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Sunday, May 18, 2025 | 20 Iyar, 5785

It’s been a minute — we took a short break but we’re happy to be back with you. This past week marked a special milestone: five years ago on Lag BaOmer, we lit the first spark of On This Day in Jewish History. What began as a small idea during the height of Covid has grown into a community and mission to share our people’s stories, truths, and light. Lag BaOmer itself is a powerful reminder of unity, renewal, and the hidden wisdom revealed by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai - a light that cannot be dimmed.

This week, we reflect on moments of strength and continuity within Am Yisrael. From Edan Alexander’s return after 584 days in captivity to Yuval Raphael’s moving second place finish at Eurovision, we see our resilience in action. We also share a recipe for Cinnamon Date Crumble Challah, a delicious way to connect with tradition as the seasons turn. These stories remind us that our journey continues, and the importance of holding fast to our roots.

Five Years of Lighting the Flame: Celebrating the Journey of On This Day in Jewish History

Five years in, our journey has become more than daily posts — it’s a growing community fueled by shared history and collective memory. Each story we tell not only connects us to the past but also strengthens the bonds that unite Am Yisrael today. We’re grateful for the countless voices that have joined us and look forward to many more years of bringing Jewish stories to life.

Daily Torah Study
Sunday, May 18, 2025 | 20 Iyar, 5785

May our prayers continue to surround all our hostages still held in Gaza, for the safety of Israel, and for all of Am Yisrael. May they be returned home swiftly and in peace.

Chumash – Parshat Behar-Bechukotai, 1st Portion (Vayikra 25:1-25:18)
Psalms – Chapters 97-103
Tanya – Likutei Amarim, end of Chapter 49
Rambam – 3 Chapters, 1 Chapter, Sefer Hamitzvot
Hayom Yom – Today’s Hayom Yom

Edan Alexander Returns Home After 584 Days in Captivity

A moment of hope amid ongoing challenges for Israel’s hostages

After 584 days in Hamas captivity, Edan Alexander has finally returned to Israeli territory and reunited with his family, marking a powerful moment of relief and hope. While his release brings joy to many, it also serves as a somber reminder that dozens of hostages remain in Gaza. Israeli officials and family members emphasize the ongoing commitment to bringing all captives home, underscoring this mission as central to Israel’s pursuit of peace and healing.

Read more here: The Jerusalem Post

Yuval Raphael Shines at Eurovision, Finishes Second Overall

A powerful performance amid challenges and protests

Israel’s Yuval Raphael captured hearts and topped the public vote at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, finishing in second place overall behind Austria. Her emotional song “New Day Will Rise” was met with applause and deep respect, despite attempts by protesters to disrupt the performance. Security successfully intervened, allowing Raphael to deliver a moving message of hope and resilience, closing with “Thank you Europe, Am Yisrael Chai.” Her journey is especially poignant given her survival of the Hamas attack last year. While protests outside the venue reflected ongoing tensions, the Israeli delegation’s courage and unity shone brightly on this global stage.

Read more here: Times of Israel

Mossad Recovers 2,500 Secret Syrian Files on Spy Eli Cohen

Special Operation Reveals Long-Lost Documents After Nearly 60 Years

The Mossad announced the successful retrieval of 2,500 classified Syrian documents related to Israeli spy Eli Cohen, who was executed in 1965. The files, kept in a highly secure location in Syria, include forged passports, personal items, surveillance reports, and Cohen’s original will. This discovery sheds new light on Cohen’s covert mission and the efforts to save his life. Israeli officials continue their search for Cohen’s remains as the 60th anniversary of his death approaches.

Read more: Jerusalem Post

IDF Accelerates Ground Invasion in Gaza, Targeting Hamas Forces

Dozens of Hamas Terrorists Killed as IDF Expands Control

Over the weekend, the Israel Defense Forces intensified their ground operations in both northern and southern Gaza, taking control of large areas not previously reached since 2024. The IDF targeted Hamas militants, weapons caches, tunnels, and anti-tank missile crews, striking 670 Hamas targets. While the operation has expanded, the IDF has avoided wide-ranging attacks on Hamas headquarters, as the terror group has struggled to regroup its command centers. Though reports of an imminent ceasefire are denied by IDF sources, official statements suggest some openness to negotiations. The IDF continues efforts to minimize civilian casualties, especially where hostages are held, though casualty figures remain contested.

