Download History of Chosen People

“History of the
Chosen People”
Stephen E. LaFleur, ThD
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History of God’s People
Israel is a nation unique in History – It is the story of God’s Chosen
People. No other nation has the same period of culture, religion, etc. It
has the same Rabbinical law, regardless of what country they are in.
For 40 years of wandering in the dessert, Israel had a tent for a center of
worship. Its story of Masada is unique to history. God’s providence was
shown time and time again through history. Jewish History is a picture
of Bible Prophecy fulfilled.
The Birth of the Nation is given to us in Genesis 12, followed by the stories
of Joseph – Moses – Promised Land, with a period of settlement. Next is a
lengthy period of Judges, followed by the Monarchy, then a civil war with
a split between the North and the South. Each kingdom has a separate
place of worship, a separate king, and a separate destiny.
The Northern Tribes, with their capital in Samaria, began a period of self
leadership apart from their brothers in Jerusalem. At times, the Northern
Kingdom fought with outside forces against the Southern Kingdom. At
other times, they remained allies with their southern brothers against
opposing forces.
The great Assyrian empire, having set it sites on the Northern Kingdom,
became a constant threat, eventually taking total control in 721BC. The
people of the north who had not previously left for Egypt, Europe and
British Isles were taken captive by the Assyrians and spread throughout
the Assyrian empire. Those descendants, going by many names given to
them by their conquerors, by their new lands and by linguistical
differences, became spread throughout Russia, the Middle East, the Far
East, Europe, Scandanavia, and the British Isles.
The people of the north, for all practical purposes, had ceased to exist as a
nation, only to be known as lost tribes. Their brothers to the south,
comprised of Judah and Benjamin, remained in place until conquered by
Babylon in 586 BC, returning later in three waves, under Ezra, Zerubbabal,
and Nehemiah. Today, those descendents are known as Jews.
Both Jeremiah and Ezekiel prophesied about the dispersal of the nation
which took place first in 721BC, a second time in 586BC, and then a third
time in 70AD.
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Jeremiah 16:13
Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, [neither] ye
nor your fathers; and there shall ye serve other gods day and night; where I will
not shew you favour. (persecution of Jews)
Ezekiel 5:12
A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be
consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round
about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a
sword after them.
Unique Historical Periods
There are three distinct periods of Jewish History. The first is the
Formation of Judaism, from the years 400BC – 500 AD. The second is
Jewish History and Her Developments 500 – 1800 AD, and the third
period, Modern Judaism 1800 AD – present.
The Formation of Judaism
There are reasons for the Babylonian Exile. The nation had a polluted
religion, many sins of the people, idol worship, and God’s judgment.
“Hear of Israel, The Lord our God is One” – one God, was no longer the
cry of the people. The people had stopped Temple worship. There was
no sacrifice and no central point of worship. For all practical purposes,
they were a godless people.
Many developments took place during the exile. With no Temple, the
leaders were forced to make changes, hence the development of
synagogue, much as we see it even today. The learning that took place at
the temple continued as schools developed. The result being the
Babylonian Talmud as opposed to the Alexandrian Talmud, which
eventually fell out of favor. We had Daniel’s Prophecy of the future, with
the fall of Babylon in 539 and Cyrus the King being the one who decreed
the return to the land.
Returning from Babylonian Captivity, two great leaders emerged, with
Biblical accounts of their exploits – Ezra and Nehemiah.
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Globally, there was a shift in Power. In 333 BC Alexander the Great
comes to power. In 331 BC, he took control over land of Israel. A Greek
culture was forced on the people, which was customary of all the
Alexanderian conquests. It became a Greek Hellenism assimilation vs the
Jewish traditions of hundreds of years. This assimilation included chariot
races, gymnasiums, bath houses, and a non-traditional Greek market place
with non-kosher foods.
At the death of Alexander there was a struggle over the Empire. In 323
BC, the empire was divided between four generals. Ptolemy took control
of Egypt, Antiochus Epiphanes took control of Syrian, but maintained
constant war with Egypt. Antiochus need to raise money for war with
Ptolmey so in 168BC, attacks Jerusalem for its monetary value and sacks
the Temple. This became known as the “Abomination of Desolation” and
the Temple was dedicated to Zeus. A statue of Zeus was erected on an
Alter of Inner Temple. Antiochus instituted daily swine sacrifices,
Sabbath Day worship and regulations forbidden and circumcision
forbidden.
