Podcasts about Western Wall

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Negotiators resumed US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday, hours after senior American officials made the case that Iran poses a major threat to the United States and is actively working toward a nuclear bomb. Horovitz updates us on US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance's statements and describes the intense US military buildup in the Mideast. He then assesses the Israeli public's willingness to join in on any eventual strike against Iran and how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could leverage the crisis in this election year. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a two-day visit to Israel on Wednesday and Thursday, where he pledged to work in lockstep with the Jewish state to confront Islamist terrorism. In what Horovitz describes as a regrettably rare sentiment from world leaders, the Indian premier told the Knesset that his nation stands “firmly” with Israel. We learn what else happened behind the scenes. In an effort to circumvent a Supreme Court order to expand egalitarian prayer access at the Western Wall, lawmakers voted 56-47 Wednesday afternoon in favor of the preliminary reading of a bill giving the Chief Rabbinate full control over prayer at all parts of the holy site -- not just the Orthodox prayer plaza. It has drawn harsh condemnation from progressive Jewish groups, which condemned the controversial legislation as “patronizing and antisemitic.” Horovitz weighs in. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Facing Trump, Hamas bet on survival and is being vindicated; Iran’s regime has the same game plan As talks resume, Rubio, Vance accuse Iran of trying to restart its nuclear program Iranian FM arrives in Geneva for talks as US demands any nuclear deal last indefinitely F-22 jets deploy at Israeli Air Force base as US builds up forces for Iran strike In the Knesset, Modi says India stands firmly with Israel ‘in this moment and beyond’ MKs approve preliminary bill cementing Orthodox control over entire Western Wall Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves. IMAGE: A Valar Atomics microreactor is seen on a C-17 aircraft, without nuclear fuel, at March Air Reserve Base, California, February 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthew Daly)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel's Supreme Court ordered the government on Feb. 19 to complete long-delayed renovations to Robinson's Arch, the official egalitarian prayer section just south of the main Western Wall. For years, it's where non-Orthodox Jews, including women, can pray together, and also read from a Torah scroll. But what began as a ruling about construction permits has quickly become something bigger. Members of Israel's governing coalition are advancing legislation this week that would effectively bring the broader Kotel site, including Robinson's Arch, under the authority of the ultra-Orthodox Chief Rabbinate. The law could mean prison terms of up to seven years for anyone deemed to be desecrating the holy site — and observers fear the new proposal could ban any alternative forms of Jewish prayer around Judaism's holiest place. This raises a deeper question: where does that leave millions of Jews, especially outside of Israel, who are not Orthodox? On today's episode of The CJN's “North Star” podcast, Toronto Rabbi Elyse Goldstein joins host Ellin Bessner to explore what's at stake. The Rabbi is a longtime advocate for pluralistic prayer, for women's place in Judaism, and a supporter of the Women of the Wall movement's decades-long struggle for equality at the Kotel. Related stories: Read about the Israel Supreme court decision on Robinson's Arch Feb. 19, 2026, and reaction, in The CJN Learn more about what Rabbi Elyse Goldstein experienced joining the Women of the Wall's 25th anniversary prayer service in 2013, in The CJN . Hear what it was like in July 2023 at a Women of the Wall prayer service in this eye-witness account by The CJN's producer Zachary Judah Kauffman , who was studying in Israel and produced this podcast for The CJN's North Star Podcast. Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner ( @ebessner ) Production team: Zachary Kauffman (senior producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer), Alicia Richler (editorial director) Music: Bret Higgins Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to North Star (Not sure how? Click here ) Watch our podcasts on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@TheCJN Help others find this podcast by leaving us a review for “North Star” on Apple Podcasts via your iPhone or iPad device, or with your Android. (Spotify allows only starred ratings but you can do that, too!)

