This year the ninth of Av begins at sundown on July 19th. Being told "no" is seldom a pleasant experience, especially when that answer is preceded by great hopes and expectations. It can take a long time to heal emotions after the sting of rejection is felt. Such is the case in parasha Shelach. Here the children of Israel are given an answer that proves to be almost more than...

As a Son of David, His family lineage shaped His destiny and validated His claim to be the Messiah King of Israel. By raising a following of students, He stepped into the role of head of household over His school...

In this video blog, Daniel and Steven Lancaster join together to give you a glimpse into the holy land of Israel. Archaeology, geography, geology, along with the language and cultural history of the Land and the People of Israel make the words of the Torah, the Psalms, and the Prophets - the Scriptures of Israel - come alive. In this video blog you'll get a raw peak into the experience...

One of the most well-known elements of Jewish prayer is the Shema. The Shema is a core part of the prayer services every day, in the morning and in the evening. The Shema means much more to Judaism than simply a Scripture reading or a daily prayer. It is a summary of faith, mission, and identity all in one. It is often the first verse of the Bible that a...

In your Seder tonight at some point you will read: THIS is what has stood strong for our fathers and us. For there was not only one nation who rose up against us, but in each and every generation they rise up against us to put and end to us. But the Holy One, blessed is he, rescues us from their hand. First Fruits of Zion will be hosting a...