and brings them to Israel to create some of the best chocolate that you’ll ever taste.
Cosmetic Set by Michal Levin
The bustling landscape of Israel’s Samaria region is full of plants that provide healing properties. Many international companies come here to source ingredients for their cosmetics, but we have something even better.
Michal Levin’s company, Levinteva, creates raw, eco-friendly cosmetics from her homeland – and best of all, each product is cruelty-free! Michal notes that she feels “connected with the amazing and powerful sources of nature” of Samaria every time she works on new products. The cosmetic set in this month’s box is one of her best sellers, and contains a soothing evening serum and an all-purpose calendula ointment. Look good and do good by supporting local Lev HaOlam artisans!
Pot Holder Set by Mor Ofir
Mor Ofir, the artist behind this beautiful set of oven mitts, always knew she wanted to work with fabric and textiles. She got her start by selling handmade pieces to other girls at her high school in Samaria and slowly built up her business by studying art and opening up a store. She is constantly being inspired by her hometown’s natural landscapes, colors, and friendly people – and hopes that she can inspire you with this cheerful and comfortable set of oven mitts!
Hanukkah Dreidel by Revada
Are you ready for Hanukkah? Add color and joy with this fun spinning top (also known as a dreidel), which is inscribed with letters that signify, “A great miracle happened here” which refers to the famous story of how oil miraculously burned for eight days in the Temple.
Medjoul Dates by Avner Benjamin Zerbib
Israel is famous for its dates. So famous, in fact, that it was included in the Bible as the seven species of the Land of Israel, along with wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, and olives. The dates in your Lev haOlam box come from Zerbib’s company, who founded a date farm over 30 years ago near Vered Yeriho. Thanks to the climate and location near the Jordan Valley, the dates have a unique and delicious taste.
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Like what you see? Subscribe now to Lev HaOlam, and help support local businesses, spread the word about the amazing goods made in Israel, and enjoy a world of new products that you can’t get anywhere else. You’ll also be taking an active role in the fight against BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanctions) movement against Israel. Enjoy the unique flavors and gifts of Israel’s heartland every month – subscribe today!
5 Facts About Hebron
November 19, 2018
The Cave of the Patriarchs, also called the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron
1. Hebron is the second holiest city after Jerusalem.
In the Old Testament, he is mentioned 62 times. According to the Old Testament, Abraham, the founder of the Jewish people, paid 400 shekels of fine silver for the Cave of the Patriarchs, also called the Cave of Machpelah. Hebron is one of the oldest cities in the world, it was here that King David began to reign.
2. The Cave of the Patriarchs, (the Cave of Machpelah) is the oldest building in the world that has been functioning for more than 2000 years.
Here the forefathers and foremothers of the Jewish people were buried – Abraham and Sarah, Yitzhak and Rivka, Yaakov and Leah.
Muslims added minarets to the Jewish construction of The Cave of the Patriarchs to give the building a Muslim look. For 700 years of Muslim rule (the Mamluk, Turkish, and Jordanian), Jews were forbidden to enter The Cave of the Patriarchs.
3. It is considered that Adam and Eve were buried there first.
The cave held significance even before Abraham purchased it. After Adam was banished from the Garden of Eden, G‑d Himself prepared a place near the entrance to the Garden, hewed out of rock, where he would bury Adam, the patriarchs and the matriarchs. The cave belonged to Ephron, but only Abraham was spiritually sensitive enough to know of its significance.
4. Jews live in Hebron for thousands of years.
In addition to the references in the Old Testament and archaeological finds, there are also written evidence found in both Jewish and non-Jewish historical documents, as well as in travelers’ records, starting from the 1st c. AD
5. Today, Jewish citizens of Israel are allowed to be in 3% of the total area of the city.
What our friends say?
October 11, 2018
Ever wanted to try some of the most amazing goodies from Israel — without leaving your home?
Here at Lev Haolam, our mission is simple: we want to support small, family-run companies in Israel while showing the world amazing products from the Israeli heartland. Every month, we hand pack and send out more than 2,700 boxes worldwide to people who share the same vision as us.
You might be wondering, what’s inside a Lev Haolam box? Although every month is different, you can expect to find 7 to 9 hand-picked items that are specially-crafted from the Israeli heartland. Your box might include food products like honey, tea, wine, oils, chocolates, spices, dried fruits and vegetables; beauty items and organic cosmetics; jewelry and accessories; household items; and special artisan crafts. Every Lev Haolam box is a fun surprise that’s waiting to be opened!
Every month we receive hundreds of messages from happy customers, describing the surprise, joy, and happiness they feel when opening their Lev Haolam box. Many share the products, like the exclusive wine from Amos Winery or the delicious honey from Negohot.
Interested in learning more? Check out what some of our subscribers have to say:
“It feels like Christmas every month when we receive our package of amazing products produced in Israel and shipped directly to our home! What a fun way to support Israel by ordering from Lev Haolam” ~ Nise Davies
“Received my first box today. Thank you… It’s truly lovely!! Shalom!!” ~ Mary Smiledge
“I am so moved by the package this month. I was on my way home from work, hungry and just wanted to stop at the store, grab my food and go home and eat. When I got home, however, your beautiful package was sitting there and all of sudden all hunger pains left. I opened the package and began to cry when I saw the beautiful necklace and the reminder of Halel’s story. […] I love the cutting board. It is so beautiful!! May the Lord bless you and Keep you! Know that you are in our hearts and prayers.” ~ Pamlyn Taylor
“Shalom! I just got my box! Thank you for all the amazing products. Achva will appeal to the Japanese taste buds. (I know since I’m from Japan.) You should give samples to the Japanese embassy! חג סוכות שמח to you all!” ~ Junko Salmon
“I just got my package today. Love it!” ~ Sue Visser
If you’re interested in subscribing and getting your own box of Lev Haolam goodies, click here to learn more and subscribe. We ship internationally (and the price of shipping is already included!)
