Blog

If these magnificent illustrations drawn in gold, blue and bright red look familiar to you, it’s because many of them have been reprinted in modern-day Haggadahs. Furthermore, you have no doubt had the opportunity to see them at some point on the seder table, situated between the gefilte fish and the second cup of wine. Most of us had Haggadahs at home that contained drawings taken from that ancient and exquisite Haggadah known as the Sarajevo Haggadah, which over the years have become integral symbols of the holiday. The Sarajevo Haggadah is the most famous Haggadah, and perhaps the most[…]

The stage and cinematic history of The Megile written by the acclaimed Yiddish poet and playwright, Itzik Manger, is quite long. But in line with accepted practice, it’s worth starting from the beginning. Manger was born in 1901 in Czernowitz, the capital of Bukovina – a region that links Romania and Ukraine – which today is part of Ukraine.  Following the outbreak of the First World War, Manger fled to Romania. As a young man, he lived in Bucharest and Warsaw, as well as other places. After the Nazis rose to power, he fled once again, and this time to[…]

If you Google Lillian Vernon’s name, the first thing that pops up is a garment bag, which is used to transport clothing without leaving them creased. The item is made of lightweight, but durable, polyester, that can be monogrammed. If it’s not out of stock, you can order one on Amazon for $32.99. This simple item aptly illustrates the fundamental nature of the business empire built by Lillian Vernon, whose family fled from Nazi Germany to the United States when she was a young girl. The garment bag is a practical, yet essential, product. It’s not expensive, but has an[…]

Starting from the end of the Ottoman period, continuing through the entire British Mandate, and in the first decades following the establishment of the State of Israel, there was an extraordinary woman who worked in Jerusalem. Her name was Dr. Helena Kagan, and she was the first pediatrician in pre-State Palestine. Kagan laid the foundations of pediatric medicine and socialized medicine in the country, making her a legendary figure. In the 1960’s, the Hebrew daily Maariv described her as “the woman who treated all of Jerusalem’s children – Jews and non-Jews alike, children who lived in the aristocratic neighborhood of[…]

13 years have elapsed since Dr. Felix Zandman passed away, but his story continues to resonate. There are innumerable accounts about the Holocaust, as well as a host of stories dealing with the Holocaust and rebirth. But the unbelievable story of Felix Zandman is truly extraordinary and beautiful because it embodies a victory against all odds, the importance of education and knowledge, a moving plot about friendship, mutual assistance, and readiness to sacrifice for others – in addition to miracles and wonders. Zandman is also the epitome of a rare human combination: a scientist with a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit, who[…]