FINALLY REUNITED THE BANNER OF THE UN-LOST TRIBES עשרת השבטים Across distant lands—from the rugged Ethiopian Highlands to India’s remote villages—clans claiming a connection to the ancient Israelites have been discovered. At a time when Jewish identity is so emergent, what can a lost chapter of history teach us? ישעיהו י״א וְהָיָה  בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא יוֹסִיף ה'  שֵׁנִית יָדוֹ לִקְנוֹת אֶת־שְׁאָר עַמּוֹ אֲשֶׁר יִשָּׁאֵר מֵאַשּׁוּר וּמִמִּצְרַיִם וּמִפַּתְרוֹס וּמִכּוּשׁ וּמֵעֵיל

UP & COMING THE PROCESS OF BUILDING THE HOLY TEMPLE נבואת יחזקאל It begins with a concept, a glimmer in a creative mind. But it takes more than the brainstorm of one individual to bring the grand project to fruition. Months, possibly years, of discussion and preparation by hundreds or thousands of individuals follow, each bringing their own insights and expertise. Over time, obstacles arise, and progress is deferred or delayed. Still, planning, study and development continue.

HOUSE OF DAVID WHEN HUMILTY MAKES YOU GREAT מלך מבית דוד A king of ancient Persia was chopping down trees in a stranger’s courtyard in anger; on the cusp of felling the last standing sapling, a geezer appeared, seized his ax, and threatened his life. The king awakened from this nightmare with a bloody gash on his forehead, and a memory of the old man, who had called himself King David, warning him to protect his last remaining progeny or risk dethroning and death. Indeed, in

CONNECTION COMPLETE THE ULTIMATE MITZVAH EXPERIENCE שלימות התורה והמצוות From the ancient Code of Hammurabi to modern human rights declarations, systems of law focus on a few broad principles, like justice and respect. But the Torah stands apart: The commandments and community customs guide every aspect of human relationships and how we connect to G-d. Today, we can only observe a fraction of the 613 mitzvot—what would it mean to experience Torah completely? רמב"ם הלכות מלכים

PROPHETABLE SEERS OF THE AGE OF INFORMATION כולנו נביאים Forty-one percent of Americans believe in the paranormal. Seekers turn to psychics, fortune tellers, and spiritual advisors for insight into life's uncertainties. But the market is flooded with charlatans and con artists, and it is rare to find a true seer. Can you imagine a world where authentic spiritual vision becomes as common as physical sight? משנה תורה להרמב"ם תשובה פרק ט', הלכה ב מִפְּנֵי שֶׁאוֹתוֹ הַמֶּלֶךְ שֶׁ

THE LEVIATHAN VS. THE BEHEMOTH THEIR BATTLE AND THE MEAL THAT FOLLOWS שור הבר ולויתן At Canada’s Wonderland, two of the region’s tallest and fastest amusement rides can send thrill-seekers plunging in an 80-degree drop from a towering 306 feet, reaching speeds over 90 mph! The Leviathan and Behemoth, as they are called, are named for legendary creatures, symbols of colossal scale and immense power. Long before they became roller coasters, the Leviathan and the Behemoth are ev

UNITED FOR REDEMPTION HOW ONENESS OUTPERFORMS LOVE אהבת ישראל ואחדות ישראל The Continental Congress faced tremendous internal discord as the colonies each struggled with unique challenges. But the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence marked a crucial turning point: “We the people,” they said. Despite their differences, they were a unified force. “E pluribus unum—Out of many, one"—remains a defining motto of the United States even today. יומא ט,ב מִקְדָּשׁ רִאשׁוֹן

UP AGAINST APATHY ELIMINATING JUDIASM'S EXISTENTIAL THREAT מחיית עמלק What is that single feeling linked to low self-esteem, depression, isolation, mental decline and spiritual regression? It’s actually nothing—that’s right, it’s a lack of emotion that leaves people feeling lost, disconnected and neglecting their self-care. במדבר כד:כ וַיַּרְא אֶת־עֲמָלֵק וַיִּשָּׂא מְשָׁלוֹ וַיֹּאמַר רֵאשִׁית גּוֹיִם עֲמָלֵק וְאַחֲרִיתוֹ עֲדֵי אֹבֵד׃ תרגום יונתן וַחֲמָא יַת דְבֵית עֲמָלֵק וּ

HOLY & WHOLE THE LANDSCAPE OF JERUSALEM OF THE FUTURE ירושלים דלעתיד How far does a landmark go? In the early Sixties, unequipped to handle heavy commuter traffic, London Bridge was sinking into the Thames River at the rate of an inch every eight years. Enterprising city councilman Ivan Luckin sold the falling-down bridge to American business tycoon Robert MuCulloch. The bridge’s facing was cut, dismantled, shipped, and reconstructed in landlocked Lake Havasu, Arizona, where