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Walls of Wisdom: Friendship and Discovery in Jerusalem Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2026-02-23-08-38-20-he Story Transcript:He: השמש הייתה מוחבאת מאחורי עננים כהים בירושלים החורפית.En: The sun was hidden behind dark clouds in the wintery Jerusalem.He: הקור נגע בלחיים ופזר טיפות גשם קלות על אבני הכותל המערבי.En: The cold touched their cheeks and scattered light raindrops on the stones of the Western Wall.He: יהודית, יהודית, על ראשי החג.En: Yehudit, Yehudit, on my head the holiday.He: היו אלו ימי פורים, וצלילי החג וריחות הסופגניות הציפו את אוויר העיר.En: These were the days of Purim, and the sounds of the holiday and the scent of sufganiyot filled the city's air.He: יעל עמדה מול הכותל עם ספריה ומחברת, שניסתה לסדר ברוח הקרה.En: Yael stood in front of the wall with her books and notebook, trying to organize them in the cold wind.He: יעל הייתה נחושה.En: Yael was determined.He: היא רצתה להכין את הפרויקט הכי טוב לכיתה על משמעות התרבותית של הכותל המערבי.En: She wanted to prepare the best project for class on the cultural significance of the Western Wall.He: אבל היא לא לבד.En: But she wasn't alone.He: לצדה עמד אברהם, עם חיוך רגוע על פניו.En: Beside her stood Avraham, with a calm smile on his face.He: אברהם הציץ מסביב, מתבונן במתחפשים ובשמחת החג.En: Avraham glanced around, watching those in costumes and the joy of the holiday.He: קולות הפורים הסיחו את דעתו מהמטרה המרכזית שלהם.En: The sounds of Purim distracted him from their main goal.He: "יעל, תראי את התחפושת הזו," הוא צחק.En: "Yael, look at that costume," he laughed.He: יעל גילגלה את עיניה אך חיוך קל הופיע על פניה.En: Yael rolled her eyes, but a slight smile appeared on her face.He: "אברהם, חשוב לנו לסיים את הפרויקט," היא אמרה בעדינות אך בתקיפות.En: “Avraham, we need to finish the project," she said gently but firmly.He: אברהם נאנח וביטל את ענייניו החיצוניים לרגע.En: Avraham sighed and dismissed his external interests for a moment.He: "אני יודע, זה חשוב," השיב לבסוף.En: "I know, it's important," he finally replied.He: כך ישבו שניהם מול הכותל, כשאברהם מנסה להתרכז.En: So, they both sat in front of the wall, with Avraham trying to concentrate.He: הם הבינו שצריך גם לשתף ולא רק לעבוד.En: They realized they needed to share, not just work.He: חילופי סיפורים התחילו במקרה - אברהם הזכיר את סבא רבא שלו שפעם עלה לרגל לכותל, ויעל סיפרה על התפילות שהיא אומרת שם בכל שנה ביום כיפור.En: Their exchange of stories began by chance - Avraham mentioned his great-grandfather who once made a pilgrimage to the wall, and Yael spoke of the prayers she says there every year on Yom Kippur.He: בעודם מדברים, הם מצאו עצמם נוגעים באופן אישי יותר בהיסטוריה של המקום.En: As they talked, they found themselves becoming more personally connected to the history of the place.He: הם קלטו שהכותל הוא יותר מאבן עתיקה, הוא מייצג זיכרונות, חלומות ותקוות.En: They realized that the wall is more than an ancient stone; it represents memories, dreams, and hopes.He: הדיון הפך לחברות, להפחתת המתח ולעבודה משותפת.En: The discussion turned into friendship, reducing tension and leading to joint work.He: כשהגיעו לבית הספר והציגו את הפרויקט המוגמר, הוא היה שילוב של עובדות היסטוריות וחוויות אישיות.En: When they arrived at school and presented the completed project, it was a combination of historical facts and personal experiences.He: לימודם לא היה רק על כותל, אלא גם על חשיבות האיזון בין עבודה לחיים, ועל ההקשבה זה לזה.En: Their learning wasn't just about the Kotel, but also about the importance of balancing work and life, and listening to each other.He: יעל הבינה שבזמן שהמטרה חשובה, גם החברות וההבנה חשובים.En: Yael understood that while the goal is important, so are friendship and understanding.He: ואברהם גילה שהיכולת להתרכז ולתרום משמעותית מובילה לתוצאות מרשימות.En: And Avraham discovered that the ability to focus and contribute meaningfully leads to impressive results.He: יחד, הם הראו שלפעמים החגיגות יכולות להעשיר את הלימוד, ולא רק לשבש אותו.En: Together, they showed that sometimes the celebrations can enrich the learning, not just disrupt it. Vocabulary Words:hidden: מוחבאתwintery: החורפיתcheeks: לחייםscattered: פזרdetermined: נחושהcultural significance: משמעות תרבותיתconcentrate: להתרכזpilgrimage: עלה לרגלancient: עתיקהmemories: זיכרונותdreams: חלומותhopes: תקוותdiscussion: דיוןfriendship: חברותtension: מתחjoint work: עבודה משותפתbalance: איזוןlistening: הקשבהimpressive: מרשימותcelebrations: חגיגותenrich: להעשירnotebook: מחברתexternal interests: ענייניו החיצונייםgoals: מטרהexchange: חילופיpersonally connected: נוגעים באופן אישיcombination: שילובmeaningfully: משמעותיתdistracted: הסיחו את דעתוfirmly: בתקיפותBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon and religion reporter Rossella Tercatin join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. On Sunday, the cabinet approved the opening of a new land registration process for Area C in the West Bank, some 60 percent of the territory, which it and critics said would enable the state to declare large swaths of land in the territory as available for public development, meaning the creation and expansion of settlements and settlement infrastructure. Sharon weighs in on the trend of increasing Israeli civilian control of the territory, or de facto annexation, and Tercatin brings the example of legislation that would give the State of Israel control of archaeological sites in territory currently administered by the Palestinian Authority. Yesterday, for the first time in three years, representatives of the state and the Jerusalem municipality explained to the High Court why there is a delay in implementing a 2016 government-mandated upgrade to the egalitarian prayer section at the Western Wall and restoring its direct access to the wall itself. Tercatin updates us on the ongoing saga and Sharon weighs in with the potential legal outcomes. We finish the program with a new reading of the New Testament's cleansing of the Temple, which brings out Jesus's more human aspects. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Cabinet OKs new West Bank land registration process, critics decry ‘de-facto annexation’ Local and state government trade blame over delays upgrading Western Wall egalitarian plaza Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Palestinians visit the Roman historical site in the West Bank town of Sebastia, November 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IDF paratrooper mortally wounded in tragic friendly fire incident in Gaza Strip, Heightened security as Ramadan begins, Women of the Wall assaulted and pushed out of Western Wall plaze See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Ushers once again prevented Women of the Wall from reading from the Torah at plaza in honor of Rosh Chodesh Adar. The ushers refused to allow the women to bring their own Torah scroll or use one of the scrolls offered to the public. The Women of the Wall were forced to hold the ceremony at the entrance to the Western Wall plaza amid shouting and pushing from rioters. At the end of the reading, police detained two of the women, claiming they were obstructing the emergency passage. Anat Hoffman, the chairperson of Women of the Wall, said rioters shredded and burned up dozens of their Jewish prayer books. “We wanted to read it (the Torah) by women, for woman at the woman’s section at the wall… the authorities are keeping us away from Torah,” she said. (photo: Chaim Goldberg/flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Lost in History: Amit's Heartfelt Homecoming in Jerusalem Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2026-02-17-23-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: רוחות קרירות נשבו ברחובות הצרים של העיר העתיקה בירושלים.En: Cool breezes blew through the narrow streets of the Old City in Jerusalem.He: החורף באוויר והריח המתוק של אוזני המן פיזר תחושת קדושה ועושר בקרב הקירות העתיקים.En: Winter was in the air, and the sweet smell of ozney haman spread a feeling of holiness and abundance among the ancient walls.He: עמית, יונה וליאור צעדו עם אביהם ברחובות העמוסים, אוחזים במפת הירושה של ירושלים.En: Amit, Yonah, and Lior walked with their father through the crowded streets, holding the inheritance map of Jerusalem.He: עמית, נער עם חיבה להיסטוריה, ניסה להתחבר לחגיגות הפורים מסביב.En: Amit, a boy with a fondness for history, tried to connect with the Purim celebrations around him.He: הוא ראה אנשים מחופשים, ילדים צוחקים ומבוגרים נושאים שקיות ממתקים.En: He saw people in costumes, laughing children, and adults carrying bags of candies.He: אך בתוך כל ההמולה חש עמית מעט חיצוני.En: But amid all the commotion, Amit felt somewhat out of place.He: הוא ידע את הסיפורים וההיסטוריה, אך הלב שלו הרגיש ריק.En: He knew the stories and the history, but his heart felt empty.He: יונה וליאור הצביעו לכיוון כותל המערבי, אך עמית הרגיש שאולי היום ימצא משהו אחר, משהו שהוא לא ידע קודם.En: Yonah and Lior pointed toward the Western Wall, but Amit felt that perhaps today he would find something different, something he hadn't known before.He: הוא פנה ברגליים אל סמטה בלתי נודעת, חיפוש אחר מהות אמיתית.En: He turned his steps toward an unknown alley, searching for genuine meaning.He: הלמות הלב שלו הובילו אותו הלאה מהקול התוסס והאלכוהול של המסיבה הציבורית.En: His racing heart led him away from the lively and alcoholic sounds of the public party.He: בפינה נסתרת של העיר הוא מצא קבוצת מקומיים מתכוננים לחגיגת פורים אחרת.En: In a hidden corner of the city, he found a group of locals preparing for a different kind of Purim celebration.He: תפאורה פשוטה, נגנים וחבורה צוהלת.En: Simple decor, musicians, and a joyful gathering.He: הם לא נשאלו על זהותו של החוגג החדש שהגיע.En: They didn't question the identity of the new celebrant who had arrived.He: עמית נמשך אל תוך החמימות שלהם כמו מגנט.En: Amit was drawn into their warmth like a magnet.He: תוך דקות הוא מצא עצמו מרקד לצלילי החליל, נותן לעצמו לשחרר כל תחושה של זרות.En: Within minutes, he found himself dancing to the sounds of the flute, allowing himself to release any feeling of alienation.He: הלב שלו התרחב והתחושות חזרו.En: His heart expanded, and his emotions returned.He: בין חברים חדשים, סביב שולחן מלא בכל טוב, הרעידה הפנימית הפכה לשיר.En: Among new friends, around a table full of delights, the internal trembling turned into a song.He: עמית ראה עיניים מחייכות ופטפטים מלאים משמעויות.En: Amit saw smiling eyes and chatter full of meaning.He: הוא הרגיש חיבור עמוק לכל פינות המקום והאנשים שבו.En: He felt a deep connection to every corner of the place and the people there.He: כשהערב ירד על העיר העתיקה, הארות התחילו לנצנץ והשמחה הפנימית שלו בערה כמו נר חנוכה.En: As evening descended on the Old City, lights began to twinkle, and his inner joy burned like a Hanukkah candle.He: עמית לא הרגיש יותר זר.En: Amit no longer felt like a stranger.He: הוא היה אחד מהם.En: He was one of them.He: בפורים ההוא הוא הבין שהשורשים שלו הם יותר מסיפור היסטורי.En: On that Purim, he realized that his roots were more than just a historical tale.He: זה היה חיבור בלב.En: It was a connection of the heart.He: בלילה הזה, עמית באמת חזר הביתה.En: That night, Amit truly returned home. Vocabulary Words:breezes: רוחותnarrow: צריםholiness: קדושהabundance: עושרinheritance: ירושהfondness: חיבהcommotion: המולהalienation: זרותgenuine: אמיתיתlively: תוססalcoholic: אלכוהולcelebrant: חוגגmagnet: מגנטflute: חלילrelease: לשחררtrembling: רעידהchatter: פטפטיםexpanded: התרחבdelights: בכל טובdescended: ירדtwinkle: לנצנץstranger: זרroots: שורשיםhistorical: היסטוריconnection: חיבורsweet: מתוקfeeling: תחושהprepare: מתכונניםinternal: פנימיתjoyful: צוהלתBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Healing in the Holy Land: A Tale of Renewal and Discovery Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2026-01-25-23-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: הבוקר בירושלים התחיל בהמון רגש.En: The morning in Jerusalem started with much emotion.He: אריאלה ונעם עמדו מול הכותל המערבי, נשימתם נעתקה מהמראה המרגש של אבן העתיקה, עוטפת בזכרונות ותפילות.En: Ariela and Noam stood in front of the Western Wall, their breath taken away by the moving sight of the ancient stone, enveloped in memories and prayers.He: זה היה יום ט"ו בשבט, וחגג בטבע את ראש השנה לאילנות.En: It was the holiday of Tu Bishvat, celebrating the New Year for the Trees.He: אריאלה הייתה נרגשת במיוחד להשתתף בטקס הנטיעה.En: Ariela was especially excited to participate in the planting ceremony.He: היא הרגישה זיקה עמוקה לרוחניות של המקום והחג.En: She felt a deep connection to the spirituality of the place and the holiday.He: נעם, ידודה הטוב, היה לצדה כדי לתמוך ולעזור.En: Noam, her good friend, was by her side to support and help.He: הם הרגישו שהם חלק ממשהו גדול וקדוש.En: They felt they were part of something large and sacred.He: לפתע, אריאלה חשה בסחרחורת מוזרה.En: Suddenly, Ariela felt a strange dizziness.He: היא ניסתה להחזיק במקום, אך התחושות הלכו והתגברו.En: She tried to hold her ground, but the sensations grew stronger.He: "נעם, אני לא מרגישה טוב," לחשה עם דאגה בעיניים.En: "Noam, I'm not feeling well," she whispered with concern in her eyes.He: נעם הביט בה בחשש, "אולי כדאי שנחזור למלון?En: Noam looked at her worriedly, "Maybe we should go back to the hotel?"He: "אך אריאלה רצתה מאוד להשתתף בטקס הנטיעה.En: But Ariela really wanted to participate in the planting ceremony.He: היא אמרה לנעם: "אני חייבת לנסות.En: She said to Noam, "I have to try.He: אני מרגישה שזה חשוב.En: I feel it's important."He: " נעם הנהן, אך עדיין היה מודאג.En: Noam nodded, but was still concerned.He: באותו רגע הגיע אלעזר, מדריך מקומי עם חיוך חם.En: At that moment, Elazar, a local guide with a warm smile, arrived.He: הוא שם לב למצב של אריאלה ושאל אם הוא יכול לעזור.En: He noticed Ariela's condition and asked if he could help.He: "אני קצת מבין בענייני רפואה טבעית," הציע בעדינות.En: "I know a little about natural medicine," he offered gently.He: אריאלה ונעם הסכימו, והם מצאו מקום שקט לשבת.En: Ariela and Noam agreed, and they found a quiet place to sit.He: אלעזר בדק את אריאלה והציע לשתות מים ולקחת כמה נשימות עמוקות.En: Elazar examined Ariela and suggested drinking water and taking a few deep breaths.He: בעזרת הידע שלו, הוא הצליח להרגיע את תחושת הסחרחורת.En: Using his knowledge, he managed to calm the dizziness.He: כאשר התחיל טקס הנטיעה, אריאלה הרגישה טוב יותר.En: When the planting ceremony began, Ariela felt better.He: היא חפרה באדמה, נוטעת שתיל קטן, ובלבה תקווה והודיה.En: She dug into the earth, planting a small sapling, with hope and gratitude in her heart.He: התחושה המיוחדת של נטיעת עץ במקום הקדוש והתפילות שחברו לכל תנועה העניקו לה חווית התחדשות.En: The special feeling of planting a tree in the sacred place, and the prayers that accompanied every movement, gave her a sense of renewal.He: בסיום הטקס, אריאלה הסתכלה על אלעזר בענווה והודתה לו מכל הלב.En: At the end of the ceremony, Ariela looked at Elazar with humility and thanked him wholeheartedly.He: אלעזר הרגיש שחווית ההצלחה בריפוי אריאלה הדליק בנפשו את השאיפה להיות מרפא.En: Elazar felt that the success of healing Ariela ignited in him the aspiration to become a healer.He: בדרך חזרה למלון, אריאלה חשבה על מה שקרה ולמדה שאסור להתעלם מהסימנים שהגוף נותן.En: On the way back to the hotel, Ariela thought about what happened and learned that one should not ignore the signs the body gives.He: היא הרגישה מלאת אנרגיה ושמחה וידעה שתחזור לירושלים לעוד חוויות רוחניות.En: She felt full of energy and joy and knew she would return to Jerusalem for more spiritual experiences.He: ובין המאמינים הרבים שעמדו ליד הכותל, אלעזר הסתכל על ידיו ותהה על יכולותיו, מבטו הקדיש לא רק לאבנים העתיקות אלא גם לעתידו החדש.En: And among the many believers standing by the Western Wall, Elazar looked at his hands and pondered his abilities, his gaze dedicated not only to the ancient stones but also to his new future. Vocabulary Words:emotion: רגשbreath: נשימהenveloped: עוטפתmemories: זכרונותspirituality: רוחניותdizziness: סחרחורתwhispered: לחשהconcern: דאגהworriedly: בחששparticipate: להשתתףceremony: טקסcondition: מצבnatural medicine: רפואה טבעיתexamined: בדקaspiration: שאיפהhealer: מרפאignore: להתעלםsapling: שתילgratitude: הודיהrenewal: התחדשותhumility: ענווהsuccess: הצלחהpondered: תההdedicated: הקדישancient: עתיקsacred: קדושsensation: תחושהprayers: תפילותguide: מדריךjoy: שמחהBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Don't miss a special mini-tour of Israel from September 2025 on Open Line with Dr. Michael Rydelnik. Join us around your radio kitchen table as he and Dr. Bryan O'Neal answer a few Bible questions. Then hear Michael teach on-location in Capernaum and at the Western Wall. We'll also hear the testimony of a Jewish tour guide named Shira. Be sure to join us for this special edition of Open Line. Learn more about resources mentioned:Future trips with MichaelOpen Line Live TourChosen People Ministries free giftFEBC podcastMoody Bible Commentary Open Line is listener-supported. To support the program, click here. Become a Kitchen Table Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/openline/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Herod (born 72; died 4 or 1 BC) was an infamous tyrant, but he was also known for his colossal construction projects throughout Judea. Among these works are the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the expansion of its base—the Western Wall being part of it. Ee86. Dan Snow's History Hit podcast available at https://amzn.to/48HlmtH Books by Seth Schwartz available at https://amzn.to/49US5vJ ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Dan Snow's History Hit podcast (Episode 1337: King Herod with Seth Schwartz, professor of Classical Jewish Civilization at New York City’s Columbia University). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, catch diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. This week, while Berman was in Florida to cover the summit between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan invited senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur to sit in the hot seat and prepare five scenarios for Israel for 2026. Rettig Gur came prepared -- plus one -- and the two spend the first half discussing the three main fronts of the war, Lebanon, Gaza and Iran. In the second half, we learn about more domestic/political issues, including Rettig Gur's projection that Israel will begin to wean itself from US aid as the political winds shift in the States. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: A man walks down to the Western Wall as the Dome of the Rock at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound appears in the background in the Old City of Jerusalem on December 4, 2025. (JOHN WESSELS / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Finding Light and Love: Ariel's Journey in Jerusalem Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-12-27-08-38-20-he Story Transcript:He: בירושלים העתיקה, בזמן החורף של חג החנוכה, אבנים עתיקות סיפרו סיפורים עתיקים וגשרים מוארים בחום זהוב הרגישו את שמחת החג המקיפה את הכול.En: In Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) of old, during the winter of Hanukkah, ancient stones told ancient stories and bridges illuminated in golden warmth felt the joy of the holiday that enveloped everything.He: אריאל, סטודנטית סקרנית ומחפשת משמעות, הגיעה לדרוך על האדמה הקדושה הזו כדי להרגיש חיבור עמוק יותר לשורשיה.En: Ariel, a curious and meaning-seeking student, arrived to tread on this holy ground to feel a deeper connection to her roots.He: בערב חגיגי של נרות חנוכה, אריאל נעמדה מול הכותל המערבי, מוקפת באנשים, במוזיקה ובשירה אשר מילאו את האוויר הקריר.En: On a festive evening of Hanukkah candles, Ariel stood before the Kotel HaMa'aravi (Western Wall), surrounded by people, music, and singing that filled the chilly air.He: היא רצתה למצוא משמעות ולהרגיש חלק מהחגיגות, אך גם היססה, לא בטוחה אם אכן זו מקומה.En: She wanted to find meaning and feel part of the celebrations, but she also hesitated, unsure if this was truly her place.He: בין ההמונים פגשה את דוד.En: Among the crowds, she met David.He: דוד היה מקומי חמים וקשוב, שהתנדב כמדריך והכיר בבקיאות כל אבן וכל סיפור בירושלים.En: David was a warm and attentive local, who volunteered as a guide and was knowledgeable about every stone and story in Yerushalayim (Jerusalem).He: חיוכו היה מדבק, ונראה היה שהוא מאיר באור משלו בכל מקום אליו הלך.En: His smile was infectious, and he seemed to light up every place he went.He: הוא קרא לה להצטרף אליו לסיור מיוחד באזור הכותל ובירושלים העתיקה.En: He invited her to join him on a special tour around the Kotel and in old Yerushalayim.He: אריאל, שעדיין הרגישה קצת אבודה, החליטה לנצל את ההזדמנות, להיפתח למסורת המקומית ולחברות החדשה עם דוד.En: Ariel, still feeling a bit lost, decided to seize the opportunity, open up to the local tradition, and explore the new friendship with David.He: השניים הלכו יחד בסמטאות הצרות, שם דוד הדגים לה כיצד כל פינה מספרת סיפור משל עצמה.En: The two walked together through the narrow alleys, where David demonstrated to her how every corner tells its own story.He: הם עצרו מול חנויות קטנות, היכן שנמכרו סופגניות ולביבות, והאווירה הייתה שמחה ומזמינה.En: They stopped in front of small shops, where sufganiyot and levivot were sold, and the atmosphere was joyful and inviting.He: ככל שעבר הזמן, אריאל הרגישה איזה חום בלב שלא הכירה.En: As time passed, Ariel felt a warmth in her heart that she hadn't known.He: היא הרגישה שייכת, למרות הזרות.En: She felt belonging, despite being a stranger.He: כשהגיע הרגע לשיאו, נרות החנוכה הודלקו בכותל המערבי.En: When the moment reached its peak, the Hanukkah candles were lit at the Kotel HaMa'aravi.He: אור חמים ורך נשטף עליהם, ואריאל ודוד עמדו יחד, מוקסמים מהמראה.En: Warm, soft light washed over them, and Ariel and David stood together, mesmerized by the sight.He: אריאל הרגישה משהו שהיה חסר לה, משהו עמוק ובעל משמעות אמיתית.En: Ariel felt something she had been missing, something deep and truly meaningful.He: הייתה זו רגע קסום של חיבור ורגע של התרחבות הלב.En: It was a magical moment of connection and a moment of the heart's expansion.He: אריאל הביטה בדוד והבינה שהיא רוצה להישאר, להמשיך לחקור ולהעמיק את הקשר שנוצר ביניהם.En: Ariel looked at David and realized that she wanted to stay, to continue exploring and deepening the relationship that had been formed between them.He: היא הייתה מוכנה להישאר מעבר לתכניתה המקורית, ומצאה עצמה מביטה לעבר עתיד חדש ומבטיח עם דוד לצידה.En: She was ready to stay beyond her original plan and found herself looking towards a new and promising future with David by her side.He: כך, בין נרות החנוכה וצלילי החגיגה, אריאל כבר לא הרגישה כזרה.En: Thus, between the Hanukkah candles and the sounds of celebration, Ariel no longer felt like a stranger.He: היא מצאה מקום בליבה לירושלים ולחברה החדשה שהולידה רגעי קסם בבית אבותיה.En: She found a place in her heart for Yerushalayim and the new friendship that had birthed moments of magic in the home of her ancestors.He: חג החנוכה הפך עבורה לסמל של אור, חיבור וזהות מחודשת.En: Hanukkah became for her a symbol of light, connection, and renewed identity. Vocabulary Words:ancient: עתיקהilluminated: מואריםenveloped: המקיפהtread: לדרוךhesitated: היססהattentive: קשובvolunteered: התנדבdemonstrated: הדגיםnarrow: צרותinviting: מזמינהmesmerized: מקסמיםbeyond: מעברgateway: שערroots: שורשיהfestive: חגיגיcurious: סקרניתconnection: חיבורstranger: זרהidentity: זהותexpansion: התרחבותpromising: מבטיחsurrounded: מוקפתknowledgeable: מכיר בבקיאותbelonging: שייכתshop: חנויותsufganiyot: סופגניותlevivot: לביבותmagical: קסוםmoment: רגעwarmth: חוםBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Top stories from 2025:1,000 pastors at the Southern Steps & the Western Wall w/renewed vision for supporting Israel. Eli Sharabi, held hostage in Gaza for 491 days. Fulfilling prophesy: two brothers growing grapes in Tekoa. Aaron Shust sings 'Zion.'

