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Celebrate Sukkot and Family with NLI Treasures in New Downloadable Exhibition
The National Library of Israel invites you to decorate your Sukkah with a gorgeous new exhibition celebrating "Family" — the complexities and sub-themes the theme encompasses, and all illustrated with items from Library collections.
The downloadable PDF can be printed as rollups or desktop posters, contains links to a companion website with additional content, and is available for free use.
The exhibition was produced by the Library’s Gesher Le Europa program, in partnership with the European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ). For seven years running, AEPJ has marked European Days of Jewish Culture with content featuring items from NLI collections – all seven series are available on the Library website.
Rare Jewish Treasures Featured in Holiday Video Series
Join National Library of Israel for a journey through the Hebrew calendar. The video series "A Look at the Jewish Year" provides insights into the Jewish calendar and holidays through the lens of the Library's renowned collection of Jewish manuscripts, books, printed materials and more.
Exceedingly rare items showcased in the videos include a nearly thousand-year-old Jewish calendar found in the famed Cairo Geniza; the 13th century Worms Mahzor, which includes the first written example of Yiddish and survived the Holocaust; and an 18th century manuscript known as Sefer Evronot featuring an array of stunning illustrations. More modern items, such as an early 20th century poster of a traditional Sukkot holiday meal, and Simchat Torah flags are also presented. The project also includes source sheets with questions and links to additional materials.
The series was produced by the National Library of Israel in collaboration with the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies.
Sukkot Treasures Online For All to Enjoy
NLI website contains a rich selection of information, images, songs, lesson plans, and resource packs that are perfect for keeping children of all ages busy during the Sukkot holiday. Check out the Sukkot at the National Library of Israel page and Sukkot educational resources in English that use NLI primary sources to teach about how the holiday has been celebrated throughout history.
A Virtual Visit to “A Treasury of Words”
The Library's permanent exhibition invites visitors to embark on a journey through the cultural artifacts that are the heritage treasures of the Jewish People and the State of Israel. There is nothing like seeing these in-person but a new online exhibit provides a sampling of the experience. The virtual version of A Treasury of Words highlights the power of text, its ability to change the world, formulate ideas, push them forward, define a place, community, and nation, and express the spirit and talent of its thinkers, writers, and poets.
The stories behind these items and more can also be found in the magnificent coffee-table book, 101 Treasures From the National Library of Israel, now also available in a Hebrew edition. Both are on sale at the Library book shop and online store.
About the National Library of Israel
Founded in Jerusalem in 1892, the National Library of Israel (NLI) serves as the dynamic institution of communal memory for the Jewish people worldwide, and Israelis of all backgrounds and faiths. NLI holds the world's largest collections of textual Judaica, Jewish and Israeli music, maps of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, as well as world-class collections of Jewish and Islamic manuscripts, rare books, photographs, community and personal archives, and more. Along with being Israel's preeminent research library, NLI is also dedicated to encouraging audiences in Israel, and around the globe, to engage with its treasures through a range of innovative educational, cultural, and digital initiatives, as well as through its new landmark building, all of which reflect NLI's central values of democratizing knowledge by opening its collections, and resources to as broad and diverse an audience as possible.