HEAVENLY GUEST THE SANCTUARY WITHIN OUT HEARTS ושכנתי בתוכם Each year, 28 million Americans—roughly 8.2% of the population—pack up their lives and relocate. Some move in search of better housing, others to be closer to family, and some for new job opportunities. This constant reshuffling reflects a deep human desire for self-improvement and a sense of belonging. Jewish thought says that G‑d, too, seeks better living conditions. Where does He desire to dwell? Not in grand stru

MONUMENTAL HOPE REMEMBERING THE TEMPLE THROUGH RITUAL זכר למקדש Over twenty years after 9/11, the impressions of the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil is fading from public discourse. 9/11 is a powerful memory for Americans, but only for adults old enough to remember, Pew reports. To the new generation, 9/11 feels as historical and remote as Pearl Harbor. Is there a way to preserve the collective memory? משניות סוכה ג:יב בָּרִאשׁוֹנָה הָיָה הַלּוּלָב נִטָּל בַּמִּקְדָּש

THE POWER OF EIGHT UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF MIRACLES כינור של שמונה נימין Who would welcome extending the workweek by three days? Well. it’s been attempted before. During the French Revolution, the calendar was temporarily altered by instituting “décades,” 10-day weeks, in order to break away from the religious tradition of a Divine day of rest. However, the system was unpopular and impractical, and after just twelve years, the seven-day week was reinstated. The natural rh

A NEW KIND OF KING MONARCHY IN THE MESSIANIC ERA מלך המשיח In 1689, Enlightenment philosopher John Locke published Two Treatises of Government challenging the “Divine right of kings” and arguing for a government based on the consent of the people. Since then, government monarchies have been on the decline. But one of the central themes of the future redemption is the appointment of King Moshiach who will, in the words of Maimonides, “correct the entire world to serve G-d in u

FOREVER HOME ON THE VERGE OF FULFILLING A 4000 YEAR OLD PROMISE ארץ עשר אומות At a time when the Jewish right to their homeland is broadly questioned by mainstream media, and international entities like the ICC and the UN have bought into a false narrative that “Zionist” is synonymous with “colonizer,” it is hard to imagine a world that recognizes the truth of Israel’s history. But did you know that in 1976, Chaim Herzog, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, succeeded i

HEARTBEAT OF A NATION UNDERSTANDING ISRAEL'S SIGNIFICANCE ארץ ישראל For a population and land area roughly the size of New Jersey, the international scrutiny Israel receives is vastly disproportionate. If you visit any news site, it's likely that the top story will involve Israel. Despite numerous ongoing conflicts around the globe, Israel remains a focal point. What is it about this tiny country that captivates so much global attention? יחזקאל לו כד - כח וְלָקַחְתִּי אֶתְכֶם

THE G-D FACTOR THE ESSENCE OF EACH JEW BRINGING MOSHIACH יחידה From the invention of the automobile and antibiotics to the development of submarines and cell phones, the 20th century marked numerous scientific advancements. One of the most crucial discoveries was atomic energy. Initially used in destructive ways, nuclear fission processes serve as a valuable energy source today, generating around ten percent of the world's electricity. The discovery of nuclear power holds an

THE PULSE OF PRAYER WHY MOSHIACH IS THE CORE OF THE LITURGY תפילה על משיח A recent survey found that close to 50% of Americans pray every day, and at least 37% of those believe that their prayers have been answered. They pray for health, prosperity, and the well-being of their loved ones. Some even pray for their favorite sports team to win or to find a good parking space. Jews are commanded to commune with G-d three times a day and voice various supplications at times in bet

THE ANTIDOTE TO EXILE UNDERSTANDING THE TIMING OF REDEMPTION PROPHECIES. הכוונה והמטרה בנבואת הגאולה To prepare for battle, soldiers go through many stages of basic and tactical training. One non-practical but essential component remains. Aimed at setting the soldier in the proper mental and emotional state of mind before engaging the enemy, commanders gather their troops and rally them by evoking the imperative of their mission and the glory of its success. What do pep talks

CENTER OF THE UNVERSE THE ETERNAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BEIT HAMIKDASH בית המקדש השלישי Border squabbles and political unrest crop up all over the globe, but one particular conflict bleeds most heavily off the news pages. Any multiethnic society may fight for religious—or secular—ground, but the swaying of one particular type of petitioner in one specific space is the ticking time bomb of a potential world war. What is it about Jerusalem and its environs that has every discerni

PLANTED, NOT BURIED THE TRANSFORMATIVE NATURE OF A FAST DAY ימי הצומות יהפכו לימים טובים Many ancient cultures contain the legend of a phoenix. The story is of a bird that lives hundreds of years only to be self-immolated, then ultimately reborn from its own ashes. The book of Iyov [29:18] speaks of a bird called “chol” as a symbol of Iyov’s dashed hopes for longevity. Rashi explains that the chol lives a thousand years and then reverts to its youthful self. A symbol of immor