Local factions, usually religions leaders, led revolts from the Syrian
yoke. Maccabees (hammer) as well as Mattathias led revolts, the most
notable was Hanukkah (feast of light). These revolts restored worship
and the temple reconsecrated. Freedoms came as Syria weakened.
Eventually, the political climate changed with concessions to Rome. The
Roman Period began in 66BC with the initial trade agreements in
Damascus and then moving south. Rome began to rule over Judea with
Herod as King.
Various Jewish Factions abounded though the land. The Zealots were
political minded, they believed God was with their cause, and they were
extremely militant. The Essenes had a problem with religious leaders,
with corruption in temple, with ritual baths, and were the curators of the
Dead Sea scrolls. They saw themselves as a light vs the darkness of the
world. The Pharisees were considered “Separatists”. They were teachers
and started right but became corrupt. The Saducees were leaders who
adopted Hellenistic culture and worked closely with the Romans. They
had the political clout.
At the Time of the Messiah, people expected the Messiah to conquer
Rome and were confused and disappointed when it did not happen. The
Early Christianity was seen as part of Judaism, as Nazarenes. A “Gospel
of Peace” was preached rather than violence, yet Jesus was taken away in
the middle of the night to insure there was not violent response to his
arrest.
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The Destruction of the Temple was the final blow to the dismantling of
the nation. In 62 AD Jews were deprived of their citizenship by Rome.
Caesarea, not Jerusalem, was designated the site of Roman rule. In what
could be called at best “punitive”, Rome sacked Jerusalem in 66AD.
Zealots took over control of city and defeated Romans outside of city.
Vespasian decided to put down revolt after a Roman garrison wiped out.
It was around this time, 68 AD, that Nero committed suicide. In 70 AD
the temple was sacked as prophesied in Matt. 24. After the fire, accidently
set by two different Jewish factions, the temple burned. Searching for
melted gold and silver, the inhabitants frantically looted the temple
grounds, leaving no stone unturned in their search. In 73 AD, we have the
incredible story of Masada which was told by Josephus.
The light seemed dim until the Council of Javne (yav-ne) in 70-90 AD.
The task of reestablishing Judaism as a religion began without sacrifices.
All current practices are from this time. The Torah was stored in cabinet
with perpetual light on. As the symbol of the temple with veil and crown,
the Torah was always removed, kissed, then read. Also during that time,
Nazarenes were officially condemned as traitors. 18 benedictions are
read. 19th benediction added as a curse to Nazarenes
Jewish Rabbinic Literature came on the scene. The Septuagint text was
condemned and the Masoretic text was accepted. Rabbi Akiva led the
Codification of Law (Talmud). The Six Orders of Midrash were
established to assist in explaining the Torah. The conflict was the Oral
Law vs. Written Law - according to tradition, both given to Moses. The
Talmud is made up of Oral Law - traditions that put law into practice.
The Talmud applies Bible to Jewish people only. The Mishna was
completed by 200 AD.
Because of the political unrest, Jerusalem not conducive to study. The
Center of Jewish learning shifted to Galilee. In 132 AD a revolt against
Hadrian was led by Simon. Rabbi Akiva backs Simon as the Messiah in
revolt – 1,000,000 died. Jewish believers pulled out of conflict after Simon
called himself the Messiah. From 138 – 168 AD after the revolt was
settled, study became important to Jewish people. From 200- 300 AD
there was peace in the land. More Jews lived in Babylon and Egypt than
in Israel. They would come to Israel for study, ordination, then return to
their home. The Babylonian Talmud began to take precedent over all
others and as retained it preeminence even until this day.
The so-called conversion of Emperor Constantine is one of those urban
legends that have no merit. He decided to become Christian in 311 BC
after seeing vision. It was nothing more than a political move.
Christianity became the State Religion as it was politically expedient to do
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so. Everyone become “so-called” Christian. Heresy introduced into
church and it became known as “catholic” church.
