Category: jewish-holidays

Derech Hayam and Hanukka Following the theme of the Derech Hayam – the disengagement from the Egyptian power, in this lecture we will examine the alliance that Judah Maccabee made with Rome as well as the alliance that the sons of Alexander Yanai made with Rome, alliances that probably led to the destruction of the…

The central figure associated with the sea route during the Hasmonean period is – Yohanan Hurcanus. He reconquers Gezer and Afek, understanding their importance as a connection with the wider world and especially… with Egypt. So the connection to Egypt returns! We will examine the figure of Yohanan Hurcanus – is he Yohanan the High…

Gezer and Hanukkah. Approaching Hanukkah, this lecture will deal with Derech Hayam after the days of the Tanach – during the Hasmonean period. Contrary to popular belief, after the Maccabees’ victory on Hanukkah, there were no days of peace. One of the most famous wars took place on Derech Hayam – at Gezer. From the…

Derech Hayam and Sukkot This lecture takes place immediately after Sukkot. We will prove that the Israelites did not live in structures called Sukkot, but rather in a place called Sukkot. A place, which is the starting point of Derech Hayam! A place that symbolizes the first time they were truly freed from Egyptian bondage.…

The next site we will learn about on “Derech Hayam” is: “Gezer”. Is “Gezer” connected to carrots? What does the word “Gezer” mean in the Torah? We`ll see several places where the word “Gezer” appears in the Torah and see the special connection between “Gezer” and Rosh Hashanah! On Rosh Hashanah we pray that God…

Tisha B`Av Chapter 4 of Lamentations (“איכה”) deals entirely with King Yoshiahu. What was Yoshiahu`s sin that, despite his righteousness, he was killed in the battle of Megiddo? The answer according to the Gemara fits in nicely with the theme of Derech HaYam: He did not consult the prophet. We will study the special lament…