Jewish holiday

The events of the Purim story are documented in Megillat Esther, the Scroll of Esther. Here it is in a nutshell. During the 4th century BCE, there were 127 lands under the rule of the mighty Persian Empire, led by King Achasverosh. In one incident, his Queen, Vashti, refused to heed his commands and was executed, leading to a beauty pageant in which the new Queen would be chosen and crowned. That Queen would turn out to be a young Jewish girl called Esther (who, at this point, did not reveal her Judaism to the King). Next saw the appointment...

FOR SHORTBREAD COOKIE DOUGH: Unsalted butter – 170 grams ( 1 1/2 stick)White sugar – 225 grams (1 cup)All-purpose flour – 440 gramsBaking powder – 1 tspSalt – 1/4 tsp1 large egg + 1 egg yolkVanilla (or orange extract) – 2 tspOrange juice – 4 tsp CHOCOLATE FILLING: Chocolate – 200 grams (7 oz)Whipping cream – 2 tbspButter – 1 tbsp Preparation: 1. Sift and combine together flour, baking powder, salt. Cream butter, sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla or orange extract. Next, add egg and egg yolk one at a time. Add flour and orange juice. 2. Divide...

1. The main biblical character associated with Shavuot wasn’t born a Jew During Shavuot, it’s traditional to read the Book of Ruth – a biblical love story centred around the Shavuot harvest. Ruth, the beautiful Moabitess, aligns herself with the God of Israel and accompanies her Jewish mother-in-law back to the Promised Land. The story of Ruth serves as a picture of how the nations can support Israel and the Jewish people today and receive an abundance of blessings as they do so. 2. Passover and Shavuot are integrally linked There is a deep agricultural and spiritual connection between Passover...

Sukkot is the third and final ‘Fall feast,’ taking place five days after Yom Kippur on the 15th of Tishrei in the Jewish calendar (sometime late September / October in the Gregorian calendar). The holiday lasts for seven days and seven nights. During Temple times, Sukkot was one of the three pilgrimage feasts in which the children of Israel would travel up to the Temple in Jerusalem to present themselves before the Lord and make sacrifices. During Temple times, Sukkot was one of the three pilgrimage feasts in which the children of Israel would travel up to the Temple in...

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 “ 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...

Discover the rich traditions of Sukkot, how it’s celebrated, and the deeper meaning behind this joyful holiday that brings families together under the sukkah to connect with nature and faith. What is Sukkot and Why is it Special? The Key Traditions of Sukkot and What They Symbolize Sukkot traditions have been passed down through generations, each rich with symbolism and meaning. One of the central elements of Sukkot is the sukkah itself. Built to represent the temporary dwellings of the Israelites, it serves as a physical reminder of life’s fragility and our dependence on faith. The roof is made of...

Explore the vibrant story of Purim and its deep significance as a holiday celebrating Jewish courage and resilience. From Queen Esther’s bravery to modern-day festivities, Purim is a joyous reminder of unity and triumph. The Story Behind Purim: A Tale of Courage and Triumph Purim’s origins lie in the Book of Esther, a powerful story of courage, faith, and resilience that continues to inspire generations. The holiday commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people in ancient Persia, saved from a plot of annihilation orchestrated by Haman, an influential royal advisor. Queen Esther, with her bravery, and Mordechai, with his wisdom,...

Shavuot marks the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and the completion of the harvest season. This festival blends spiritual reflection and agricultural celebration with rich traditions, prayers, and gratitude. The Historical Roots of Shavuot Shavuot is a significant Jewish holiday that celebrates both the spiritual and agricultural aspects of Jewish life. It commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, a transformative event that shaped the Jewish people’s faith and identity. Simultaneously, Shavuot marks the end of the grain harvest, a time of thanksgiving for the bountiful crops that sustain communities. These two elements, the divine revelation...

How Israelis Celebrate Simchat Torah The Calendar of Longing For many people who love Israel, the Jewish calendar is a map of longing . Each holiday brings with it a swell of meaning, prayers, and joy – but also a quiet ache of distance. Simchat Torah especially sharpens this feeling. It is perhaps the most exuberant celebration of the entire year, a holiday that overflows with joy. Yet from far away, it can leave supporters of Israel standing on the outside, wondering how to truly take part. If you’ve ever caught a short video clip of the streets of Jerusalem...