For more information: www.nli.org.il/en
www.facebook.com/NationalLibraryofIsrael
www.youtube.com/user/NLI2010/featured
www.tiktok.com/@library_of_israel
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Group Exhibition at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai Carpentry Workshop presents : "The Sun Did Not Stand Still"
Creating Hope And Renewal Through Art October 8 - October 26, 2024
Artists: Nir Adoni, Daniel Oxenberg, Shai Azulai, Brit Einstein, Eyal Assoulin, Roi Binsky, Zadok Ben David, Orna Ben Ami, Sophie Barzon Makai, Tamar Branitzki, Uri Gersht, Liya Dayagi, Daphna Dishi, Reut Dafna, Einav Halpern Sanker, Doron Wolf, Ofra Wolf, Ariela Wertheimer, Natalia Zourabova, Gabi Salzman, Moshe Tarka, Nurit Livne, Yona Levi Grossman, Zohar Morag, Ido Markus, Ruth Nevo, Shira Sagol, Yana Stup, Dana Sitton, Sarita Peled, Michel Platnick, Lala Kalush, Tamar Karavan, Gidi Rubin, Lior Reisel, Khen Shish, Ronen Shahrabani, Eran Shakin
Curators: Lilach Shmoul and Shlomit Oren DUART
On October 8, 2024, a year and a day after the October 7th disaster, a unique exhibition was opened at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai. For the first time, artists from the Gaza Envelope host artists from central Israel in a joint display of solidarity, representing the Israeli spirit through art. The works in the exhibition serve as a testament to hope, faith, and the ability to grow through creativity. Many of the participating artists were personally affected by the war, and their works reflect both the difficulty and pain of their experiences, as well as hope for a better future. The exhibition will be held in the Yad Mordechai carpentry workshop, a 70-year-old facility that has long served the kibbutz and its members.
On October 8, a group exhibition was open at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai marking revival and continuity. The exhibition will present inter-regional cooperation that expresses the fascinating diversity of the emerging art field in Israel. The works displayed in it represent hope and the belief in the ability to continue growing in difficult times, even when time seems to stop and the pain and fracture seem unbearable.
The exhibition offers visitors a look at the creative forces at work in our regions. The works touch on the effects of time, memory and renewal. The artists participating in the exhibition, many of whom were personally injured in the war, express and reveal the pain and difficulty that accompany them in coping with the challenges of the past and present. Their works represent the preservation of historical memory and at the same time the movement and continuity, which are both the source of relief and those that enable the processing of trauma and growth from it.
The exhibition's title, 'The Sun Did Not Stand Still,' is taken from Margaret Larkin's award-winning book. It tells the story of Kibbutz Yad Mordechai, named after Mordechai Anielewicz, leader of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, and recounts the sacrifice of kibbutz members who lost their lives in one of the fiercest battles during Israel's War of Independence. The book is etched in collective memory as part of the kibbutz ethos, with the sun symbolizing constant movement and continuity.
The exhibition is an initiative of Limor Livne, a Kibbutz Yad Mordechai resident. The opening night taked place on October 8, 2024, with the participation of the artists and public figures, including Benny Gantz, Chairman of the State Camp alliance, former Defense Minister and IDF Chief of Staff, and current Yad Mordechai resident, who assisted in establishing the exhibition, MK Alon Schuster State Camp 🇮🇱 Former Deputy Minister of Defense, Minister of Agriculture, Rev. Shaar HaNegev Regional Council, Hezi Bezalel ( businessman and honorary consul of Rwanda), Chemi Peres, Chairman of Peres Center for peace and Innovation , Gidi Mark CEO of Taglit Birthright Israel and many more.
The exhibition will be displayed in the carpentry shop of Kibbutz Yad Mordechai and will be open free of charge to the general public during the holiday period, 26.10.24-8.10.24. Opening hours: 10:00 - 19:00, Fridays 10:00-14:00
As part of the exhibition, there will be tours, cultural events and artists' dialogue meetings
Full information at the link here https://sunneverstands.co.il/
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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The HIT Holon Institute of Technology once again honors the achievements of prominent and outstanding leaders who have made significant contributions in the fields of science, innovative technologies, the development and implementation of advanced security systems, medicine, and healthcare, as well as in fostering bridges of friendship and peace between nations. This year, five distinguished laureates were awarded Honorary Degrees by HIT at a ceremony held on September 10, 2024, at the Center for Innovation and Peace, in honor of Shimon Peres, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and the ninth President of Israel.