Council of Nicea becomes a pivotal point. In 325 BC, a meeting was
called to sort out differences but its main purpose was to alienate Judaism.
It formally acknowledged that Christianity had nothing in common with
Jews, referring to them as “detestable company of Jews”. The New
official church policy emerged – Jews are enemies of Christians with antisemiticism becoming official church policy.
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Jewish History and Her Developments
500 – 1800AD
The Rise of Islam occurred during this timeframe. The Leader is born in
570AD. Mohammed was a self taught camel boy who married into a
wealth family. He learned about Jewish and Christian ideas through
travel. According to Mohammed, in 610, an angel appeared and taught
him foundational truths that became the basis for Islam.
Mohammed began in Mecca, was finally thrown out and goes to Medina.
He began to preach tolerance and this message became acceptable. In 624
AD, he gained control of Medina and in 630 AD, returned to Mecca with
sabers, eliminating all those who had opposed him. In 635 AD, he
advanced to Damascus, forward in 636 AD to Syria, and in 637 AD,
moved into Europe.
Charles the Hammer (Southern France) stopped flow into Europe, at least
for a time. Babylon became stronghold and no was longer hospitable to
Jews. In 1038 AD the Jewish center of learning moved to Spain.
A great Leader emerges on the Jewish religious scene. Known as
“Rambam”, this rabbi became one of the great theological leaders of
Judaism. Under his authority, many changes took place. The 10th chapter
of Sanhedrin was written with the 13 Creeds of Judaism being established
and still practiced today. He taught that God could NOT become man
and that the Trinity did not exist. He taught that Jesus and Mohammed
laid the ground for the Messiah to come at some later time. He preached a
tolerance toward Jewish people and Christians (anyone who believes in
Jesus).
Another noted leader was Rashi 1040 – 1105 AD. He was another famous
scholar who was intolerant of Christians. Under his teachings, Jews
became hardened against the Gospel. The Crusades began in 1096 AD. St.
Bernard saved Jews from death, becoming a legend. In 1492 AD, Jews
were expelled from Spain and settled all over Eastern/Western Europe.
Traditional Orthodox Judaism was everywhere.
The French Revolution, with the storming of the Bastille, unknowingly
played an important role in Jewish life. It featured the rise of middle class
with “freedom for all men” (including Jews).
The problem with Napoleon and the Jews is the deal he made. He
promised the Jewish people, “You are welcome here if you give up your
right to Israel”.
Jews were allowed to attend school, become
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professionals, and mingle in society, creating a rift between the traditional
Jews and Reformed Judaism.
A new system of worship called Conservative Judaism (combined) came
on the scene and was accepted in most circles. Unfortunately, this
assimilation of the Jewish people into the French way of life led to the
Hitler ideology and the eventual persecution of the Jewish people as
prophesied in Jeremiah and Ezekiel.
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Modern Judaism
1800 AD – present
Anti-Semitism became the way in Europe. The issue of Traditions vs
Reformed led to Conservative Judaism. This background that shaped
current day thinking. Anti-Semitic refers to descendents of Shem through
Abraham. In 1918 and 1932, Jewish massacres took place in Europe.
Outlandish charges were raised that Jews killed children and used blood
for matza. In 1933 – 1939, Anti-Semitism grows throughout Europe.
Families moved from country to country because of forced relocation by
host countries. The nation of farmers slowly became professionals.
The “Protocols of the Elders of Zion” –
Published by a Russian newspaper late 1800’s
was supposedly minutes of a meeting of Jews
to take over world. This fueled anti-semitic
fervor. It actually was an old play written 60
years earlier. In 1932, the court ruled the
article as a lie but public opinion prevailed.
The Dreyfus Affair was a shame to all free
Frenchmen. Accused of selling secrets by the
French court, Louis Dreyfus, a highly
decorated officer, was sent to Devil’s Island
but later released. Theodore Hertzel, a Jewish reporter stated, “If France
can railroad person because they are Jewish, Jews need their own
homeland”. This initiated a wave that would continue until that
homeland was finally realized in the next century.
Zionism became the watchword of the day. Several dates come to mind.