Read more: Jerusalem Post

Hamas Leader Muhammad Sinwar Reported Killed in Gaza

Israeli strikes target key Hamas commanders amid ongoing conflict

Reports say Muhammad Sinwar, the de facto Hamas commander in Gaza and brother of former leader Yahya Sinwar, was killed last week in an IDF airstrike on a tunnel complex near Khan Younis. Sinwar’s body, along with those of 10 aides, was recovered according to multiple sources. His brother Zakaria Sinwar was also reported killed in a separate strike. Sinwar had led Hamas’s military wing after the death of top commander Muhammad Deif and was known for obstructing hostage negotiations. The IDF continues its campaign against Hamas leadership amid ongoing hostilities following the October 7 attacks.

Read more here: Times of Israel

Rising Global Antisemitism Alarms Largest Jewish Communities

J7 Report Reveals Sharp Increases in Antisemitic Incidents Worldwide

Jewish leaders from seven countries released the first annual J7 Report on Antisemitism, highlighting a troubling rise in antisemitic acts across the globe. Australia saw a 317 percent increase in incidents in 2024, while Germany recorded more than 38 antisemitic events per 1,000 Jewish residents. The UK and US also reported significant increases. Much of this surge is linked to tensions following the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel. The report warns of growing violence, online hate, and fear within Jewish communities. Leaders emphasize the urgent need for global cooperation and stronger responses to combat this rising threat.

Read more: Jerusalem Post

Harvard Settles Lawsuit Over Campus Antisemitism

Orthodox Jewish Student and University Resolve High-Profile Case

Harvard University has reached a settlement with Alexander "Shabbos" Kestenbaum, an Orthodox Jewish student who sued the school over its alleged failure to address rising antisemitism on campus. The lawsuit was part of a larger wave of legal actions against American universities accused of tolerating anti-Jewish sentiment following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Harvard acknowledged the importance of combatting antisemitism and expressed satisfaction with resolving the case. Kestenbaum has since become a prominent voice advocating against antisemitism in higher education. The settlement comes amid federal pressure on universities like Harvard and Columbia over campus antisemitism issues.

Read more: Times of Israel

Song of the Week
New Day Will Rise by Yuval Raphael

Israeli singer Yuval Raphael captured hearts across Europe with her powerful ballad "New Day Will Rise" at Eurovision 2025. Written by Keren Peles and produced by Tomer Biran, the song beautifully weaves lyrics in Hebrew, English, and French. Selected through the Israeli reality show HaKokhav HaBa, Yuval’s emotional performance earned Israel the top spot in the public vote and a strong second place overall. Her journey is especially inspiring given her survival of the Hamas attack at the Nova music festival in 2023, where she was injured and hid for hours to stay alive. “New Day Will Rise” stands as a message of hope, resilience, and renewal for Israel and the world.

Listen here: New Day Will Rise - Yuval Raphael

Eliyahu Ben-Shaul Cohen, the famed Israeli spy who penetrated the highest ranks of the Syrian regime, was executed in Damascus on May 18, 1965. Sixty years later, Mossad recovered Syria’s secret archive on Cohen, including personal items and intelligence that shaped Israel’s success in the Six Day War. His legacy remains a powerful symbol of courage and sacrifice for Am Yisrael.

Lag BaOmer—a day that marks the miraculous end of a devastating epidemic that took the lives of 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva in the second century. It also honors the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the great sage who revealed the Zohar, the cornerstone of Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah.

A powerful glimpse into history shows Jews of the Galilee celebrating Lag BaOmer at Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai’s tomb in Meron, Israel, back in 1942. Lag BaOmer marks the 33rd day of the Omer, commemorating the passing of Rabbi Shimon, the 2nd-century mystic who revealed the Zohar, the heart of Kabbalah. After fleeing Roman persecution, he and his son hid in a cave in the Galilee for 13 years, deepening their spiritual insight. On this day, pilgrims gather at his tomb for bonfires, music, and prayer, honoring light and renewal.