Prof. Eduard Yakubov, President of HIT, stated, "HIT is proud to award honorary degrees to remarkable individuals of exceptional influence, each of whom has made a unique and significant contribution to Israeli society. For nine years, the Institute has awarded honorary degrees. This year, in light of the ongoing war and the current situation, we have decided to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to security, society, medicine, and the Israeli high-tech industry. The awarding of these degrees serves as recognition and appreciation for their profound and tireless efforts in advancing the State of Israel and society as a whole."
Among the awardees:
In the Field of Medicine
Professor Mordechai Shani – who was awarded the Israel Prize in 2009, successfully led the Shiba–Tel HaShomer Hospital for 33 years. He also served as the Director General of the Ministry of Health. Additionally, Professor Shani is the Founder and Chairman of the Management Committee of the Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research. He initiated and led revolutionary reforms, including the national health insurance law and mental health reform.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mordechai_Shani
In the Field of Innovative Technologies:
Dr. Orna Berry – is recognized as the first woman to lead the Israeli high-tech industry, establishing herself as a successful entrepreneur, computer scientist, and influential leader. She made history by becoming the first Chief Scientist Officer in the Israeli government, a role during which Israel embarked on its journey to becoming a Startup Nation - a transformation that is still regarded as remarkable. Currently, she serves as the Director of Google Cloud and continues to play a pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge technologies both in Israel and globally. Dr. Berry has also developed programs aimed at enhancing Israel's national research infrastructure in quantum science and technology, as well as in artificial intelligence and data science.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orna_Berry
In the Field of Science:
Professor Daniel Zajfman – is a world-renowned physicist who served as the President of the Weizmann Institute of Science. He has participated in groundbreaking projects, including the development of particle accelerators. In an interview, Professor Zajfman stated, "Excellence comes from the bottom up. We hire the best scientists and then trust them to do their best without directing them. They need to believe that they are working on their own mission, rather than being directed toward a specific goal—such as 'finding a cure for a particular disease.' We say, 'just research,' and great things come out of that. Over the years, I have increasingly realized my role in protecting the space and freedom of our scientists." Professor Zajfman has made significant contributions to the advancement of scientific education in Israel, investing heavily in making science accessible to the periphery through the establishment of educational centers.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Zajfman
In the Field of Security and Defense Industry:
Boaz Levy – CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, is recognized as one of the top 10 defense industry leaders of 2024, according to Aviation Week. He successfully led the development of the "Iron Dome" and "Barak 8" defense systems, which have become integral to Israel's defense infrastructure. Under his leadership, numerous satellites and defense systems have been launched into space. Boaz Levy is regarded as a pivotal figure in the global defense industry.
https://www.iai.co.il/about/management/boaz-levy
In the Field of Public Affairs:
The esteemed expert and bridge-builder, Boris David Kandow, Honorary Consul of Uzbekistan to Austria, tirelessly promoted international trade partnerships between Western countries and the former Soviet Union during the Cold War. He actively worked to reduce and eliminate nuclear weapons stockpiles, contributing to global stability. As a trusted advisor to the Presidents of Central Asian countries, he frequently organized parliamentary delegations to the White House and other nations. Kandow has made significant contributions to strengthening academic ties between HIT and scientific institutions in Uzbekistan.
Given the extremely challenging circumstances resulting from the war in our country, HIT Holon Institute of Technology deeply appreciates the contributions of these honorary laureates. We are inspired by their unwavering leadership in preserving and reinforcing the fundamental values of the State of Israel and Israeli society, which they uphold and pass down from generation to generation.