1860 – First discussion of possible home
1861 – Zion society formed
1884 – First Conference of Lovers of Zion
1897 – Hertzel named President of Lovers
of Zion
1901 – Hertzel meets with Sultan of Arabia
to plead his case
The movement began brewing for return to land of Israel. The first return
from the East - Russia was pictured as the movie (Fiddler on the Roof).
Interestingly enough, Western Jews were not pressured to return. The
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Turkish empire controlled “Palestine” although it remained by name, a
Roman term.
The British influence on Palestine began after WWI when Palestine
became part of British Territory. In 1917, The Balfor Declaration “states
desire to help Jews regain their homeland”, but no more. It became a
political hot potato, with different stories being told to the Jews vs. Arabs.
Nothing was done to help Jews regain the land.
As World War II came along and saw the devastation to the Jews in
Europe, the world never realized the holocaust until the war was ended
and millions of the Jewish people were exterminated by Hitler’s war
machine. The loss of life was unique to history.
WWII had a dramatic effect on the Jewish population with
extermination of Jews 1941 – 1945
Germany
Denmark
Holland
Belgium
France
Greece
Italy
Yugoslavia
Bulgaria
Romania
Hungary
Austria
Czech
Poland
Lithuania
Latvia
Russia
Before
250,000
6,000
140,000
85,000
300,000
67,000
120,000
70,000
48,000
1,000,000
710,000
70,000
81,000
3,000,000
140,000
100,000
2,500,000
Killed
180,000
100
104,000
28,000
65,000
60,000
9,000
58,000
30,000
750,000
200,000
60,000
61,000
2,600,000
104,000
70,000
750,000
After the war, persecutions of the Jewish people continued. The British
locked up fleeing Jewish settlers. US policy would not allow Jewish
settlements. An example was the ship “St Louis” with Jews was refused
to dock in the US.
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Finally the Jews were able to return to the Land of Israel. In 1947,
problems were with the British instead of the Arabs as exampled by the.
“Exodus” survivors being turned down for entry. Then, in 1948, the
Declaration of Independence created, once again, a homeland in Israel for
the Jewish nation.
God’s People were still standing after all these years and finally had a
homeland to return to . . .
Jeremiah 16:14, 15
14Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be
said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of
Egypt;
15But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of
the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring
them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.
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What About Now?
Anti-semiticism is slowly becoming the fashion of the day in many
countries, with the most volatile being in the Ukraine and Russia. The
same old rhetoric from the previous century is being propogated, even
now, with undertones of violence to the Jews. Suprisingly enough, this
rhetoric is coming from the Orthodox Church and the government of the
Ukraine that seeks a return to communism and its atheistic policy.
The scripture in Jeremiah identifies that geographical area is a target area
in restoration of Israel as it mentions “land of the north”. Drawing a line
directly north of Jerusalem goes directly through the Ukraine to Moscow.
The plight of the Jews is the Ukraine is deplorable. Most live in poverty
and barely eke out a substandard existence, so having the money to return
to their homeland is not even a remote possibility. A passport would cost
them $100, and a visa would require several trips to the consulate just to
make application for the entire family. And the 3+ hour airplane flight to
Israel is beyond the comprehension of those who struggle to put a 16 cent
loaf on the table to feed there family. And also, if they owe the
government any money for past subsidies, they are prohibited to leave the
country. Meeting these financial needs is where the Christian church
(Gentiles) steps in to help.
Isaiah 49:22
Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set
up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy
daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.
With an office in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, Ezra International actively searches
out, identifies and assists Jewish families in the relocation process. We call this
“fishing and hunting” expeditions.
Jeremiah 16:16
Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them;
and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every
mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.
Passports, visa, government debt, and air transportation are all part of the expense
of bringing them home. The cost for one person averages $360.
Once back in Israel, they are united with other successful returnees and for the
first time in their lives, are given the opportunity to hear the Word of God. As the
spirit of the Lord speaks to them, many respond and become citizens of an even
“greater kingdom” – the Kingdom of God.
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Ezekiel 39:21-29
21And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my
judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them.
22So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God from that day
and forward.