Just one day before Israel declared independence, the kibbutz of Kfar Etzion in Judea fell after a heroic siege on May 13, 1948. Instead of surrendering peacefully, the defenders faced a massacre by the Arab Legion and militias. Established in the 1920s, Kfar Etzion endured constant attacks and isolation, and after surrendering, many of its residents were executed. This tragedy became a powerful symbol of courage and sacrifice. In 1967, after the Six-Day War, the community was rebuilt, standing as a living memorial to those who gave their lives defending Jewish presence in the Land of Israel. May their memory be a blessing.

Franz Kraus was a Jewish Zionist artist whose iconic 1936 “Visit Palestine” poster inspired Jews worldwide to return to their ancestral homeland. Decades later, his work has been misused as propaganda to erase the Jewish connection to the land. Kraus’ art celebrates Jewish revival and the true story of return.

מזון לנשמה

Mazon LaNeshama
Feed the Soul

Cinnamon Date Crumble Challah — A Sweet Twist for the High Holidays

Honey-sweetened, date-filled, and topped with a cinnamon crumble, this beautiful round challah brings warmth and tradition to your table.

A beautifully braided round challah sweetened with honey, filled with a rich date mixture, and topped with a babka-style cinnamon crumble. Perfect for the High Holidays or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Dough:

• 1 ½ cups lukewarm water (divided)

• ¼ oz active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 large egg

• 3 large egg yolks

• ½ cup honey

• 2 tbsp avocado oil

• 2 tsp vanilla

• 2 tsp salt

• 2 cups bread flour

• 3 to 4 cups all-purpose flour

Date Filling:

• 8 oz pitted dates, chopped (~2 cups)

• ½ cup water

• 1 tbsp dark brown sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla bean paste

• 1 tsp cinnamon

Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg

• 1 tbsp cold water

• ½ tsp salt

Crumble Topping:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup sugar

• 2 tbsp avocado oil

• ⅛ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast:
   Pour ½ cup lukewarm water (about 110°F) into a large bowl. Add yeast and sugar, whisk to dissolve. Wait 10 minutes until foamy.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   Add remaining 1 cup lukewarm water, egg, egg yolks, honey, avocado oil, vanilla, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until combined.

3. Add Flour & Knead:
   Stir in 2 cups bread flour and 2 cups all-purpose flour until mixture is thick. Switch to kneading with hands, gradually adding more all-purpose flour ½ cup at a time until dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.

4. First Rise:
   Lightly grease bowl with oil, place dough in bowl turning to coat. Cover with damp towel and let rise in warm place for 1 hour.

5. Second Rise:
   Punch dough down, reshape into ball, return to bowl, cover, and rise for another hour.

6. Prepare Date Filling:
   In saucepan, combine chopped dates, water, brown sugar, vanilla bean paste, and cinnamon. Bring to boil, then simmer 3–5 minutes until thick. Cool, then puree in food processor until smooth.

7. Shape Dough & Fill:
   Divide dough into two equal parts. Each part into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rough rectangle about 12 inches long. Spread 1/8 of the date filling down the center, fold over, and seal edges to form a filled strand.

8. Braid Challah:
   Braid the four filled strands into a round challah (photo tutorial available on original site).

9. Final Rise:
   Place braid on parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise 30–45 minutes until dough springs back when pressed.

10. Prepare Egg Wash & Crumble:
    Beat egg, water, and salt for egg wash. Brush over challah. Mix crumble ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle half over challah, gently pressing to stick.

11. Bake:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake challah for 20 minutes. Remove, brush exposed dough in braids with egg wash again, rotate challah, bake for another 20 minutes. Watch closely and tent with foil if browning too fast. Bake 5–10 minutes longer until golden and hollow sounding when tapped.

12. Cool:
    Let challah cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

This challah brings together sweet honey, warm cinnamon, and rich dates in a beautiful round braid—a perfect centerpiece for your table. Enjoy!

👉 Full recipe and photo tutorial here: Tori Avey – Cinnamon Date Crumble Challah

As we move into a new week, let us carry forward the spark that began five years ago—this growing community dedicated to sharing our stories and traditions. May the courage, faith, and resilience found in these moments continue to inspire and unite all of Am Yisrael. Thank you for being part of this journey where history and meaning light our path. Wishing everyone strength, unity, and continued growth in the days ahead.

B’ahava u’b’emunah (With love and faith),
Jewish Original Media