israel

From the Samarian Hills of Itamar, Batya Erdstein channels all her energies into her pottery kiln, producing a stunning variety of ceramic pieces with designs inspired by the Bible and the Land of Israel. Meet Batya, a ceramist who puts all her love into her products. Originally from San Diego, California, Batya’s original career choice was quite a different one from that of a ceramicist. Back in the US, she was a nurse, earning a nice salary and enjoying a pleasant, if not very fulfilling, life. However, Batya has always been a very spiritual person, deeply connected to Judaism and...

In keeping with the biblical prophecy from Zechariah 14:12, “Then everyone who survives of all of the nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Booths,” thirty-nine years ago a passionate group of Christians with a love for Israel, met to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. They wanted to stand with Israel and show their allegiance to our Jewish homeland. This was the birth of the International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem (ICEJ) and since that day thousands of Christians from...

Batya told us that her and her husband had always been interested in living in Judea and Samaria. “When we first got married, we lived in Bat Ayin , but then we moved to Tsfat and then we found ourselves back here in the Shomron again… It’s one of the most beautiful places in Israel,” Batya tells us. Batya continued to tell us about the ‘why’ that brought her and her family to Samaria. “I could have lived my life in San Diego, California working as a nurse and making a lot more money, but I believe that being here...

We arrived at the shop on a cold and rainy morning and were offered a hot cup of specially brewed cappuccinos, by Avi, the barista working there. We ended up going back for seconds. It was truly amazing coffee! Avi explained that the coffee was made from a blend of three coffee beans. I tried to remember what the blend was but quickly forgot. We sat down at one of the tables in the upstairs lounge to interview Brandon, the founder. Thankfully, Brandon repeated the ingredients that were so carefully selected and blended to form the delicious drink we had...

In an exclusive Lev Haolam interview with David, we asked him why he chose to live, work and establish his family in Hebron, David responded “the simple answer that I give is that it’s in the Bible. I open the Bible and tell them about the holy forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and about all of the high mountainous areas around us – the places that our forefathers grew up in.” “After 2000 years of exile, it is impossible to think of everything that has been accomplished since then. Suddenly millions of Jewish people from all over the world returned...

Upon entering Eli, the community where Boaz lives, a beautiful panorama brimming with vast rolling hills could be seen ahead of us. Boaz was already waiting outside to greet us. He would later point out the view of the nearby community of Shiloh – the place that the Mishkan (Holy Tabernacle), the precursor to the Temple, first rested in the land of Israel. Pondering the name of his community, I inquired where the name Eli came from. Boaz smiled and enthusiastically answered that his hometown name was inspired by the name of the Biblical priest Eli, who had served and...

Amid war and hardship, our brave producers continued their work, supported by Lev Haolam subscribers who helped keep their businesses alive. How Our Producers Faced the War: A Year of Courage and Survival When war erupted on October 7th, 2023, it wasn’t just a fight for survival on the frontlines – it became a battle for the heart and soul of Israel. For our producers, this war was deeply personal. They faced not only the threat of rockets and violence but also the immense challenge of keeping their businesses alive. Every day brought new hardships, from disrupted supply chains to...

Discover the spiritual, historical, and natural significance of Mount Carmel, a timeless site revered by various cultures and faiths for its beauty and enduring symbolism. Where the Pages of History Come to Life: Mount Carmel Mount Carmel stands as a timeless symbol of faith, culture, and resilience, representing more than just a geographical feature – it embodies the spirit of Israel itself. Revered as one of Israel’s most iconic landmarks, the mountain holds a profound place in biblical history, having witnessed key moments in the nation’s spiritual journey, particularly during the days of the prophet Elijah. Its towering heights and...

Wheat is one of the world’s oldest cultivated grains – and in Israel, it grows across rolling hills and valleys, just as it did in biblical times. It is the grain of sustenance and structure – used in the Temple offerings , baked into matzah at Passover , and braided into challah for Shabbat . It represents abundance , but also the human role in refining the raw gifts of nature . Wheat reminds us: we harvest with our hands, but we nourish with our hearts. Barley matures earlier than wheat and was traditionally seen as the grain of the...

How Two Nations – and One Box – Celebrate the Spirit of Building Something Beautiful 🇮🇱🇺🇸 Two Stories, One Spirit Whether it’s an American homesteader or an Israeli olive farmer, the values run deep: hard work, dignity, and faith in the future . Both countries were built on perseverance – by those who planted, crafted, carved, and created with whatever they had. Just like in America, Israel’s greatest strength is found in its people – those who rise early to tend vineyards, who teach their children by example, who press oil, bake bread, and pass stories through their hands. At...

How one family near the Gaza border turned a search for safe products into a mission of wellness, resilience, and redemption That may be the simplest way to explain Arugot. But it hardly captures the depth of the story. Because Arugot is not really about soap . It’s about healing. About rebuilding. About rediscovering the wisdom hidden in nature and ancient roots. Why have we accepted so many harmful things as normal? Moving Toward the Border – On Purpose In 2010 , the Lachmans made a decision most people would never consider. Together with six other families, they moved south...

A Deeper Look at the June Lev Haolam Box More Than Ancient Words For many people, the Priestly Blessing is familiar. It is spoken over children on Friday nights, recited in synagogues, and woven into Jewish life around the world. What makes it remarkable is not only its beauty, but its longevity. The blessing has accompanied the Jewish people through triumph and hardship, through exile and return, and through centuries of change. Generations have found comfort in its words because it speaks to something universal: the desire to protect those we love, to live with purpose, and to create a...

These landmarks invite travelers to explore and connect with the past, experiencing the layers of history that have shaped the nation. The Western Wall in Jerusalem, a remnant of the Second Temple, is a place of prayer and reflection, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the Jewish people. The Wall is a focal point for Jewish prayer and pilgrimage. Israel’s natural wonders, such as the Negev Desert, offer a stark contrast to its historical sites, providing a backdrop of beauty and serenity. The desert’s vastness and quietude offer a space for contemplation and connection. Jerusalem: The Heart of History Jerusalem stands...

The prophecies Jacob gave to his sons were prophetic, outlining the characteristics and destinies of each group. For instance, Judah was promised leadership, while Joseph received a double portion of inheritance through his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (Genesis 48:5-6). These prophecies set the stage for their roles in Israel’s history, influencing their interactions and alliances. Understanding these foundational stories helps us appreciate the complex tapestry of biblical narratives and their lasting impact on Jewish identity. Origins of the Twelve Tribes The story of the twelve tribes of Israel begins with Jacob, also known as Israel, who had twelve sons from...

Geographical Diversity of Israel Israel’s geography is a fascinating blend of coastal plains, mountains, and desert landscapes. This diversity creates a variety of microclimates. For example, while the Mediterranean coast enjoys mild, rainy winters, the desert areas remain dry and warm. The hillier regions, such as Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, are where snow might be seen. This geographical contrast plays a crucial role in Israel’s climate, influencing the unique experience of snowfall in certain areas. The Negev Desert, known for its arid climate, rarely sees snow, highlighting the country’s climatic diversity. Snowfall in Jerusalem Jerusalem, with its elevation of...

The Dead Sea’s healing properties are noted in Ezekiel 47:8-9, emphasizing its significance in skincare. Israeli skincare combines ancient wisdom with modern science to offer effective solutions. This blend of tradition and innovation makes these products highly sought after worldwide. Brands like Ahava have set a high standard in skincare, using Dead Sea mud and salt in their moisturizers. These ingredients have been shown to help with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, offering natural relief. Sabon is another noteworthy brand, blending tradition with luxury. The Rise of Israeli Skincare Brands They craft products that pamper the skin using...