Top stories from 2025:1,000 pastors at the Southern Steps & the Western Wall w/renewed vision for supporting Israel. Eli Sharabi, held hostage in Gaza for 491 days. Fulfilling prophesy: two brothers growing grapes in Tekoa. Aaron Shust sings 'Zion.'

Top stories from 2025:1,000 pastors at the Southern Steps & the Western Wall w/renewed vision for supporting Israel. Eli Sharabi, held hostage in Gaza for 491 days. Fulfilling prophesy: two brothers growing grapes in Tekoa. Aaron Shust sings 'Zion.'

Top stories from 2025:1,000 pastors at the Southern Steps & the Western Wall w/renewed vision for supporting Israel. Eli Sharabi, held hostage in Gaza for 491 days. Fulfilling prophesy: two brothers growing grapes in Tekoa. Aaron Shust sings 'Zion.'

Top stories from 2025:1,000 pastors at the Southern Steps & the Western Wall w/renewed vision for supporting Israel. Eli Sharabi, held hostage in Gaza for 491 days. Fulfilling prophesy: two brothers growing grapes in Tekoa. Aaron Shust sings 'Zion.'

Top stories from 2025:1,000 pastors at the Southern Steps & the Western Wall w/renewed vision for supporting Israel. Eli Sharabi, held hostage in Gaza for 491 days. Fulfilling prophesy: two brothers growing grapes in Tekoa. Aaron Shust sings 'Zion.'

Top stories from 2025:1,000 pastors at the Southern Steps & the Western Wall w/renewed vision for supporting Israel. Eli Sharabi, held hostage in Gaza for 491 days. Fulfilling prophesy: two brothers growing grapes in Tekoa. Aaron Shust sings 'Zion.'

Top stories from 2025:1,000 pastors at the Southern Steps & the Western Wall w/renewed vision for supporting Israel. Eli Sharabi, held hostage in Gaza for 491 days. Fulfilling prophesy: two brothers growing grapes in Tekoa. Aaron Shust sings 'Zion.'

