Holidays & Special Times

Welcome to Jerusalem Lights' Blog

Here you'll find Torah thoughts on the weekly portions written by Rabbi Richman over the years, insights and teachings on the subject of the Holy Temple, archaeological research by archaeologist Hillel Richman, lessons focused on the festivals, special times and sacred seasons of the Hebrew calendar, and more...new articles are being uploaded as time allows so check back often.

Be sure to read Hillel's newest blog,

'The Tombs of the House of David, Part I - One of the Greatest Unsolved Archeological Mysteries of Jerusalem'

Rabbi Chaim Richman

2 min

Vayikra/Parashat HaChodesh/Rosh Chodesh Nisan

Parashat Vayikra is the first Torah portion of Sefer Vayikra – the book of Leviticus. Many years the reading of this portion coincides...

Rabbi Chaim Richman

3 min

ELUL: THE KING IS IN THE FIELD

The month of Elul, last month of the Hebrew calendar year, is an auspicious time for repentance, prayer and introspection. These are...

Rabbi Chaim Richman

6 min

The Month of Tammuz and the Cult of Tragedy

The fast of Tammuz 17 begins a period of national mourning for the destruction of the Holy Temple, ending with solemn day of Tisha B'Av....

Rabbi Chaim Richman

2 min

Tu B'Shvat – The New Year of Trees

On a deeper level, the theme of this month of Shevat is the concept of renewal and rebirth.