VIP representatives attend the ceremony:
Mr. Jakhongir Aminov - Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the State of Israel
Mr. Sherzod Shavkatbekov - Council of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the State of Israel
Mr. Mukhtar Yskak - Deputy Ambassador of the Republic the Republic of Kazakhstan to the State of Israel
Ms. Assel Ustenova - 1st Secretary of the Republic the Republic of Kazakhstan to the State of Israel
Ms. Aydan Karimli - 3rd Secretary Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the State of Israel
Mr. Yoel Razvozov - Deputy Minister of Tourism
Ambassador Dan Oryan – Director of Civil Diplomacy Israel MFA
Mr. Mr. Cohen Pinchas (Pini) - Chairman of the HIT Board of Trustees
Prof. Eduard Yakubov – HIT President
Prof. Adir Pridor - Chairman of the Executive HIT Committee
Photo credit Silvia Golan
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In an initiative by Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), 300 supporters and donors from 33 countries have arrived in Israel for a solidarity mission. This distinguished delegation, which includes KKL presidents, CEOs, and board members, are in Israel to reinforce support for its residents and authorities facing the ongoing war. Over the past year, these international supporters have demonstrated unwavering commitment to Israel, contributing extensively to aid for displaced residents, local authorities, and the restoration of forests damaged by enemy actions.
The opening event took place last night (Sunday) at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, featuring President Isaac Herzog, KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski, and other prominent Israeli figures.
President Herzog opened the event with a poignant address, stating: "Since October 7th, we have seen the unique nature of our people shine strongly through the cracks of crisis. We have seen our people drop everything at first call to protect and defend their brothers and sisters, their communities, and their country. We have seen the most beautiful face of our civil society, responding to emergency with generosity and selflessness. And we have seen Jews and supporters from around the world proclaim with a crystal-clear voice: 'Hineini! We are here!'. We are here to offer comfort and immediate aid to Israel’s suffering communities. Here to carry Israel in our hearts. And here to help rebuild. This, friends, is the legacy of KKL- JNF. A historic organization that has built upon the goodwill of Jews around the world to make Israel blossom and grow from the very beginning. Today again, we will make that forest - and every other site of destruction - sites of rebuilding, regeneration, and rebirth."
The event was dedicated to honoring the victims, survivors, and heroes of the October 7th attacks. Participants heard moving accounts of bravery and resilience, focusing on the transition from memory to hope and revival. Among the featured stories were those of Eden Nimri and Oshri Moshe Butzhak. Captain Eden Nimri, who fell during the first day of the war engaged in a fierce gunfight with terrorists at the Nahal Oz outpost, saving the lives of several soldiers with her team. Captain Oshri Moshe Butzhak, who was killed in December 2023 in Gaza during a confrontation with terrorists, exhibited exceptional courage as he led his troops through a complex battle.
KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski addressed the attendees, stating: "The history of the Jewish people is not merely a sequence of expulsions and pogroms; it is a narrative of resilience and growth emerging from these challenges. It embodies the spirit of rising from the ashes, recognizing the present, and holding hope for the future. This evening represents a significant connection between Jewish communities worldwide and the current developments in Israel."
Throughout the war, KKL-JNF has undertaken extensive efforts to provide sustainable support to residents in the Western Negev and northern Israel, as well as to local authorities affected by the violence. The organization has invested hundreds of millions of shekels in rebuilding devastated communities and constructing temporary housing for displaced residents. KKL-JNF has also allocated substantial funds for firefighting efforts, immediate and long-term support for security forces and residents, and the rehabilitation of KKL-JNF forests damaged by terrorist activities during the war.
During the event, a special film was presented, highlighting the global rise of antisemitism and its severe impact on Jewish communities worldwide.
Through its various offices, KKL-JNF is committed to combating antisemitism with innovative educational initiatives while promoting tolerance and solidarity. As Ifat Ovadia-Luski emphasized during the event: "Especially against the backdrop of ongoing security tensions, the arrival of KKL representatives from around the world to witness our efforts to cultivate and develop the land is both impressive and inspiring. We at KKL-JNF will continue to serve as a bridge connecting the Jewish diaspora to Israel, addressing the challenges of rebuilding while providing mutual support to communities facing antisemitic incidents over the past year."
The evening also featured a moving film symbolizing "Revival," with performances by siblings Michal and Roee Greenlick, whose brother IDF officer Shauli, a singer, was tragically killed while fighting in Gaza.