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Love and Light: A Hanukkah Journey Through Jerusalem Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-12-17-23-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: הרחובות הצרים בעיר העתיקה של ירושלים היו מלאים באור נרות החנוכה.En: The narrow streets of the Old City of Jerusalem were filled with the light of Hanukkah candles.He: ריח הסופגניות והלביבות התפשט בכל פינה ומילא את האוויר בניחוחות של חג.En: The scent of sufganiyot and latkes spread to every corner, filling the air with the aromas of the holiday.He: עונת החורף הוסיפה לקסם, עם קור נעים שמלטף את הפנים.En: The winter season added to the magic, with a pleasant cold gently caressing the face.He: עבור עזרא, זו הייתה הפעם הראשונה שהוא יצא לדייט עם מיה.En: For Ezra, this was the first time he went on a date with Mia.He: לבו היה מלא התרגשות וחרדה.En: His heart was full of excitement and anxiety.He: הוא היה סטודנט באוניברסיטה, ראש מלא בכל מחשבה על איך להרשים את מיה.En: He was a university student, his mind consumed with thoughts of how to impress Mia.He: מיה, לעומת זאת, הייתה נערה בטוחה בעצמה, חובבת היסטוריה שאהבה לגלות פינות נסתרות בעיר הקדומה.En: Mia, on the other hand, was a confident girl, a history enthusiast who loved discovering hidden corners in the ancient city.He: "כאן," אמרה מיה בחיוך קורן, כשהובילה את עזרא לסמטה קטנה.En: "Here," said Mia with a radiant smile as she led Ezra to a small alley.He: "זה המקום האהוב עלי.En: "This is my favorite place.He: יש פה חנות קטנה של ספרים ישנים.En: There's a small shop here for old books."He: "עזרא הסתכל מסביב בעיניים מרובן, מנסה להירגע.En: Ezra looked around with wide eyes, trying to calm down.He: הוא הבחין כיצד מיה מלהיבה ושמחה בכל פניה.En: He noticed how Mia was enthusiastic and joyful at every turn.He: האווירה הייתה חגיגית, והמוני תיירים ומקומיים זרמו מכל רחבי העיר לחגוג את החנוכה.En: The atmosphere was festive, with crowds of tourists and locals converging from all over the city to celebrate Hanukkah.He: "כמה אנשים," לחש עזרא כשהוא מנסה להסתיר את תחושות החרדה.En: "So many people," whispered Ezra, trying to hide his feelings of anxiety.He: "אני מקווה שלא אגרום לפשלה.En: "I hope I don't mess up."He: ""עזרא," ענתה מיה בעדינות.En: "Ezra," Mia replied gently.He: "פשוט תהנה מהרגע.En: "Just enjoy the moment.He: אנחנו כאן בשביל לגלות יחד.En: We're here to discover together."He: "הם המשיכו במסעם, עוברים דרך שער יפו אל רחבת הכותל.En: They continued on their journey, passing through Jaffa Gate to the plaza near the Western Wall.He: תחושותיו התחילו להירגע כאשר הוא ראה את הנרות הדולקים על המנורה הגדולה.En: His feelings started to calm when he saw the candles burning on the large menorah.He: מיה הציעה שיידליקו יחד נר.En: Mia suggested they light a candle together.He: בעודם עומדים מול החנוכייה, עזרא חש בפרץ של שלווה.En: As they stood before the Hanukkiah, Ezra felt a surge of peace.He: למראה האור המרצד והרגע הקדוש, הוא שכח מהלחצים והפחדים.En: At the sight of the flickering light and the sacred moment, he forgot about his stresses and fears.He: שניהם פלטו צחוק כאשר הנר הראשון ניצב והתלקח.En: They both burst into laughter when the first candle stood and ignited.He: "האור הזה מופלא," אמר עזרא.En: "This light is wonderful," said Ezra.He: "זה באמת מרגש.En: "It's truly exciting."He: "מיה חייכה אליו, ידיה אוחזות בעדינות בידו.En: Mia smiled at him, her hands gently holding his.He: "תודה שאתה כאן איתי," ענתה.En: "Thank you for being here with me," she replied.He: כשהלילה סגר על העיר העתיקה, שניהם הלכו יחדיו עד לשער העיר.En: As night descended upon the Old City, they walked together to the city gate.He: עזרא כבר לא הרגיש אותו הצורך להצטיין.En: Ezra no longer felt the need to excel.He: הזמן שבילה עם מיה היה מיוחד, וההנאה הייתה אמתית ופשוטה.En: The time he spent with Mia was special, and the enjoyment was genuine and simple.He: "נלך לאכול משהו בפעם הבאה?En: "Shall we go eat something next time?"He: " שאלה מיה בקריצה.En: asked Mia with a wink.He: "בהחלט," ענה עזרא בביטחון חדש.En: "Absolutely," replied Ezra with newfound confidence.He: הם נפרדו עם הבטחה לפגוש שוב, בעוד העיר העתיקה מוקפת באורות חג החנוכה.En: They parted with a promise to meet again, while the Old City was surrounded by the lights of Hanukkah.He: ואז, עזרא הבין שאם הוא רק יישאר נאמן לעצמו, כל פגישה תהיה מושלמת.En: Then, Ezra realized that if he only stayed true to himself, every meeting would be perfect.He: חנוכה בעיר הזאת תמיד תהיה בלתי נשכחת בזכות התחושות שהוא למד לשחרר ולחוות.En: Hanukkah in this city would always be unforgettable thanks to the feelings he learned to release and experience. Vocabulary Words:narrow: צריםscent: ריחcaressing: מלטףanxiety: חרדהenthusiast: חובבתalley: סמטהradiant: קורןgently: בעדינותconverging: זורמיםfestive: חגיגיתwhispered: לחשsurge: פרץflickering: מרצדsacred: קדושignited: התלקחgenuine: אמתיתsimple: פשוטהdescended: סגרplaza: רחבתpromise: הבטחהunforgettable: בלתי נשכחתrelease: לשחררexperience: לחוותcorners: פינותconsumed: מלאimpress: להרשיםenjoyment: הנאהcalm: להירגעfears: פחדיםconfidence: ביטחוןBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Subscribe for unfiltered analysis and on-the-ground truth from the Land of Israel. Turkey is signaling it is ready to send troops into Gaza as part of an International Stabilization Force (ISF), a move Israel strongly opposes, even as the United States pressures Ankara to take a leading role. Turkish and Egyptian officials argue the force should “separate” Israel and Hamas, not disarm the terror organization. a position Israeli leaders warn will guarantee failure. In this wide-ranging and urgent episode, the discussion explores: Why foreign troops on Israeli soil threaten Israel's security How Turkey's ambitions intersect with Trump's emerging “Board of Peace” Why the world is being whipped into a frenzy against Israel The return of Hellenism in modern form The spiritual meaning of Hanukkah, sovereignty, and inheritance of the Land And why Israel's survival depends on clarity, strength, and truth Powerful scenes unfolding in Israel today, from Haredi soldiers completing IDF training at the Western Wall to Levitical singing returning to the Temple Mount for the first time in nearly 2,000 years This is not just geopolitics, it's history, faith, and destiny unfolding in real time.

