Rivki Green

Explore the Old City of Jerusalem: A Place of Sacred Significance The Old City of Jerusalem stands as a living testament to the intertwined histories and sacred connections of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient part of the city is not only home to some of the most significant religious landmarks but also a center of immense cultural, spiritual, and historical importance. Its narrow, winding streets are filled with stories, each corner echoing the past while remaining a vibrant hub for modern life. For Jews, Christians, and Muslims, the Old City is much...

The Vine as a Symbol of the Nation of Israel Perhaps the most important symbolic meaning of the grapevine in the Tanakh is its representation of the people of Israel. The prophets, particularly Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, and Ezekiel, often used the metaphor of a vineyard to describe the nation. In this imagery, the land is a carefully tended vineyard, and the people are the vines planted within it. This metaphor speaks to a relationship of care and expectation, a sense that the people, like vines, were chosen and cultivated to produce good fruit—righteousness, justice, and faithfulness. When the nation strayed,...

The Heart of the Celebration: Feasting in the Sukkah Before we even talk about the food itself, we must picture where it is eaten. The sukkah is the centerpiece of the holiday. It is a humble, temporary structure that families build in their gardens or on their balconies. Its roof, made of branches and leaves (s’chach), must be sparse enough to see the stars through, reminding us of the fragile huts the Israelites lived in during their forty years in the desert. This act of ‘dwelling’ outside connects us to our ancestors’ journey and their reliance on divine providence. The...

The Land as a Place of Ancestral Heritage From the very beginning of the biblical story, the Land of Israel is more than just a location; it is a central part of the heritage. The narrative of Abraham’s journey to a promised land establishes it as a place of destiny and belonging. Throughout the Tanakh, the land is portrayed as a precious inheritance, a place of deep spiritual and historical memory. The Psalms are filled with a powerful yearning for this land, particularly for Jerusalem. This isn’t just a political or geographical longing; it’s a spiritual one, a desire to...

A Symbol of Peace and Security: ‘Under the Vine and Fig Tree’ Perhaps the most famous and heartwarming image associated with the fig tree is the idyllic picture of a peaceful life, captured in the phrase ‘every man under his vine and under his fig tree.’ This expression, found throughout the Tanakh, became the embodiment of national security, personal well-being, and a deep sense of contentment. It paints a picture of a world free from war and fear, where every family can peacefully enjoy the fruits of their labor on their own land. During the reign of King Solomon, an...

Finding Your Perfect Season: The Best Time to Visit Israel Israel is a land of beautiful contrasts, and its seasons each offer a unique gift to the traveler. Choosing when to go is about more than just weather—it’s about the atmosphere you wish to embrace. Spring (March–May): A Land in Full Bloom Many experienced travelers will tell you that spring is simply magical. The winter rains have washed the land clean, leaving behind a breathtaking carpet of green grass and vibrant wildflowers, especially in the rolling hills of the Galilee. The weather is comfortably warm and sunny—perfect for long days...

The Historical Origins of the Western Wall To understand the Wailing Wall, we must look back to the time of King Herod. The Wall we see today was part of a massive renovation and expansion of the Temple Mount, the site of the Second Temple, completed around 19 BCE. It was not a wall of the Temple itself, but rather the western retaining wall of the vast plaza that surrounded it. Its purpose was to support the enormous platform on which the Temple stood. When Roman legions destroyed the Second Temple in 70 CE, this retaining wall was one of...

This is one of the most common misconceptions. The Western Wall was not one of the four walls of the actual Temple sanctuary. Instead, it was one of the four massive retaining walls that King Herod the Great built around 19 BCE to expand the plaza on which the Second Temple stood. He undertook this colossal construction project to create a larger, more magnificent platform, and the Western Wall supported the western side of this Temple Mount platform. Its sanctity comes from its proximity to the location where the Temple’s Holy of Holies once stood, making it the closest accessible...