Jewish settlement in Eastern Europe is complex and remarkable. Especially in Poland and Lithuania. These areas were vital for Jewish culture, learning, and community life. They shaped the largest group of Jews during the early modern period. Poznań, Greater Poland...
Jewish history features many remarkable figures. These include thinkers, travelers, poets, and translators. They shaped how future generations view faith, philosophy, and community life. Among them stands Yehudah ben Shlomo al-Harizi (c. A writer from 1165–1225, he...
Tykocin is in northeastern Poland. It offers a vivid glimpse into early modern Jewish life. Today, the 17th-century synagogue is a restored museum. It reminds us of a vibrant community that influenced Jewish scholarship, commerce, and culture for centuries. The former...
Exploring the Jewish history of Portugal through the scenic Douro River is not just a cultural experience. It is a deep immersion into centuries of survival, identity, and rediscovery. A key figure in Trancoso's history is Isaac Cardoso (1604–1681). His legacy still...
Jewish textual tradition has deep roots. It includes layers of commentary from many generations and places. The new Rohr Family Edition of the Chumash Koren Mikraot Hadorot is a big step forward in that tradition. Koren Publishers Jerusalem created this innovative...
*Tu B’Av, the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Av, is a lesser-known but significant Rabbinic holiday. Although it isn't in the Torah, its significance comes from the Mishnah and Talmud. They celebrate it as one of the happiest days in the Jewish calendar. It is...
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....
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...
★★★★★
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.