23And the heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their
iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them,
and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so fell they all by the sword.
24According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions have I
done unto them, and hid my face from them.
25Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of
Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my
holy name;
26After that they have borne their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they
have trespassed against me, when they dwelt safely in their land, and none made
them afraid.
27When I have brought them again from the people, and gathered them out of
their enemies' lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations;
28Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God, which caused them to be
led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own
land, and have left none of them any more there.
29Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit
upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.
In helping these returnees with our financial gifts, we are part of the fulfillment of
prophecy and by doing so, are blessed accordingly.
Genesis 12:3
And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee
shall all families of the earth be blessed.
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BONUS PAGES
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What Is a Seder?
About the Passover (Pesach) Seder
A Passover seder is a service held at home as part of the Passover
celebration. It is always observed on the first night of Passover, and in
some homes on the second night as well. On both nights, the seder
concludes with a dinner. Participants use a book called the Haggadah to
lead the service. "Hagaddah" means "the telling," in Hebrew, and it
contains instructions for the seder, blessings and the Passover story.
The word "seder" literally means "order" in Hebrew. The name comes
from the fact that there are 15 parts of the ritual service, all revolving
around the upcoming Passover dinner. Food is an important symbolic
element of Passover.
Parts of the Passover Seder
Below is a brief description of each of the fifteen parts of the Passover
seder. These steps are observed to the letter in some homes, while other
homes may choose to observe only some of them and focus instead on the
Passover meal.
1. Kadesh (Santification) - During this part of the seder, each participant's
cup is filled with wine or grape juice. The Kiddush is recited aloud, then
everyone takes a drink from their cup.
2. Urchatz (Handwashing) - Water is poured over the hands to symbolize
ritual purification. Traditionally a pitcher is used to pour water over the
right hand first, then the left. Usually people say a blessing during the
handwashing ritual, but no blessing is said.
3. Karpas (Green Vegetable) - A vegetable such as lettuce, cucumber,
radish or parsley is now dipped in salt water and eaten. It is sometimes
said that the salt water represents the tears our ancestors shed during their
years of enslavement.
4. Yachatz (Breaking the Matzah) - There is always a plate of three matzot
(plural of matzah) on the table during a seder. (These matzot are part of
the ritual meal - there are other matzot elsewhere to feed the seder guests.)
At this point the seder leader takes a piece from the middle of the plate
and breaks it in half. The smaller piece is put back between the remaining
two matzot. The larger half becomes the "afikomen," which is hidden
somewhere for the children to find later on. Alternatively, some homes
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place the afikomen near the seder leader and the children must try to
"steal" it without the leader noticing.
5. Maggid (Telling the Passover Story) - During this part of the seder
participants retell the Exodus story. The youngest person (usually a child)
at the table begins by asking the Four Questions. Each question is a
variation of: "Why is this night different from all other nights?"
Participants will often answer these questions by taking turns reading
from the Haggadah. Next the four types of children are described: the
wise child, the wicked child, the simple child and the child who doesn't
know how to ask a question. Thinking about each kind of person is an
opportunity for self reflection and discussion.
This part of the seder concludes when the second cup of wine is poured.
As each of the ten plagues that struck Egypt is read aloud, participants dip
a finger into their wine and put a drop of liquid onto their plates. At this
point the various symbols on the seder plate are discussed, then everyone
can drink their wine!
6. Rachtzah (Handwashing) - Participants wash their hands again, this
time saying the appropriate blessing (Netilat Yadayim). After saying the
blessing, it is customary not to speak until the blessing for the matzah.
7. Motzi (Blessing for the Matzah) - Now the motzi (blessing for bread) is
said over the matzah. It goes: "Baruch atah Adonai, Elohaynu, melech haolam ha-motzi lechem min ha-aretz." In English: "Praised are You Adonai
our God, Ruler of the Universe, who brings forth bread from the earth."
Next the blessing mentioning the mitzvah (commandment) to eat matzah
is said.
8. Matzah - Everyone eats their matzah.
9. Maror (Bitter Herbs) - Because the Israelites were slaves in Egypt we
eat bitter herbs to remind us of the harshness of servitude. Horseradish
(either the root or a prepared paste) is most often used. Put a dollop of
maror on a piece of matzah and eat it.
