One of my most vivid childhood memories is of my father giving me birthday and/or Hanukah presents.  Not necessarily for the presents themselves for I have long since forgotten what most of them were, but for the way in which he would give them.  Sitting in his chair in the living room, he would call me to the room, saying he dropped something behind the chair, and needed me to get it for him.  While you might think that this pattern might have gotten old, each time (for more years than I care to admit) it had the same result – exasperated and complaining, I would reach behin Read more...

Everyone knows that the principal symbol of Judaism is the six-pointed Star of David. But did you know that the Magen David only became a Jewish symbol in the Middle Ages? Despite its prominence on the flag of Israel and kiddush cups, the Magen David is a rather late representative of Judaism and the Jewish People. Read more...