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Building Herod’s Temple

At both the southwest and southeast corners of the Temple Mount, stones weighing over 80 tons are still in place 100 feet above the foundations.  How did they get there?The Ambassador’s Wife

"Scholars of Middle East politics and students of psychedelic-rock have for years asked the same vexing question: How many degrees of separation exist between Benjamin Netanyahu and Jerry Garcia?" The Festival of Exile

The story of Megillat Esther, says Steinsaltz, "looks like a simplistic melodrama" but "takes on a serious meaning as the mirror of Jewish history."Purim and Presidents Day

Purim and Presidents Day rarely fall in the same week.  They do this year, and the coincidence is appropriate—since the early presidents were fans of the Purim story.How Drunk Should You Be?

"One who suspects that his drunkenness could lead to murder or other unacceptable conduct should not drink, though all others are indeed required to intoxicate themselves on Purim."Costume Customs

For Purim, Renaissance halakhist Moshe Isserles justified a custom breaching the prohibition on wearing clothes combining wool and linen.  Where did this custom come from?  That's what Mordecai wore.What Makes Purim Tzedakah Different?

"All year long we seek to be instrumental in our giving of tzedakah. On Purim, however, we give because we feel the emotional need to do so."