Jewish history

This week in Jewish history: Nobel prize winners, biochemists, and the Baba Sali

A highly abridged weekly version of Dust & Stars – Today in Jewish History.

Baba Baruch, heir of Baba Sali, speaks to prime minister Yitzhak Shamir during traditional ceremonies in Netivot, 1988.
Statue of a mans head wearing headphones.

The high price of not listening: What Pharaoh teaches us about power and humility

A memorial ceremony at the Nova festival marking two years since the October 7 massacre when Hamas terrorists infiltrated southern Israel, murdering more than 1200 people. October 07, 2025.

One degree of separation: How Jews connect through trauma, unite in hope - opinion

ETHIOPIAN JEWS take part in a prayer of the Sigd holiday on the Armon Hanatziv Promenade overlooking Jerusalem, in November 2025.

Zionism didn’t start in Europe, and Ethiopian Jews can prove it - opinion


How antisemitic vandals unwittingly delivered a message of hope to the world - opinion

When our people are defaced and defiled, we shine through as a holy and spiritual nation – a people who stand by each other in the face of hate and emerge stronger in spite of it. 

 CLOWN DOCTORS entertain children fleeing Ukraine, at a tent town in Humenné, Slovakia, in February 2022.

Editor's Notes: October 7 reshaped Israel forever, we must choose how to define it - comment

This time period will be remembered for how it sharply shaped every aspect of Israeli life.

 “Welcome to the October 7 Memorial Museum,” the AI driven avatar says in 2075. “You are about to embark on a journey through one of the most transformative events in modern Jewish history. Please follow me.”

In a dark period for Israel, Jews must find at least the smallest light to have hope - opinion

This is a dark time for the Jewish people; it is a time when the Jewish people need light.

 SOLDIERS STAND at the site of the October 7 Nova music festival massacre, as a siren sounds on Remembrance Day last May.

What does it mean to live in a time when history touches you? - opinion

We are touching history—not as something distant, something remembered, but as something unfolding beneath our feet.

Auschwitz

Mordechai's leadership lessons: True strength lies in standing together - opinion

As we celebrate Purim this year, we should embrace both the joy and the responsibility that come with it.

 A LARGE sign at the Azrieli Center in Tel Aviv reads: ‘Together we will prevail.’

For the greater good: The sacrifices made by Esther and other women for the Jewish people - opinion

Esther secured her place in history, joining a long, celebrated line of women who give of themselves selflessly for the good of the nation.

 An illustrative image of female IDF soldiers.

Purim during wartime: Remembering Amalek and a day of miraculous survival - opinion

The Jews have been confronted by Amalek throughout history, this hereditary enemy of Israel from wilderness times.

 Israelis are seen laughing at the Mahaneh Yehuda market in Jerusalem.

This week in Jewish history: The births of Moses and Barbie

A highly abridged version of Dust & Stars.

A fan takes a photo of a Barbie doll at the world premiere of the film "Barbie" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., July 9, 2023

Jewish learning forced underground, again - opinion

Repetition of history as Jewish studies are suppressed and Jews are in hiding, once again

 Protesters gather at a main entrance in front of Columbia University during convocation, in New York City, US, August 25, 2024

A profound holy distinction: Shiloh vs Jerusalem - opinion

Shiloh and Jerusalem represent two complementary forces – engagement with the world and preservation of identity – that drive our journey toward redemption.

THE JERUSALEM skyline as viewed from the Mount of Olives.