David Pliner

The Hebrew Meaning of Shechem In Hebrew, the word “Shechem” (שְׁכֶם) directly translates to “shoulder.” This might seem like a curious name for a city, but in biblical Hebrew, names often carry layered meanings. The shoulder is a place of strength, support, and burden-bearing. It’s where we carry loads and where we lean on one another. Naming a city “Shechem” suggests a place of support, of carrying weight—perhaps emotional, spiritual, or communal. Geographically, Shechem is nestled between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, forming a natural “shoulder” valley. This physical formation may have inspired the name, but the symbolism runs deeper....

Cherubim and seraphim are more than just names in sacred texts—they are symbols of something deeper, something that connects us to the spiritual heritage of Israel. In this article, we’ll journey through ancient writings, explore interpretations from Jewish tradition, and reflect on how these beings continue to inspire us today. Let’s begin by understanding what these beings are, where they appear in the Torah, and how they have been interpreted throughout Jewish history. Whether you’re new to these concepts or have studied them before, we hope this exploration brings you closer to the heart of Israel’s spiritual story. The word...

The Historical Setting of Zechariah To understand Zechariah, we must first step into the world he lived in. The Jewish people had just returned from Babylonian exile. Jerusalem lay in ruins, and the once-glorious Temple was no more. It was a time of uncertainty, but also of hope. The people were rebuilding not just their homes, but their identity. Zechariah, along with the prophet Haggai, played a key role in encouraging the people during this time. He began his prophetic mission around 520 BCE, during the reign of King Darius of Persia. His words were filled with visions and symbols,...

Spain has long been a hotbed for anti-Israel pro-BDS activity. Back in December, the nation’s powerful BDS supporters swarmed a delegation from the West Bank in a Madrid hotel, physically attacking leaders of the Arab and Jewish communities. Protestors hurled insults at the group, which included the Palestinian Authority’s chief Islamic judge. This underscores the hypocrisy of BDS and proves what Israel supporters have known for years: BDS isn’t about loving Arabs or supporting Palestine, it’s just about hating Jews. Ironically, the group was in Spain to appeal an EU decision to label West Bank products. Mandatory labeling of products...

“On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abraham and said, “To your descendants I give this land…” Genesis 15:18 Thousands of years later Dr. Amir Kitron, a descendant of Abraham has returned to Judea where he has established his life, and a unique business, Herbs of Kedem. The Herbs of Kedem factory is nestled high in the Hebron Hills on the Jewish settlement of Carmel, first mentioned in the bible and re-established in 1980. Carmel is now home to Jewish pioneers who are dedicated to living and raising their families in this holy place. Herbs of Kedem products...

Imagine walking down the street in your own country and suddenly coming across two Israeli soldiers pointing rifles at a terrified Palestinian man who is begging for mercy. It would probably take a split second to realize the scene wasn’t real, but instead a street drama acted out by pro-Palestinian campaigners. However, the damage done in a split second can last a lifetime. The image of these evil, murderous Israeli soldiers is now embedded in your mind. The feelings of terror, horror, disgust. This street drama took place last month in the Austrian capital of Vienna. Right in the middle...

When Israeli archaeologists uncovered a series of ancient chambers that had been hidden underground for thousands of years just meters away from the Second Temple, everyone was overcome with mystery and intrigue. The Israel Antiques Authority and the Western Wall Heritage Foundation presented the extraordinary discovery last month, just ahead of Jerusalem Day. Barely thirty meters from the ancient Jewish Temple, archaeologists found two rooms connected by a staircase and an open courtyard. This complex was used by Jewish people in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago at the time of the Second Temple. Artefacts found at the site – oil lamps,...

The US has once again chosen to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel in the battle against anti-Semitic lies and discrimination. Last month, Missouri became the 28th state to pass an anti-BDS bill. Lawmakers approved the “Anti-Discrimination Against Israel Act,” banning the state from doing business with companies that boycott Israel. This is fantastic news for Israeli businesses, including all the producers and artisans in the Lev Haolam family. After contending with the devastating effects of BDS for so long, we’re finally starting to see some relief. BDS stands for “Boycotts, Divestments and Sanctions.” It is a deeply anti-Semitic movement that seeks...