How can the ancient Hebrew language unlock a deeper way of listening to Christ with our whole heart, soul, and might?In this week's episode of Latter-Day Lights, Scott Brandley and guest co-host Emily Hemmert sit down with Dr. Trina Boice—university professor, longtime author, avid scripture educator, and Hebrew enthusiast—to explore the “Via Dolorosa,” more commonly known as the sorrowful path Christ walked from condemnation to crucifixion. Dr. Trina shares what it's like to trace the traditional stations through Jerusalem, why this journey can reframe the Atonement as more than a single moment, and how sacred spaces (even outside our own faith tradition) can invite powerful spiritual reflection. Together, these experiences point to a discipleship that is not only believed, but lived through both body and spirit.And, as we look ahead to the 2026 "Come, Follow Me" study of the Old Testament, Trina introduces a foundational Hebrew word, “Shema,” and how its layers of meaning (to hear, to hearken, to obey) can transform the way we approach scripture study and prayer. Along the way, she shares moving experiences from the Western Wall, insights into Jewish worship and devotion, and a renewed invitation to find Jesus Christ woven throughout the Old Testament.Ultimately, this conversation invites us to move beyond simply reading the scriptures to truly living them. Through language, history, and lived experience, Dr. Trina reminds us that discipleship is not passive, but a wholehearted response to the Savior's voice in every season of our lives.*** Please SHARE Dr. Trina's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/ZsmC_RzdGeg-----To LEARN MORE about Dr. Trina, visit: https://www.TrinaBoice.comTo LEARN MORE about Dr. Trina's author coaching services, visit: https://www.frombook2business.com/To READ Dr. Trina's book, "The Language of Heaven," visit: https://a.co/d/4j5b4kXTo READ Dr. Trina's book, "Via Dolorosa," visit: https://www.cedarfort.com/products/via-dolorosa-christs-path-to-the-cross?srsltid=AfmBOoriQlGGDu7ngEuLrfu0GN38cg1FUe-z7ovPv7bYXO6i-NCc9pD6To LISTEN to Dr. Trina's podcast, "Daily Inspirational Quote," visit: https://open.spotify.com/show/17RPUlzByZQVu4zmqktoZ0?si=86c6033495a048f1To WATCH Dr. Trina's movie reviews, visit: https://www.youtube.com/c/MovieReviewMom To READ Scott's new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/-----Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylightsAlso, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Illuminating Tradition: Finding Inspiration in Yerushalayim Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-12-12-08-38-19-he Story Transcript:He: ירושלים הייתה מכוסה באווירה ייחודית, מוזיאון פתוח של היסטוריה וחלומות.En: Yerushalayim was enveloped in a unique atmosphere, an open museum of history and dreams.He: הרחובות היו צפופים באנשים שבאו לחגוג את חג החנוכה, ואורות המנורה האירו כל פינה בעיר העתיקה.En: The streets were crowded with people who came to celebrate Chanukah, and the menorah lights illuminated every corner of the Old City.He: יונה ומרים הלכו יחד ברחובות הצרים.En: Yonah and Miriam walked together through the narrow streets.He: יונה היה אמן צעיר, המחפש השראה לציוריו.En: Yonah was a young artist seeking inspiration for his paintings.He: מרים, היסטוריונית, אהבה את ההיסטוריה העמוקה של עיר הבירה.En: Miriam, a historian, loved the deep history of the capital city.He: הם הלכו אל הכותל המערבי, המקום שבו הזמן עמד מלכת.En: They went to the Western Wall, the place where time stood still.He: יונה הרגיש את ההתרגשות, אבל גם את הלחץ.En: Yonah felt the excitement, but also the pressure.He: המוני התיירים חשפו אותו מכל צד, מהקשישים שהתפללו ועד הילדים ששמחו באורות החנוכיה.En: Crowds of tourists surrounded him on all sides, from the elderly who were praying to the children delighted by the menorah lights.He: הוא התקשה להתרכז בעבודתו.En: He found it difficult to concentrate on his work.He: "איך אוכל למצוא כאן שקט?En: "How can I find peace here?"He: ", חשב לעצמו.En: he thought to himself.He: מרים, מצד שני, נאבקה בתחושותיה לגבי המסורת.En: Miriam, on the other hand, grappled with her feelings about tradition.He: היא חשבה שנים רבות שהתפילות העתיקות אינן רלוונטיות לעולמה.En: For many years, she thought that the ancient prayers were not relevant to her world.He: אבל היום, בין האורות והאנשים, היא הייתה סקרנית לבדוק את רגשותיה.En: But today, among the lights and people, she was curious to explore her emotions.He: יונה ישב ליד הכותל.En: Yonah sat by the Wall.He: במקום לצלם, החליט לצייר.En: Instead of taking photos, he decided to draw.He: בלי לחשוב יותר מדי, נתן לידייו לרשום את מה שראו עיניו.En: Without thinking too much, he let his hands sketch what his eyes saw.He: הוא רצה לגלות יופי ופשטות.En: He wanted to discover beauty and simplicity.He: מרים הניחה נר על מקום מיוחד בקיר הנשים והדליקה אותו.En: Miriam placed a candle in a special spot in the women's section of the Wall and lit it.He: היא שרה כמעט בלחש תפילה שלמדה מאמה.En: She sang a prayer she had learned from her mother, almost in a whisper.He: הם חלקו את מחשבותיהם ליד הכותל.En: They shared their thoughts by the Wall.He: מרים ביקשה מיונה לתאר את מה שהוא רואה.En: Miriam asked Yonah to describe what he sees.He: היא שאלה אותו מה הוא מרגיש.En: She asked him what he feels.He: יונה הרים את מבטו מהדף והבין, דרך המילים של מרים, שהפשטות בעיניה היא היופי האמיתי של המקום.En: Yonah lifted his gaze from the page and realized, through Miriam's words, that simplicity in her eyes is the true beauty of the place.He: הוא יכול להרגיש את נשימתה הרכה של ההיסטוריה בכל אבן.En: He could feel the gentle breath of history in every stone.He: באותו רגע, מרים הרגישה משהו עמוק.En: In that moment, Miriam felt something profound.He: היא הבינה שהמסורת היא חלק ממנה, לא משנה כמה התקדמו החיים.En: She realized that tradition is part of her, no matter how much life has progressed.He: יונה גילה שההשראה אינה דורשת הרפתקאות, אלא ראייה חדשה של אותם המקומות והדברים.En: Yonah discovered that inspiration doesn't require adventures, but a new vision of the same places and things.He: בערב ההוא, כשהאורות כבו והקור התעצם, יונה ומרים עזבו את הכותל בהרגשה חדשה.En: That evening, when the lights dimmed and the cold intensified, Yonah and Miriam left the Wall with a new feeling.He: הם קיבלו את מה שחשקו בו.En: They got what they yearned for.He: יונה הבין את הערך של סבלנות והתבוננות, בעוד מרים התחברה מחדש לשורשיה.En: Yonah understood the value of patience and observation, while Miriam reconnected with her roots.He: החנוכיה שהאירה את הלילה סימלה להם התחלה חדשה.En: The menorah that lit up the night symbolized a new beginning for them. Vocabulary Words:enveloped: מכוסהunique: ייחודיתcelebrate: לחגוגilluminated: האירוnarrow: הצריםinspiration: השראהconcentrate: להתרכזgrappled: נאבקהtradition: מסורתrelevant: רלוונטיותcurious: סקרניתemotions: רגשותיהsketch: לרשוםsimplicity: פשטותwhisper: בלחשgaze: מבטוgentle: הרכהprofound: עמוקprogressed: התקדמוadventures: הרפתקאותvision: ראייהdimmed: כבוintensified: התעצםyearned: חשקוpatience: סבלנותobservation: התבוננותreconnected: התחברה מחדשroots: שורשיהmenorah: חנוכיהsymbolized: סימלהBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Why are the Western Wall, the Garden Tomb, and the Garden of Gethsemane so important to Jews and Christians? Rabbi Schneider shares why people of the Jewish and Christian faith still revere the holy places, pray at the Western Wall, and look for Jesus to return. Learn how Jesus did not operate in His feelings. He operated in truth. Learn how to distinguish feelings from truth and obedience. Continue to choose truth and obedience even when you don't feel like it and you will be blessed. To get strong, you have to pray. **** BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER - https://djj.show/YTAPartner  **** DONATE - https://djj.show/YTADonate  **** TEACHING NOTES - https://djj.show/02948c 

The Bible hits different when you walk where Jesus walked. Pastor Stephen Martin and Pastor Nate Brown just returned from Israel with 120+ believers—and what they experienced will change how you read Scripture forever.In this special episode, discover why every Christian should visit Israel as early as possible, not as a bucket list item in retirement. From standing at the gates of hell where Jesus declared "I will build my church" to touching the Western Wall where God's presence is undeniable—this isn't just travel. It's transformation.✅ Why Israel is the safest place on Earth for travelers✅ The supernatural reality behind the "gates of hell"✅ How geography confirms biblical prophecy✅ The Prodigal Son story you've been reading wrong

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Lights of Tradition: Finding Unity at the Western Wall Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-12-08-08-38-20-he Story Transcript:He: קור קר חורפי עטף את העיר ירושלים.En: A cold winter chill enveloped the city of Yerushalayim.He: מזג האוויר היה קריר, אבל הלבבות חמים מהתרגשות לקראת חג החנוכה.En: The weather was frigid, but hearts were warm with excitement for the holiday of Hanukkah.He: משפחת כהן הגיעה למקום הקדוש ביותר - הכותל המערבי.En: The Cohen family arrived at the most sacred place - the Kotel HaMa'aravi (Western Wall).He: המון אנשים התאספו שם, נרות חנוכה מאירים את הלילה החשוך.En: Many people gathered there, Hanukkah candles illuminating the dark night.He: מיכה הוא הבכור במשפחה.En: Micha is the eldest in the family.He: הוא אחראי, אבל מרגיש לעיתים קרובות שלא רואים אותו.En: He is responsible, but often feels that he's not seen.He: נועה, האחות האמצעית, תמיד מחפשת את תשומת הלב של הוריה.En: Noa, the middle sister, always seeks her parents' attention.He: אשר הוא הצעיר ביותר, מלא סקרנות ושאלות חכמות.En: Asher is the youngest, full of curiosity and wise questions.He: כשמיכה עמד מול הכותל, הוא חשב על הרצון שלו להתחבר למורשת שלו.En: As Micha stood in front of the Wall, he thought about his desire to connect with his heritage.He: הוא הרגיש קרוע בין הצורך שלו להיות האח הבכור האחראי לבין הרצון האישי שלו לחפש את זהותו.En: He felt torn between his need to be the responsible eldest brother and his personal desire to search for his own identity.He: בזמן שמשפחת כהן הייתה עסוקה בהכנות לחג, מיכה הרגיש שהזדמנות לשיחה מעמיקה חסרה.En: While the Cohen family was busy with holiday preparations, Micha felt a deep conversation was missing.He: אך הוא ידע שזה הזמן שלו.En: But he knew this was his moment.He: הוא נשם עמוק, ניגש אל קיר האבן ובלחש ביקש את בקשותיו.En: He took a deep breath, approached the stone wall, and whispered his prayers.He: לא הרחק משם, קבוצת אנשים פרצה בריקוד חגיגי לכבוד החנוכה.En: Not far from there, a group of people broke into a festive dance in honor of Hanukkah.He: המוזיקה והחגיגה משכו את קהל ההולכים ושבים.En: The music and celebration drew passersby.He: לרגע קצר, מיכה עמד וצפה, הרגיש את הקשר שבין האנשים.En: For a brief moment, Micha stood and watched, feeling the connection among the people.He: הרוקדים הזמינו גם את משפחת כהן להצטרף.En: The dancers invited the Cohen family to join in.He: הם חייכו, פתחו מעגל, והרגע הזה היה מלא בגיל ושמחה.En: They smiled, opened a circle, and the moment was filled with joy and happiness.He: תוך כדי ריקוד, מיכה חש שחרור פנימי.En: While dancing, Micha felt an inner release.He: הוא הבין את חשיבות האחדות וההשתייכות למשפחה ולמסורת.En: He understood the importance of unity and belonging to family and tradition.He: לאחר הריקוד, משפחת כהן עמדה יחד מול הכותל.En: After the dance, the Cohen family stood together in front of the Wall.He: כולם הרגישו קרבה חדשה אחד לשני.En: Everyone felt a new closeness to each other.He: נועה עודדה את מיכה והודתה לו על כך שהביא אותם לרגע הזה.En: Noa encouraged Micha and thanked him for bringing them to this moment.He: אשר, עם חוכמתו הילדית, חיבק את אחיו הגדול ואמר: "אנחנו תמיד כאן בשבילך, מיכה.En: Asher, with his childlike wisdom, hugged his big brother and said, "We're always here for you, Micha."He: "באותו ערב, מיכה הרגיש קבלה ושלמות.En: That evening, Micha felt acceptance and completeness.He: הוא ידע שמשפחתו תומכת בו יותר ממה שחשב.En: He knew his family supported him more than he had thought.He: הכתל המערבי הפך לסמל של שייכות ואהבה, ומיכה יותר מתמיד הרגיש חלק מהמשפחה ומהמסורת.En: The Western Wall became a symbol of belonging and love, and Micha felt more than ever a part of the family and tradition.He: המשפחה צעדה חזרה לביתם, נרות החנוכה מאירים את דרכם.En: The family walked back home, Hanukkah candles lighting their way.He: הלב של מיכה היה מלא אורה ושמחה, והוא ידע שהקשר המשפחתי חזק ואמיתי.En: Micha's heart was filled with warmth and joy, and he knew that the family bond was strong and true.He: מה שהיה יום מלא בשאלות וחיפושים הפך ליום של הבנה וקבלה.En: What had been a day full of questions and searches turned into a day of understanding and acceptance.He: הלילה הירושלמי קר, אבל הלבבות הלכו לביתם חמימים ומלאי תקווה.En: The night in Yerushalayim was cold, but the hearts went home warm and full of hope. Vocabulary Words:chill: קורfrigid: קרירenvelop: עטףsacred: הקדושgathered: התאספוilluminating: מאיריםeldest: הבכורresponsible: אחראיcuriosity: סקרנותheritage: מורשתtorn: קרועconversation: שיחהapproached: ניגשwhispered: בלחשfestive: חגיגיcelebration: חגיגהpassersby: הולכים ושביםunity: אחדותbelonging: השתייכותcloseness: קרבהencouraged: עודדהacceptance: קבלהcompleteness: שלמותsymbol: סמלbond: קשרunderstanding: הבנהacceptance: קבלהhearts: לבבותhope: תקווהBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

More than one thousand pastors and Christian influencers continue their trip to Israel as they plan to help strengthen and spread support for the Jewish state; the group visits the Western Wall, where the Rabbi commends them for their support; ...

