What Is Crypto-Judaism and Why Is Mashhad Unique? Crypto-Judaism connects to the forced conversions of Jews in Spain and Portugal. This happened after the pogroms of 1391 and the rise of the Inquisition. In these areas, Jews publicly adopted Christianity. At the same...
Jewish history is often told through stories of scholarship, trade, faith, and survival. Jewish explorers often faced tough challenges as they expanded the fields of geography and science. Their stories are less frequently told but are truly remarkable. Rudolf...
Global exploration history often highlights famous sailors and conquerors. Many of these voyages relied on scholars. Their work made long-distance navigation possible. One key figure was Avraham Zacuto. He was a Jewish astronomer, historian, and philosopher. His...
Japan isn't usually the first place people think of when it comes to Jewish migration. In the mid-19th century, Japan slowly opened up to the West. During this time, Nagasaki turned into an unexpected home for a small, lively Jewish community. This short chapter in...
The history of Jewish exploration features a fascinating figure from the 9th century: Eldad Hadani, or Eldad Hadanite. Claiming to be a member of the lost tribe of Dan, Eldad appeared in Kairouan, in present-day Tunisia, in the year 883. He told the local Jewish...
The Jewish presence in China is a fascinating part of Jewish history. Jewish communities are often linked to Europe, Israel, or North America. However, the Jews of China show a unique blend of cultures that developed over centuries. The Kaifeng community is one of the...
The Exodus story is vital to Jewish history and tradition. It’s hard to know the exact route the Israelites took from Egypt to the Promised Land. How can today’s scholars and archaeologists piece together an event from over 3,000 years ago? This exploration examines...
Rabbi Avraham Rovigo’s journey to the Land of Israel in the early 18th century shows the mix of mysticism, scholarship, and social issues in Jewish communities. As a wealthy scholar, Rovigo helped create a cabalistic yeshiva in Jerusalem. He also dealt with the legacy...
In November 1570, a powerful earthquake hit Ferrara, northern Italy. The physical damage was severe, but the long-term effects on Jewish thought were even greater. This event sparked a significant change in rabbinic scholarship, reshaping Jewish intellectual history....
★★★★★
We could not believe what we were served. Chef Malcom is a GENIUS!!! Please tell the directors that we do not have words to express how pleased we were. I suppose that we will be recommending you to every friend we know.
Rhone River Cruise 2019
★★★★★
I have been totally spoiled for future vacations. Riverboat is the way to go. I’ve met such nice people, staff was great, food fantastic. A really well run and well thought out trip
★★★★★
Our experience was unique in that we were able to tour a lot of territory and a variety of places with minimal inconvenience. The fact that our boat was always with us and there were no long bus rides or waits made this mode of travel extremely enjoyable.