In the coming week, the mission will visit various sites, primarily in Israeli communities near the Gaza Envelope, to review key projects that have received significant funding over the past year. The delegation will also engage with local leaders to understand the post-conflict needs and challenges, aiming to support reconstruction and restore normalcy to southern communities.
Photo credit Silvia Golan
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On Friday morning, 6 September at the Jerusalem Theatre, a reception was hosted by the ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the State of Israel, H.E. Ms. Pannabha Chandraramya, featuring the foremost figure in Asian fashion photography, Mr Nat Prakobsantisuk entitled "Be-Live", on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries.
The ambassador opened the exhibition by thanking all present and welcoming Mr. Nat Prakobsantisuk on his second visit to Israel. She dolefully emphasized her condolences to all hostages and their families and mentioned their release. She, voluntarily, has not finished her tour in Israel as she feels deeply responsible for the remaining 6 Thai hostages still in captivity and did not feel entirely comfortable passing on this predicament to her successor. She thanked the management of the Jerusalem Theatre and mentioned Mrs.Tali Friedman in helping to make it possible for the exhibition to be held at the Theatre.
Warmly welcomed was Mr. Naor Shiri, a member of Knesset and head of the Israel - Thailand Friendship parliamentary group who responded that it was a privilege for him to be present.
H.E. Ms Chandraramya stated that "The Exhibition is Homage to a Landscape" with metaphorical significance as the photographer's content was primarily scenes of places of worship including churches, mosques and the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth. He also has numerous photographs of Buddhist temples in Thailand and of worshipers "His Intention is an Attempt to Create a Deeper Understanding Between Two Peoples and is Not Only a Celebration of 70 Years of Bilateral Relations".
The ambassador asked me to inform readers that viewing to the public is until Monday, 30 September and that the proceeds of all sales will be donated by the Embassy and by Mr. Prakobsantisuk to the Jewish National Fund (K.K.L) who will use the money to plant trees in various forests owned by the Foundation. A great deal of forestry has suffered severe damage as a result of explosions and deliberate fire during the incumbent war.
When I introduced myself to Mr. Prakobsantisuk with the intention of hearing the motivating force and philosophy inspiring his work,he informed me that he creates "hypothetical realities" which can exist in any life situation. His belief is essentially Buddhist and "The Acceptance of Freedom of Religion and Personal Belief is a Necessary Right of Everyone to be Respected by Others". The "Dignity of Difference and Respect Without Dogma" being a central pillar of his belief system. His work is marked by a strong sense of empathy and narrative of his unique style. He poignantly stated that "Buddhism Believes in Changing the Protagonist and Not in Influencing, Judging and Changing the Thoughts of Others".Most importantly "Universitaly" is expressed in his work and thus based on the integral aspect of respect.
In the exhibition, images of Thailand and Israel alternate, presenting a mesmerizing presentation of images and glimpses from two worlds. He lives and works in Bangkok and travels extensively in Asia as he specializes in fashion photography. His sister, who is his personal assistant and manager, joined him on this trip and it was enlightening to speak to her as she impressed me by her urbanity and world travels.
Last but not least, he stated that " His Art was a result of his belief in Buddhism which served as the driving force of his creativity".
Guests enjoyed an array of Thai delicacies namely "Chicken Pad Thai" which is stir fried noodles with egg, chicken and tamarind paste, savoury crispy noodles, tapioca balls with tofu filling, Thai sweet coconut sticky rice popped with egg custard, grilled salmon and crispy fried shallots as well as shredded coconut and sesame. Another table consisting of fresh fruit beautifully presented and cheese was also available for those adverse to oriental fare as well as wine and fresh fruit juices.
telaviv.thaiembassy.org/en/index
Address: David Marcus St 20, Jerusalem
Phone: 02-560-5755
The Director and staff of Diplomacy.co.il share their good wishes to the Ambassador, to Mr. Nat Prakobsantisuk , to the Embassy Staff and to the people of Thailand on this auspicious occasion