More than one thousand pastors and Christian influencers continue their trip to Israel as they plan to help strengthen and spread support for the Jewish state; the group visits the Western Wall, where the Rabbi commends them for their support; ...

More than one thousand pastors and Christian influencers continue their trip to Israel as they plan to help strengthen and spread support for the Jewish state; the group visits the Western Wall, where the Rabbi commends them for their support; ...

More than one thousand pastors and Christian influencers continue their trip to Israel as they plan to help strengthen and spread support for the Jewish state; the group visits the Western Wall, where the Rabbi commends them for their support; ...

More than one thousand pastors and Christian influencers continue their trip to Israel as they plan to help strengthen and spread support for the Jewish state; the group visits the Western Wall, where the Rabbi commends them for their support; ...

The Western Wall  Part 16:  Warren's Gate and The Ark of The Covenant  -  English and Spanish.  Warren's Gate, one of King Herod's original passages to the Temple Mount, lies inside the Western Wall Tunnels.  What makes this gate so fascinating?  Perhaps its connection to the Ark of The Covenant! You will not want to miss this thrilling episode!   Recorded November 3, 2025. This an updated version with translation of a podcast originally recorded May 29, 2023.  El Muro Occidental  Parte 16:  La Puerta de Warren y el Arca de la Alianza  -  Inglés y español.  La Puerta de Warren, uno de los pasajes originales del rey Herodes al Monte del Templo, se encuentra dentro de los túneles del Muro Occidental.  ¿Qué hace que esta puerta sea tan fascinante?  ¡Quizás su conexión con el Arca de la Alianza! ¡No te pierdas este emocionante episodio!   Grabado el 3 de noviembre de 2025. Esta es una versión actualizada con traducción de un podcast grabado originalmente el 29 de mayo de 2023.

Near the Western Wall, archaeologists found a small clay tablet from the King of Assyria demanding that the Kingdom of Judah pay tribute. It's the first time an Assyrian inscription has been found in Jerusalem, and it falls perfectly in place during the story of Hezekiah, who defied Assyria and stopped paying tribute in the late 8th century. Cole and Terry discuss this new discovery and other evidence that supports the veracity of Scripture. 

In this MUST-WATCH episode of Chicks on the Right, Josh Hammer—host of The Josh Hammer Show, Newsweek senior editor-at-large, and author of the new book Israel and Civilization—goes FULL SEND on the growing anti-Western, anti-Christian, anti-Semitic cancer infiltrating conservative spaces.  Tucker Carlson called Christian Zionists “the scum of the earth”—including Charlie Kirk, who prayed at the Western Wall quoting Genesis 12:3 just months before his tragic death. Candace Owens labeled Josh “subhuman filth” and twisted his words to smear him—is a defamation lawsuit coming? Nick Fuentes, Holocaust denier and racist, gets a friendly Tucker interview—while pro-Israel voices are silenced. JD Vance's inner circle raises red flags—but is he really a “crypto-groyper”? Josh weighs in.   Josh reveals never-before-heard details from his private group chat with Charlie Kirk—including the final Zoom call the night before Charlie's assassination, where they prepped pro-Israel talking points to fight campus anti-Semitism.   This isn't just drama. This is a battle for Western civilization itself. #TuckerCarlson #CandaceOwens #JoshHammer #CharlieKirk #NickFuentes #JDVance #ChicksOnTheRight #ConservativePodcast #Israel #Antisemitism #MegynKelly #BenShapiro #trump

In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues the discussion of Tractate Bava Metzia 84b, focusing on Rabbi Elazar ben Rabbi Shimon's emotional and spiritual struggle after executing a guilty laundryman (referenced from a prior episode, likely tied to the “vinegar, son of wine” incident). The episode explores themes of guilt, divine justice, Torah study, and the efficacy of prayer, connecting them to personal anecdotes and broader Jewish responsibilities. Key points include:Rabbi Elazar's Guilt and Suffering: Rabbi Elazar, a marshal who executed a disrespectful laundryman (justified by the man's capital offense), feels lingering guilt despite following the law. Like a police officer experiencing PTSD after a justified shooting, Rabbi Elazar cannot rely on his reasoning to absolve himself and accepts physical suffering as atonement. He suffers a severe illness, losing blood and pus nightly, but recovers after his wife prepares 60 types of fig-based food (lifta). He converses with his afflictions, inviting them at night but dismissing them in the morning to avoid disrupting Torah study, showing his dedication despite pain (0:26–3:32).Wife's Reaction and Wealth: His wife, frustrated by his self-imposed suffering and believing he squandered her father's wealth, leaves for her father's house. Sixty sailors then bring Rabbi Elazar 60 slaves with 60 money bags, preparing 60 types of lifta, restoring his wealth. He tells his daughter to inform her mother that “ours is greater than theirs,” citing Proverbs 31:14 (from Eishet Chayil) to affirm that Torah brings sustenance from afar. His wife's absence allows him to return to the study hall (3:32–6:45).Rabbinic Rulings and Validation: In the study hall, Rabbi Elazar examines 60 blood samples from women checking for ritual purity (tahar) during their seven clean days post-menstruation. He declares all samples pure, enabling marital resumption after mikvah. Other rabbis question the statistical likelihood of all 60 being pure, suggesting an error. Rabbi Elazar prays that if his rulings are correct, the women will conceive boys (who cannot become niddah); if incorrect, at least one girl (who can become niddah) will be born. All 60 babies are boys, named after him, validating his rulings and demonstrating divine confirmation (7:07–14:21).Transmission of Halacha: Rabbi Wolbe explains the expertise required to identify impure blood, a skill transmitted from Moshe at Sinai through generations of rabbis, including himself, underscoring the mesorah (oral tradition). This parallels other halachic details (e.g., temple offerings) requiring precise training, like distinguishing colors of blood (8:39–11:27).Prayer's Efficacy: Addressing his daughter's question, Rabbi Wolbe shares a personal story of praying at the Western Wall for a son to fulfill Pidyon HaBen (redeeming the firstborn), which was granted, and accepting Hashem's choice of a daughter for his second child. He clarifies that Hashem answers all prayers, but not always as requested, citing “Ein Tfilason Chozeres Reikam” (no prayer returns empty). Answers may be “no” or “wait,” tailored to what's best, as seen in Rabbi Elazar's answered prayer (15:04–17:08).Broader Lessons: The episode emphasizes human sensitivity in upholding justice (Rabbi Elazar's guilt), the transformative power of Torah study despite physical suffering, and the communal responsibility to trust expert rabbinic rulings. Rabbi Wolbe connects this to the upcoming holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, post-October 8, 2025), urging listeners to carry forward spiritual growth and good deeds._____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on September 12, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 31, 2025_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Talmud, #Justice, #Law, #Morality, #Guilt, #Redemption, #TorahStudy, #Faith, #Patience, #Prayer ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues the discussion of Tractate Bava Metzia 84b, focusing on Rabbi Elazar ben Rabbi Shimon's emotional and spiritual struggle after executing a guilty laundryman (referenced from a prior episode, likely tied to the “vinegar, son of wine” incident). The episode explores themes of guilt, divine justice, Torah study, and the efficacy of prayer, connecting them to personal anecdotes and broader Jewish responsibilities. Key points include:Rabbi Elazar's Guilt and Suffering: Rabbi Elazar, a marshal who executed a disrespectful laundryman (justified by the man's capital offense), feels lingering guilt despite following the law. Like a police officer experiencing PTSD after a justified shooting, Rabbi Elazar cannot rely on his reasoning to absolve himself and accepts physical suffering as atonement. He suffers a severe illness, losing blood and pus nightly, but recovers after his wife prepares 60 types of fig-based food (lifta). He converses with his afflictions, inviting them at night but dismissing them in the morning to avoid disrupting Torah study, showing his dedication despite pain (0:26–3:32).Wife's Reaction and Wealth: His wife, frustrated by his self-imposed suffering and believing he squandered her father's wealth, leaves for her father's house. Sixty sailors then bring Rabbi Elazar 60 slaves with 60 money bags, preparing 60 types of lifta, restoring his wealth. He tells his daughter to inform her mother that “ours is greater than theirs,” citing Proverbs 31:14 (from Eishet Chayil) to affirm that Torah brings sustenance from afar. His wife's absence allows him to return to the study hall (3:32–6:45).Rabbinic Rulings and Validation: In the study hall, Rabbi Elazar examines 60 blood samples from women checking for ritual purity (tahar) during their seven clean days post-menstruation. He declares all samples pure, enabling marital resumption after mikvah. Other rabbis question the statistical likelihood of all 60 being pure, suggesting an error. Rabbi Elazar prays that if his rulings are correct, the women will conceive boys (who cannot become niddah); if incorrect, at least one girl (who can become niddah) will be born. All 60 babies are boys, named after him, validating his rulings and demonstrating divine confirmation (7:07–14:21).Transmission of Halacha: Rabbi Wolbe explains the expertise required to identify impure blood, a skill transmitted from Moshe at Sinai through generations of rabbis, including himself, underscoring the mesorah (oral tradition). This parallels other halachic details (e.g., temple offerings) requiring precise training, like distinguishing colors of blood (8:39–11:27).Prayer's Efficacy: Addressing his daughter's question, Rabbi Wolbe shares a personal story of praying at the Western Wall for a son to fulfill Pidyon HaBen (redeeming the firstborn), which was granted, and accepting Hashem's choice of a daughter for his second child. He clarifies that Hashem answers all prayers, but not always as requested, citing “Ein Tfilason Chozeres Reikam” (no prayer returns empty). Answers may be “no” or “wait,” tailored to what's best, as seen in Rabbi Elazar's answered prayer (15:04–17:08).Broader Lessons: The episode emphasizes human sensitivity in upholding justice (Rabbi Elazar's guilt), the transformative power of Torah study despite physical suffering, and the communal responsibility to trust expert rabbinic rulings. Rabbi Wolbe connects this to the upcoming holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, post-October 8, 2025), urging listeners to carry forward spiritual growth and good deeds._____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on September 12, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 31, 2025_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Talmud, #Justice, #Law, #Morality, #Guilt, #Redemption, #TorahStudy, #Faith, #Patience, #Prayer ★ Support this podcast ★