10. Korech (Hillel Sandwich) - Next participants make a "Hillel
Sandwich" by putting maror and charoset between two pieces of matzah.
They then eat their sandwiches.
11. Shulchan Orech (Dinner) - Now it is time for the meal to begin!
Passover seder staples include hard-boiled eggs, matzah ball soup, brisket
and even matzah lasagna. Dessert often includes ice cream, cheesecake, or
flourless cakes, often made with chocolate.
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12. Tzafan (Eating the Afikomen) - After dessert participants eat the
afikomen. Remember that the afikomen was either hidden or stolen at the
beginning of the seder, so it has to be returned to the seder leader at this
point. In some homes the children actually ransom the afikomen back to
the adults.
13. Barech (Blessing) - A third cup of wine is poured for everyone, the
blessing is recited and then participants drink their glass. Now an
additional cup of wine is poured for Elijah and a door is opened so that
the prophet can enter the home.
14. Hallel (Songs of Praise) - The door is closed and everyone sings songs
of praise to God before drinking the fourth and final cup of wine.
15. Nirtzah (Conclusion) - The seder is now officially over but most
homes say one final blessing: "L'shanah haba'a bi Yerushalayim!" This
means, "Next year in Jerusalem!" and expresses the hope that next year
Passover will be celebrated in Israel.
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JEWISH HOLIDAYS
Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur
The Jewish High Holidays, also called the High Holy Days, consist of the
holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and encompass the ten days from
the beginning of Rosh Hashanah through the end of Yom Kippur.
Sukkot & Simchat Torah
Sukkot is an eight-day harvest holiday that arrives during the Hebrew month of
Tishrei. Tishrei is filled with many other holidays, such as Rosh HaShanah, Yom
Kippur and Simchat Torah. Simchat Torah is a celebratory Jewish holiday that
marks the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days and nights. It starts on the
25th of the Jewish month of Kislev, which coincides with late November-late
December on the secular calendar.
Hanukkah for Kids
Involving children in Hanukkah celebrations is a wonderful way to enhance their
experience of the holiday. Below are articles with information and/or activities
that are especially kid-friendly.
Tu B'Shvat
Tu B'Shvat is the Jewish New Year for the trees. It takes place on the 15th of
Shvat, which is a Hebrew month that usually falls between mid-January and midFebruary. In Hebrew, "tu" correlates with the number fifteen and "b" means "of."
Hence, Tu B'shvat literally means "15th of Shvat."
Purim
On Purim is a festive holiday that celebrates how Queen Esther saved the Jews
from destruction. This story is recorded in the biblical Book of Esther.
Passover
Passover is a holiday that remembers the Israelite exodus from slavery in Egypt. It
is celebrated with a festive meal and the retelling of this story, as it is recorded in
the biblical Book of Exodus.
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The Omer
The Omer are forty-nine days between the holiday of Passover and the holiday of
Shavuot. Also known as Sefirat HaOmer (Counting the Omer), these forty-nine
days are counted aloud during evening services. The thirty-third day of the Omer
is celebrated as Lag Ba'Omer.
Holocaust Remembrance Day
Holocaust Remembrance Day, known as Yom HaShoah in Hebrew, is a day when
we remember those who perished in the Holocaust.
Yom HaZikaron & Yom HaAtzmaut
Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut are Israeli holidays. Yom HaZikaron is
also known as Israel Memorial Day and is a time to remember all those who lost
their lives in struggle for Israeli independence, as well as the soldiers who have
died while serving in Israel's armed forces. Yom HaAtzmaut is Israel
Independence Day.
Shavuot
Shavuot is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the giving of the Torah to the Jews.
The Talmud tells us that God gave the Ten Commandments to the Jews on the
sixth night of the Hebrew month of Sivan. Shavuot always falls 50 days after the
second night of Passover.
Tisha B'Av
Tisha B’Av, also known as “The Ninth of Av,” is a fast day that commemorates
the destruction of the two Temples. It falls on the ninth day of the Hebrew month
of Av, which usually coincides with late July or mid-August on the secular
calendar.
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