Lev HaOlam Invited to Celebrate Harvest at the Feast of Tabernacles
October 8, 2018
Every year, millions of people around the world celebrate Sukkot, which is one of Judaism’s most important holidays. The event celebrates the fall harvest, and this year was extra special because Lev HaOlam was invited to be a guest at one of the most exclusive Sukkot celebrations: the Feast of Tabernacles!
Lev HaOlam’s goal for the Feast was to show everyone how they could support Israel in a fun and easy way, and we were extremely successful! Thousands of people visited our stand during the week-long event and got to see and try amazing products from the Israeli heartland. Every single attendee only had the highest praise, calling the products “excellent,” “high quality,” and one even mentioned that “[she] couldn’t wait to subscribe and get these products herself!”
It was such a blessing to meet some of our current subscribers and hear their stories, and Lev HaOlam wants to especially thank them for their continued support and patronage.
Representatives from Lev HaOlam also had the chance to take part in the Feast’s celebrations,
Which started off with inspiring talks from some of the most prominent Israeli thinkers of our time, and every day there was something new and exciting during the Feast. Adventurous attendees could take tours to nearby areas, such as Judea and Samaria (where all of our products come from!). There, they visited the ancient capital of Shilo, a major region for the Jewish faith and where the Tabernacle of Moses was kept for nearly 370 years. To finish off the celebration, there was even a peaceful march through the streets of Jerusalem, where attendees met with locals and expressed solidarity with Israel.
Special thanks to the International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem for hosting such a fun event. We already can’t wait for next year’s Feast!
A Win for Germany and France, but Uncertainty for Eurovision 2019
October 1, 2018
You may have heard of the BDS (Boycott, Divest and Sanctions) movement, whose main goal is to boycott goods and products from Isreal in order to delegitamize the country and weaken its economy. It’s a worldwide movement that started over 13 years ago and still continues to this day.
The BDS movement has been in the news recently, and this past week has been no exception. Here is everything you need to know in order to stay on top of the news.
Let’s start off with another monumental victory for anti-BDS campaigners, this time in the German city of Berlin. The Berlin State Office has officially categorized the BDS movement as anti-Semitic and that their campaigns “question Israel’s right to exist and accuse Israel of racism.” Furthermore, the official statement notes, “We condemn the antisemitic and anti-Israel BDS campaign and the call to boycott Israeli products and companies as well as Israeli academics and artists.”
Just a few months before, Berlin mayor Michael Müller joined Josef Schuster, the head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, in passing a law that would block the use of city venues and funds for events that support any BDS activities. Berlin became the third German city, after Munich and Frankfurt, to declare such a law. In declaring this principle, Frankfurt Deputy Mayor Uwe Becker stated, “The BDS-movement is built on [a] toxic ground and it is poisoning the social climate in [a] dangerous way.”
Meanwhile, Germany’s neighbor France has also been making headlines. Major US online payment service PayPal recently shut down the account of a major French BDS organization. It was deemed that the account was violating France’s anti-discrimination Lellouche Law, which bans discrimination based on national origin. This isn’t the first time that PayPal took such action: in 2018 alone, PayPal shut down four other pro-BDS accounts.
Finally, The Israeli government has officially insured the 2019 Eurovision music festival in the form of a $13.5 million “BDS insurance” in case should anything happen. This insures the cost of putting together the festival and will be covered “[in case the] competition is ultimately not held in Israel, due to extenuating circumstances such as an earthquake […] or a boycott organized by BDS, the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement.”
Although the BDS movement is often in the news, it’s refreshing to see how cities, countries, and companies are taking a stand against its oppressive and racist message. If we banded together in a community to stand up and let our opinions be heard, we could make even more progress against BDS – and even abolish it!
Shabbat Shalom from Ma’ale Adumim
September 17, 2018
Ma’ale Adumim [Photo Credit: Davidmoseberg]
Ma’ale Adumim (The Red Rock Ascent) is perhaps the closest community, of Judea, to Jeruslaem, located approximately seven kilometers north of the city. The city boasts magnificent views of the mountains of Jerusalem, including Mount Scopus and the Mount of Olives. The name dates back to the times of Joshua. The ancient city rested on the line separating the biblical portions of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Due to the fact that the area served as an assent (which is the translation of the Hebrew word Ma’ale) and due to the red rocks (Adumim means red) that were part of the topography, the area became known as Ma’ale Adumim and maintains its name till today.
After the Yom Kippur War, a group known as the ‘Ma’aleh Adumim group’, which was organized in Jerusalem and included members from all walks of life and from all walks of life set out to inhabit the area of Ma’aleh Adumim. After much effort, in the year 1975, the Government of Israel decided to approve the establishment of a residential camp for the workers in the area (the area now called Givat HaMayasdim) and henceforth a new Jewish community was established.
Ma’aleh Adumim is a community largely comprised of families. As such the municipality does a great job of giving the residents a quality family life. One example of the family-friendly nature of the city is the Bnai Zion Municipal Library. The library works to provide maximum access to a wide range of books, reference books and consultation for the purposes of study, enrichment and leisure, with 85,000 titles in the library. New books in various languages, such as Hebrew, English, French, Spanish and Russian are available there. The library’s memberships includes approximately 4,800 families and 16,000 readers.
Ma’ale Adumim is located within the jurisdiction of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, but has its own locality due to its size, making it a city. In 2015 it had a population of 37,525, making it one of the largest cities in Judea and Samaria. The city is located in the portion of Israel that was designated for the tribe of Judah.