Happy Rosh Hashana!

I would like to wish all of my readers ראש השנה (or Rash Hashana). Here is a video below courtesy of Aussie Dave (of Israellycool fame) that will hopefully bring a smile to your face during these "exciting times."

Posting will resume tomorrow. :-)

Israel Gets A New National Holiday? (Sigd)

(Hat Tip: Israel National News and IsRealli, Image Credit: Haaretz.com)

It looks as if the Israeli Knesset has voted in a new holiday to honor the Ethiopian Jews, many who made aliyah towards the Jewish state.

(Ynet News) The Knesset plenum decided to formally add the Ethiopian Sigd holiday to the list of State holidays, and will be holding an annual state ceremony for it during the Hebrew month of Heshvan, which usually falls on October or November.

Sigd is a traditional Ethiopian day of fast, dedicated to prayers for the rebuilding of the Temple and giving thanks for the right to return to the Holy Land. The fasting ends in mid-day, in a Seder of sorts. 

Apparently Ethiopian Jews have been celebrating Sigd for quite some time in Jerusalem, although it was not previously observed by the majority of Israelis (at least until this month).



Israel is one of the few middle eastern countries that recognizes the holidays of faiths of different cultures (and religions), and this addition is a testimony to the Jewish state's diversity.

Harlem Celebrates 60 Years Of Israel

Update (7/3): Listen to this post, courtesy of Bnarrator!

(Hat Tip: IsRealli)







(Image: African American choir celebration Israel's 60^th birthday. Credit: Shachar Azran via Ynet News)



While the neighborhood in the borough of Manhattan is generally known for its celebration of African American culture, it looks as if the folks from Harlem decided to show their thanks for the Jewish state by celebrating the nation's 60^th birthday.

(Ynet News) The Israeli Consulate in New York staged a unique performance at the city's Apollo Theater Tuesday, celebrating Israel's 60th birthday. The main event: A concert headed by Grammy Award winning hip-hop violinist Miri Ben-Ari, who preformed with the Big Apple's most famous gospel choirs. [...]



Ben-Ari won a Grammy in 2004 for her collaboration with American rap artist Kanye West on the hit "Jesus Walks", thus becoming the first Israeli performer to be awarded the prestigious prize.

Miri Ben-Ari has been making the rounds within the R&B movement, and readers can check out a video of Miri's performance (as well as the Harlem celebration) over at Haaretz.com.

Video: Happy 60th Israel!

Happy 60^th Israel! Here is wishing you another 60 years of success, and hopefully peace as well!

In the meantime, here is a cool video from Aish.com, celebrating 60 years of Israel in 60 seconds.

Note: Be sure to check out the other video via Israel 21^st Century.

Happy Passover! (From IsraGood)

Whether you reside in the holy land or elsewhere, I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Passover over the next week.

In the meantime, here is a questionnaire from Aish.com to test your depth of this holy festival.



Note: For those of you still looking for some kosher news regarding Israel, I'll be posting some more stories throughout the week.

Of course you could always subscribe to Kosher Highlights, which displays even more news (although I would recommend using a site feed as you may receive multiple updates within a day).

60,000 Christians To Visit Israel This Christmas

(Image Credit: Government Press Office, via Ynet News)

With tourism already booming in the holy land, it looks as if the Jewish state will have to prepare for an additional 60,000 pilgrims from the Christian faith this Christmas season.

(Ynet News) Some 60,000 Christian pilgrims are expected to arrive in Israel for the Christmas holiday, the Tourism Ministry reported Tuesday. This is an estimated 50% increase compared to last year.

Until the end of the year, about 1 million Christian tourists are expected to visit the country, half of them pilgrims. This figure represents a 30% increase compared to 2006.

The Israeli government is probably working with local businesses to ensure that their spiritual guests enjoy their stay in the Jewish state.

These pilgrims entrance will definitely help out the Israeli economy (especially the hotels industry) as well as expose new minds to the other side of Israel--especially the beaches.

Happy Birthday Israel! (59 And Going)

Today (or rather tonight) is Israel's 59th birthday, and although it is often a solemn holiday, it is good to see Israel last another year on planet earth.

(Jewish Exponent) For much of the world, the name Israel is synonymous with conflict. But even though the nation must continue to fend off terrorism and fight for its rights, the true face of the Jewish state can be found in the hustle and bustle of ordinary people going about their lives. At work and at play, Israel remains a country of contrasts and stark beauty.

Another reason that Israel has to celebrate is the fact that its population has surpassed 7 million, with the largest increase coming naturally. (I think Ynet means via children instead of Aliyah).

Congrats Israel for enjoying another year of existence! I am looking forward to the next 50 million years. ;-)

(Image Credit: Jewish Exponent)