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Finding Faith and Family at the Festive Walls of Yerushalayim Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-10-26-22-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: ירושלים התמלאה בקריאות של שמחה, תפילות ושירה.En: Yerushalayim was filled with calls of joy, prayers, and song.He: הסתיו הגיע ולעיר העתיקה היה ניחוח של רימונים ותמרים טריים.En: Autumn had arrived, and the Old City had the fragrance of fresh rimonim (pomegranates) and tmarim (dates).He: בערב סוכות, כיכר הכותל המערבי הייתה מלאה באנשים מכל העולם.En: On the eve of Sukkot, the plaza by the Kotel haMa'aravi (Western Wall) was full of people from all over the world.He: סוכות מעוטרות בירק עירמו ברחבי הכיכר, וילדים שיחקו סביבם בצחוק.En: Sukkot adorned with foliage piled up around the plaza, and children played around them with laughs.He: אָבנֵר, אדם מהורהר עם מחשבות משתוללות, ישב על ספסל בפינת הכיכר.En: Avner, a contemplative man with chaotic thoughts, sat on a bench at the corner of the plaza.He: הספקות בנוגע להשתייכותו התרוצצו בראשו כמו רוחות הסתו העדינות.En: Doubts about his sense of belonging raced in his mind like the gentle autumn winds.He: אחותו יעל, עם החיוך הכובש שלה והתלהבות שאין לה גבול, תפקדה כרגיל כמובילה המשפחתית.En: His sister Yael, with her captivating smile and boundless enthusiasm, functioned as usual as the family leader.He: "אל תתן לזה להכביד עליך," היא אמרה לו, מושכת אותו בעדינות לעבר הקהל.En: "Don't let it weigh you down," she said to him, gently pulling him towards the crowd.He: "אני פשוט לא בטוח איך אני מרגיש עם כל זה," אבנר השיב, מביט סביבו בהתלבטות.En: "I'm just not sure how I feel about all of this," Avner replied, looking around hesitantly.He: יא ׳ץעטעל חלק 2 מען זאל אונז מדינה אויף אינטערעסע׳ל באקומען זי ברענגט עם מאלקול דו ווילסט אויך צו הערן וואס איז שמועס? אויל, זייערע פאלק י-הודי איז אין דאזיקע מכילתוEn: 'יא ׳ץעטעל חלק 2 מען זאל אונז מדינה אויף אינטערעסע׳ל באקומען זי ברענגט עם מאלקול דו ווילסט אויך צו הערן וואס איז שמועס? אויל, זייערע פאלק י-הודי איז אין דאזיקע מכילתו'He: "אנחנו חייבים להחזיק במסורת שלנו," ענתה יעל בתקיפות רכה.En: "We have to hold on to our tradition," Yael replied with gentle firmness.He: "זה מה שמחבר אותנו."En: "That's what connects us."He: באותו רגע הגיעה לידם מרים, חברתם הוותיקה של המשפחה.En: At that moment, Miriam, the family's longtime friend, approached them.He: מרים הייתה מישהי שכולם כיבדו ושאפו לשמוע את דבריה.En: Miriam was someone everyone respected and sought to hear from.He: אך אבנר חשב אחרת הפעם.En: But Avner thought differently this time.He: הוא הבחין במשהו מוזר בהתנהגותה לאחרונה, והשאלות רדפו אותו.En: He had noticed something strange in her behavior lately, and questions haunted him.He: הוא ידע שעליו לעמוד מולה.En: He knew he had to confront her.He: "מרים," פנה אליה אבנר, קולה קטוע מעט עם חשש.En: "Miriam," he addressed her, his voice slightly shaky with apprehension.He: "יש לי שאלה, את מסתדרת עם האמונה שלך?"En: "I have a question, are you at peace with your faith?"He: מרים נעצרה, הסתובבה באיטיות והביטה בו בעיניים מלאות חום ורוך,En: Miriam paused, turned slowly, and looked at him with eyes full of warmth and tenderness.He: "מה בדיוק אתה רוצה לדעת, אבנר?"En: "What exactly do you want to know, Avner?"He: הבט אחורה ופנים כל המקומות המעלים געגועים מירושלים ועד סוכות, הרעיון הזכיר עם מרים נוסח משותף יקר מאוד להמשפחה.En: Looking back and within, all the places that evoke longing from Yerushalayim to Sukkot, the idea brought up a shared cherished version for the family.He: תחושת זהות אחת.En: A sense of one identity.He: "בכנות, אני רוצה לדעת על מה שחריץ לי.En: "Honestly, I want to know what's been troubling me.He: משהו שמעולם לא דיברת עליו," הוא הסביר.En: Something you've never talked about," he explained.He: קולו היה חלש יותר מההמולה שסביבם אך חד מספיק להדהד במוחה של מרים.En: His voice was softer than the commotion around them but sharp enough to resonate in Miriam's mind.He: מרים הניחה את ידה על כתפו של אבנר.En: Miriam placed her hand on Avner's shoulder.He: "זוהי באמת עונת החג," היא פנתה ליעל,En: "It really is the holiday season," she turned to Yael,He: משהו מרמז בצחוק עולמה מלא חרדה ואהבה להמשפחה.En: something hinted with laughter in her world full of anxiety and love for the family.He: השקט שתפס את הדמיון לא השאיר מילים, רק תפילה.En: The silence that captured the imagination left no words, only prayer.He: עד שיאמר הכל, התחילו לשיר ולרקוד סביב הכותל באהבה חסרת גבולות.En: Until they spoke everything, they began to sing and dance around the Kotel with boundless love.He: כולו נרגש הפך אבנר למאזין פעיל יותר,En: Filled with excitement, Avner became a more active listener.He: יעל עמדם בזדהומים על גבול אמיתי עם הרוח הגבית שלה ביכולות שלו.En: Yael stood beside him glowing at the true border with her confident belief in his abilities.He: ולבסוף, אבנר הבין שהאמת לא תמיד קלה לגלות, אך היא מביאה את ההשלמה שתמיד חיפש.En: Finally, Avner realized that the truth is not always easy to discover, but it brings the completeness he always sought.He: הכותל הוסיף ודיבר לקחת נשימות, אמר תודה והציב את עצמו בין חיבור אישי לבין המסורת של משפחה,En: The Kotel continued to speak, to take breaths, said thank you, and placed himself between personal connection and family tradition,He: משהו שיביא לנטיות של אהבה קבועה וקירבה.En: something that would bring a constant tendency for love and closeness. Vocabulary Words:fragrance: ניחוחadorned: מעוטרותcontemplative: מהורהרchaotic: משתוללותdoubts: ספקותbelonging: השתייכותcaptivating: כובשenthusiasm: התלהבותfirmness: תקיפותapprehension: חששwarmth: חוםtenderness: רוךlonging: געגועיםcherished: יקרtendency: נטיותuncommon: לא שכיחtroubling: מטרידhaunted: רדפוsilence: שקטimagination: דמיוןcompleteness: השלמהplaced: הציבconnection: חיבורboundless: חסרת גבולותasserted: טעןrespect: כיבדוhesitantly: בהתלבטותtraced: חורץevoke: מעליםreiteration: לחזורBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Dr. Hal Sacks, an Orthodox Jewish man from Hollywood, helped pioneer television and even filmed the Jesus Movement—but he refused to believe in Jesus… until one supernatural encounter changed everything. In this powerful episode, Hal shares his divine moment at the Western Wall, his encounter with Kathryn Kuhlman, and the miraculous healings that followed. His story reveals how the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is still moving in power today—and how YOU can experience His presence and healing right now.To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/885/29 To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1489/29

