Hunting the Fox in Our Midst

The tractate of Makkot famously ends with the story of four tannaitic sages ascending to see Jerusalem. Rabban Gamliel, Rebbe Elazar ben Azaryah, Rebbe Yehoshua, and Rebbe Akiva lived immediately after the destruction of the second temple. They would periodically return to Jerusalem, presumably to yearnfully pray for the city’s restoration. When they reached the […]

Explore more

Rebbe Yehoshua ben Chananya: the Redemption of Rebbe Yishmael

Rebbe Yehoshua ben Chananya was one of the chief disciples of Rebbe Yochanan ben Zakkai. As we discussed last week, he lived through the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and loyally carried his rebbe out of the holy city in order to facilitate an eventual salvation for Torah and Yerushalayim. The Gemara Chagiga informs us […]

Explore more

Lag B’Omer in Jerusalem

In regular years, thousands of Jews leave Jerusalem on Lag B’Omer and travel to Meron.  This year, however, Lag B’Omer will be celebrated by Jerusalem at home, within the city of Jerusalem.  What is the significance of this celebration? Is there anything special about the celebration of Lag B’Omer inside Jerusalem? Lag B’Omer appears in […]

Explore more