Purim

MK Son Har-Melech, dozens of activists cross border fence into Gaza Strip

The Otzma Yehudit MK has said in a statement published by Nachala that "Gaza is ours forever."

MK Limor Son Har-Melech, together with dozens of activists from the Nahala movement, crossed the border fence into the Gaza Strip. February 19.
Purim editions, Cremugit and Petit Beurre

Indulgences and temptations for Purim: The tasty news of Israel

 Ukrainian Jewish children holding packages they received JNRU for Purim.

Hamantaschen from Israel, graggers, and fuel: Purim aid drive spans Ukraine

Mozart Chocolate-Coconut Liqueur

A perfect ball has landed in Israel, just in time for Purim mischief


This month in Jewish history: The first permanent government of Israel

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

DIZENGOFF SQUARE, named for the Tel Aviv founding father.

2,500 years in the making: Are the Jews once again turning the tables on Iran?

On the 23rd day of the Hebrew month of Sivan, Queen Esther is said to have allowed the Jews of Persia to fight back against extinction. Has Israel done the same today with Iran?

 An AI-generated illustrative image of US President Donald Trump being handed a parchment from the biblical Queen Esther as Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hovering in the background.

Purim-Passover connection: Uniting the Jews, then building a nation - opinion

Step one – as epitomized by Purim – is the struggle to bring the Jews together, to unite as a loving community, albeit in a foreign land. Step two – Passover – is the forming of our own nation.

 Departure of the Israelites 'Departure of the Israelites' by David Roberts, 1829.

Purim celebrations: Deliverance, customs, and controversies - opinion

In addition to the core activities of reading the Megillah, sending gifts (mishloach manot), and donating three half shekels to charity, Purim is a time of carnivals and masquerades.

 The reading of the ‘Megillah.’

Purim's unacceptable mask: The powerful themes of revenge, evil, and free will

In the Scroll of Esther, revenge is a powerful theme, but just as clearly one that leads to confusion and tragedy.

 Esther and Mordechai writing the second letter of Purim, painted by Arent de Gelder.

How beautiful are illuminated ‘Megillot Esther’

Medieval megillot were beautifully illuminated. Why? Because God’s name is not mentioned.

 Illustrated Esther scroll (Ferrara, Italy, 1616)

Misplaced guilt and right to defend: Lessons from Esther and October 7 - opinion

We make no apology for defending our home, our families, our country, and our race.

 AN ULTRA-ORTHODOX man dances on the street, marking Purim, the celebration of the Jews’ salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, in Jerusalem’s Mea Shearim neighborhood, on March 16.

Grapevine March 21, 2025: Greater sensitivity needed toward families of hostages

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

 PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG speaks at the Inauguration of the Avraham Shochat Cultural Center in Arad.

Peter Beinart, Rabbi Sharon Borus: Jews blind to their own self-destruction - opinion

As of late, there has been no shortage of self-hating Jews; one can only look on in horror and pray they realize the error of their ways.

PETER BEINART is the sort of progressive who hopes to be ahead of his time.

Purim’s poetic justice: Light and joy, gladness and honor…in Goebbels’ retreat - opinion

Beyond the headlines: A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news.

American soldiers holding the first Jewish services in Germany since the rise of the Third Reich, around Purim, 1945, led by Rabbi Manuel Poliakoff of Baltimore, MD.