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Issue 71 | December 2024

Articles

Feeding the Heavens – Jewish Birdfeeding Customs

Yossi Ziv

Both Polish and Ethiopian Jews traditionally fed birds at specific times of year, ascribing deep meaning to this practice. Did the custom spread from south to north with the migratory flocks, or was it simply the Jewish imagination that too

The First Zionist Visionary – Rabbi Yehuda Alkalai

Yitzhak Krausz

At first glance, 19th-century rabbi Yehuda Alkalai’s writings seem like traditional Jewish interpretations of biblical prophecies, but closer scrutiny reveals a strikingly modern redemptive vision – which had yet to be dubbed Zionism Yitzha

Coins of Rebellion – Judean Rebels’ Coins

Yinon Horesh

Unlike other freedom fighters throughout history, the Judeans rebelling against Rome even minted their own coins. Why “waste” energy and resources on mere symbols of independence? What subversive messages did they convey? Yinon Horesh

Woman of Worth and Wisdom – Flora Sassoon

Hezi Cohen

Even today, most boardrooms remain dominated by men, but 130 years ago a Jewish woman shattered the glass ceiling to preside over one of India’s largest mercantile empires. A philanthropist and scholar to boot, Flora Sassoon was a force to

Columns

Portrait of a People | On Stage

Naomi Samuel

Naomi Samuel Eunuch’s Costume for the Ballet ScheherazadeParis, 191027 X 43 cmGouache and graphite with

Quick Looks at Books

Sara Jo Ben-Zvi

The Madwoman in the Rabbi’s Attic | Reading Herzl in Beirut  Sara Jo Ben-Zvi The Madwoman in the Rabbi’s AtticRereading the Women of the Talmud Gila FineMaggi

Tale of a Trail | Kibbutz Gesher

Tamar HaYardeni

Three bridges, one Arab village, three Jewish settlements, a railway station, and a hydroelectric plant. How did a single bend in the River Jordan generate so much activity? Tamar HaYardeni Where To? Kibbutz GesherRestored site

Voices of the Past | Eliezer Ben Yehuda

Eliezer Ben Yehuda

Father of modern Hebrew Eliezer Ben Yehuda describes how Balkan nationalism drew him to Zionism Eliezer Ben Yehuda Eliezer Ben Yehuda (see “Hebrew Zealot,” Segula 22) wrote this article soon after the issuance of the Balfour De