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Illuminating Paths: Finding Clarity Among Sukkot's Lights Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-10-14-07-38-19-he Story Transcript:He: ברחובות הצרים של העיר העתיקה בירושלים, אורות חג הסוכות מבהיקים מכל פינה.En: In the narrow streets of the old city of Jerusalem, the lights of the Festival of Sukkot shine brightly from every corner.He: אנשים מכסים סוכות בקישוטים צבעוניים, והאוויר מתמלא בניחוחות של אתרוגים ולולבים, ובעדינות מתנגנים קולות תפילה ושירה.En: People are covering sukkahs with colorful decorations, and the air is filled with the scents of etrog and lulav, while the gentle sounds of prayer and song are heard.He: אליאנה ונועם מהלכים יחד עם קבוצה בתיירים.En: Eliana and Noam walk together with a group of tourists.He: נועם מלא אנרגיה ומחייך לכל עובר ושב.En: Noam is full of energy and smiles at every passerby.He: הוא חוקר כל פינה וכל אתר.En: He explores every corner and site.He: "הנה הקוטל המערבי," הוא מצביע בהתלהבות, "והנה כיכר בתי המחנה!En: "Here's the Western Wall," he points enthusiastically, "and here is the Machane Yehuda Market!"He: "אבל אליאנה חסרת מנוחה.En: But Eliana is restless.He: בתוך ליבה היא מרגישה כבדות של חלומות שלא הוגשמו והחלטות שטרם נלקחו.En: Inside her heart, she feels the weight of unfulfilled dreams and decisions yet to be made.He: היא רוצה לעצור ולהקשיב לעצמה, למצוא את הדרך לנפשה בלב ההמולה הזו.En: She wants to stop and listen to herself, to find her way amidst this hustle and bustle.He: בזמן שנועם ממשיך להוביל את הקבוצה בהתלהבות, היא מחליטה לפרוש.En: While Noam continues to lead the group with enthusiasm, she decides to withdraw.He: היא מתרחקת מהסובבים ופונה לסימטה צדדית ושקטה, שם היא מוצאת חצר מאבן, טבולה בעלים של סתיו מתרפקים על הקרקע.En: She distances herself from the crowd and turns into a quiet side alley, where she finds a stone courtyard, covered with autumn leaves resting gently on the ground.He: בתוך השקט הזה, אליאנה פוגשת אשה מבוגרת עם עיניים טובות.En: In this quiet, Eliana meets an elderly woman with kind eyes.He: האשה מספרת לה על מסורת הסוכות של משפחתה, על התקווה והאמונה שחוננו אותנו בכל יום חדש.En: The woman tells her about her family's Sukkot tradition, about the hope and faith that grace us with every new day.He: דבריה נוגעים לליבה של אליאנה.En: Her words touch Eliana's heart.He: היא מבינה שמסע חייהּ התמזג במסע הדורות.En: She understands that her life's journey is intertwined with the journey of past generations.He: ההבנה הזו מביאה לה תחושה של ריגוש וקלילות שנמצאו כשסוכה מלאה בזיכרונות של שמחות ומהוגנות.En: This realization brings her a sense of elation and lightness, found when a sukkah is filled with memories of joy and reverence.He: כשמסתיים היום, אליאנה חוזרת לנחלאות, היא פוגשת שוב את נועם.En: As the day ends, Eliana returns to Nachlaot, meeting Noam again.He: הוא מצודד בראשו, וסקרן לשמוע מה חוותה.En: He tilts his head, curious to hear about her experience.He: "מצאתי את התשובות שחיפשתי," היא אומרת לו.En: "I found the answers I was looking for," she tells him.He: "החלטתי לפתוח דף חדש ולהגשים את חלומותיי.En: "I've decided to turn a new page and fulfill my dreams."He: " יחד הם צועדים לעבר השקיעה, מודעים לכך שהדרך עוד ארוכה, אך בנפשם relתחושה שלה שוברת את החשש שנותר בדרך.En: Together, they walk towards the sunset, aware that the road ahead is long, but in their hearts lies a feeling that dispels the remaining fear.He: הם מחליפים חיוכים וממשיכים ללכת, מרגישים שלמרות המנוחה שלהם במסע, העתיד שלהם ברור יותר.En: They exchange smiles and continue walking, feeling that despite their pause in the journey, their future is clearer. Vocabulary Words:narrow: צריםscents: ניחוחותsukkahs: סוכותdecorations: קישוטיםgentle: בעדינותpasserby: עובר ושבunfulfilled: שלא הוגשמוenthusiastic: בהתלהבותwithdraw: לפרושalley: סימטהcourtyard: חצרautumn: סתיוrealization: הבנהelation: ריגושlightness: קלילותintertwined: התמזגtradition: מסורתreverence: מהוגנותdispels: שוברתrestless: חסרת מנוחהamidst: בלבenergy: אנרגיהtilts: מצודדfaith: אמונהjourney: מסעcorner: פינהtradition: מסורתvocalize: מתנגניםbrightly: מבהיקיםpause: מנוחהBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

What if everything we've been told about biblical archaeology is wrong? Former SWAT team member and FBI-trained investigator turned archeologist and author, Bob Cornuke, joins us to share his transformation from law enforcement to biblical archaeology. After a harrowing shootout that changed his life, Bob partnered with Apollo 15 astronaut Jim Irwin and spent the next four decades following evidence that challenges centuries of tradition. In this explosive conversation, Bob reveals why he believes Mount Sinai is in Saudi Arabia, Noah's Ark rests in Iran (not Turkey), and most controversially—why the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site, might actually be part of a Roman fortress while the real Temple lies in the City of David. Join us for a mind-bending journey through hidden history, archaeological cover-ups, and the dangerous pursuit of biblical truth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Western nations recognize a Palestinian state, prayers at the Western Wall, Jimmy Kimmel and the FCC, and the music of Nathan Oglesby. Plus, the changing seasons, Katelyn Walls Shelton on infertility treatments, and the Tuesday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Dordt University, whose online MBA and MPA programs prepare leaders for lasting impact. Dordt University. Until All Is Made New.From His Words Abiding in You, a Bible memorization podcast designed for truck drivers. His Words Abiding in You … on all podcast apps.And from Cedarville University—a Christ-centered, academically rigorous university located in southwest Ohio, equipping students for Gospel impact across every career and calling. Cedarville integrates a biblical worldview into every course in the more than 175 undergraduate and graduate programs students choose from. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible and affordable education grounded in a strong Christian community that fosters both faith and learning. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online

In this episode of “Israel Undiplomatic,” former Israeli Ambassador to the UK Mark Regev and senior JNS editor Ruthie Blum—both former advisers at the Prime Minister's Office— break down Israel's dramatic ground incursion into Gaza City, Hamas's last stronghold. With Israeli forces advancing, civilians fleeing and Hamas reportedly firing on its own people to keep them in place, the war enters a deadly and decisive phase. At the same time, the diplomatic front is just as volatile. Following controversy over Israel's covert strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio arrives in Israel to signal strong American support. His visit includes a symbolic moment at the Western Wall with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Ambassador Mike Huckabee, and a sharp rebuke of Hamas' hostage tactics. Regev and Blum dig into the geopolitical fallout: Is the U.S.-Israel alliance as strong as ever or are cracks beginning to show? What message did the Qatar strike send to terrorist sponsors worldwide? And is the West, especially leftist governments and media, fueling extremism through appeasement? This episode also explores the ideological battle raging in Western universities and media, the manipulation of Palestinian victimhood and the global spread of Islamist propaganda bankrolled by Qatar. From Gaza to DC to Doha, this is a war of weapons and narratives, and Regev and Blum expose both. With hostages still in peril, Hamas on the brink and world powers watching, the only question that remains is: Will Israel finish the job?

Krystal and Saagar discuss the latest on the Charlie Kirk assassin, knives out for Kash Patel, cancel culture over Kirk responses, UK ambassador fired over Epstein links, Rubio prays at Western Wall as Gaza is destroyed. To become a Breaking Points Premium Member and watch/listen to the show AD FREE, uncut and 1 hour early visit: www.breakingpoints.comMerch Store: https://shop.breakingpoints.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Israel and at recording time has just finished his meeting in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Jerusalem office. On Friday, Trump and special envoy Steve Witkoff had dinner with the Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani in New York, after al-Thani held a four-hour-long meeting with Vice President JD Vance and Rubio at the White House. We learn what Rubio has so far said during his meetings in Israel about Israel's strike on Hamas leaders in US-ally Qatar last week. We also speak about the stated agenda for Rubio's visit to participate in the opening of the Pilgrims' Path excavated tunnel that leads from east Jerusalem's City of David to the Temple Mount plaza. Qatar is still fuming over last week's attack on its soil. Qatar’s prime minister accused Israel of “state terrorism,” and said its attack in Doha last week targeting Hamas’s leaders was “an attack on the principle of mediation itself,” but nevertheless vowed to continue efforts to reach a ceasefire. Berman explains why the country will continue to serve as a mediator, even as it may attempt to stir trouble for Israel in other realms. Israel is building two new aid distribution sites, which, according to the military, will be handed over to the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in the coming days. The IDF invited journalists to visit the sites on Wednesday before they become operational. Berman was there and reports back on what he saw, and how the war may look moving forward. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Rubio opens Israel visit with Netanyahu at Western Wall amid Gaza ops, Qatar fallout Qatari PM says Israel must be ‘punished’ for strike, vows to continue ceasefire efforts After Israeli strike, Qatar to host emergency Arab-Islamic summit to discuss response Waiting for Gaza City residents to head south, Israel readies new aid sites in Rafah Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves. IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, hosting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem on September 15, 2025. (Haim Zach/GPO)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

War update as IDF takes on four different fronts over the weekend, and yet signs of clarity are emerging around the world. Marco Rubio's visit to the Western Wall of the Temple Mount, massive rally in Britain, and the outrage over Charlie Kirk's murder are pulling back the curtain on the global ideological Marxist-Islamist war we've long warned about.Join Our Whatsapp Channel: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GkavRznXy731nxxRyptCMvFollow us on Twitter: https://x.com/AviAbelowJoin our Telegram Channel: https://t.me/aviabelowpulseFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulse_of_israel/?hl=enPulse of Israel on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IsraelVideoNetworkVisit Our Website - https://pulseofisrael.com/Donate to Pulse of Israel: https://pulseofisrael.com/boost-this-video/

As the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, begins his visit to Israel, he has once again criticised the Israeli strike on Qatar. We ask whether this will bring about a policy change in Israel and how the Gulf states will react to the strike.Also in the programme, fighter jets are scrambled as Romania becomes the second NATO country to report an incursion into its airspace by a Russian drone. And the rock band, Queen, gives their first symphonic performance of their rock operetta Bohemian Rhapsody at the Last Night of the BBC Proms.Credit: Photo by ABIR SULTAN/EPA/Shutterstock (15485623ao) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (L) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) visit the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem, 14 September 2025

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting to discuss the war in Gaza following Israel's attack on Hamas members in Qatar. His visit comes as Israeli forces continue to destroy residential buildings in Gaza City, forcing thousands to flee ahead of an expected ground offensive to seize the city.Also on the programme: We hear from an American city sitting on the border between two US states with opposing abortion laws three years on from US citizens losing their constitutional right to abortion nationwide; and we'll speak to one of the organisers of the protests in Nepal about why she is backing the country's interim prime minister.(Photo: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visit the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City on September 14, 2025. Credit: REUTERS/Nathan Howard/Pool)

Richard Grove, Host of the Grand Theft World podcast joins Stew to discuss the latest brazen attacks from Trump and AIPAC on the Occupied United States, their humiliation ritual of sending our government officials and influencers to bow down to the Western Wall, and more. Don't miss it!   John Jubilee of Energized Health joins Stew Peters show to discuss the biggest barriers Americans have that's stopping them from being at their ideal weight and health — And why the My 555 Challenge is so powerful. Western civilization has been infected by a parasitic invasion of foreign ideals and values that have been introduced into our culture by strange and morally degenerate people whose goal is world domination. We have been OCCUPIED. Watch the film NOW! https://stewpeters.com/occupied/