David Pliner

The Story Behind the Splitting of the Sea The event commonly referred to as the splitting of the sea takes place in the Book of Exodus, chapter 14. After centuries of slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were finally granted their freedom. Led by Moses, they began their journey into the wilderness. But soon after their departure, Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army to recapture them. Trapped between the advancing Egyptian forces and the sea, the Israelites cried out in fear. In that moment of desperation, Moses was instructed to stretch out his hand over the sea. When he...

The Destruction of the First Temple and the Babylonian Exile In 586 BCE, the Babylonians destroyed the First Temple in Jerusalem, a devastating blow to the Jewish people. The Temple had been the spiritual heart of Jewish life, built by King Solomon centuries earlier. Its destruction marked not only the loss of a sacred space but also the beginning of a long and painful exile. The Babylonian exile was a time of mourning and reflection. Far from their homeland, the Jewish people preserved their identity through prayer, study, and community. They longed for the day they could return to Jerusalem...

The Importance of Ancient Maps in Understanding History Maps are more than just tools for navigation—they are windows into the past. When we examine ancient maps of the Levant, especially those highlighting Tyre and Sidon, we gain insight into how people understood geography, politics, and culture in biblical times. These maps help us visualize trade routes, territorial boundaries, and the proximity of key cities to one another. The map of Tyre and Sidon reveals their strategic location along the Mediterranean Sea, north of ancient Israel. Their coastal positions made them ideal hubs for trade and communication. These cities were not...

The Birth of Esau: A Name Rooted in Appearance Esau’s name first appears in the Book of Genesis, where he is born as the elder twin of Jacob. The Torah describes him as emerging from the womb “red, all over like a hairy garment” (Genesis 25:25). This vivid image is not just a physical description—it becomes the foundation of his name. The Hebrew word עֵשָׂו (Esav) is often linked to the root עשׂה (asah), meaning “to make” or “to do,” suggesting something already formed or complete. This connection to being “made” or “complete” reflects Esau’s fully developed appearance at birth....

The Meaning Behind Sukkot Sukkot is one of the three pilgrimage festivals in the Jewish calendar, alongside Passover and Shavuot. It commemorates the 40 years the Israelites spent wandering in the desert after their exodus from Egypt. During this time, they lived in temporary shelters, which is why Jewish families today build sukkahs as part of the celebration. These structures are not just symbolic—they become the center of life for a week, where meals are shared, songs are sung, and memories are made. The sukkah itself is a powerful symbol. Its fragile walls and leafy roof remind us of the...

The Rise of Shein in Israel Shein, a Chinese-based online fashion retailer, has become a household name around the world. In Israel, especially among younger consumers, Shein’s appeal is undeniable. With just a few clicks, shoppers can access thousands of clothing items, often at prices lower than those found in local stores. The convenience of home delivery and the allure of fast fashion have made Shein a go-to for many. But this rise in popularity comes with consequences. While consumers enjoy the benefits of low-cost fashion, small businesses in Israel—many of which rely on local foot traffic and loyal customers—are...

The Land That Holds a Thousand Stories From the rolling hills of the Galilee to the sun-drenched stones of Jerusalem, Israel is a land that breathes history. Every corner tells a story—of ancient prophets, courageous pioneers, and families who have tilled the same soil for generations. These stories are not just in books; they live in the voices of market vendors, in the laughter of children playing in kibbutz fields, and in the quiet prayers whispered at the Western Wall. For those who love Israel from afar, these stories become bridges. They connect us to a land we may never...

A Journey Begins in the North In the northern region of Israel, nestled between rolling hills and ancient olive groves, lies a small moshav (agricultural village) called Yavne’el. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, and the rhythm of life follows the seasons. Here, we meet Miriam, a third-generation farmer who grows figs and pomegranates on land her grandfather once tilled. Miriam’s story is one of resilience and love. Her grandparents arrived in Israel after surviving the horrors of Europe in the 1940s. They came with little more than hope and a determination to build a new life....