Diaspora

The Secret Chord: Leonard Cohen Composes “Hallelujah”

He only began writing songs seriously at the age of 30, and started singing a few years later. A proud Jew who spent time living in a Buddhist monastery in California, he used poetry and music to express both the holiest and the darkest parts of the human soul. His most famous song, whose story we tell here, is likely one you know, even if you’ve never heard Leonard Cohen sing it in his own voice.

Better Together: Colombia’s Macabi Games Tell the Story of a Community

The National Macabi Games, or Macabeada, are held annually in Colombia, with Jewish athletes attending from across the country and even elsewhere. This event is about much more than sport, however. The games are a celebration of Jewish life, community, friendship and love.

Who Was Judah Touro? A Name Etched Into Jewish and American History

Touro’s philanthropy left its mark on Jewish life around the globe, yet, almost paradoxically, few today are familiar with his name.

Walter Trier: The Jewish Illustrator Who Depicted Germany at Its Best

You likely know Walter Trier’s illustrations—even if his name doesn’t ring a bell. For many, the characters and landscapes he brought to life have been etched into memory through countless childhood readings of “Emil and the Detectives,” “Lisa and Lottie,” or “The Flying Classroom.” This is the story of the talented illustrator who breathed life into Erich Kästner’s characters.

The Jewish Mother Who Defeated Emperor Charles V

A Jewish mother will do everything for her children, but in this case – “everything” included taking on the Holy Roman Emperor himself and building a web of intrigue that spanned continents and several royal and noble houses. This is the story of Gracia Mendes Nasi, otherwise known as Dona Gracia.

From Hitler’s Beer Hall to the National Library in Jerusalem

In the immediate aftermath of the Holocaust, a large number of Jewish books were discovered by the Jewish Brigade in a famous Munich beer hall considered to be the cradle of Nazism. How did the books end up there? And after they were discovered, where did some of them disappear to?

How Curious George Escaped the Nazis and Brought Joy to the World

One of the sweetest and most beloved characters in children’s literature was created in the minds of a Jewish refugee couple. Who were Margret and Hans Rey? How did their talent allow them to escape Nazi Europe by the skin of their teeth, and what other character beloved by generations of young boys and girls did they create? This is the story of the author and illustrator whose innocent and optimistic children’s books continue to brighten our lives to this day.

Joy and Medals, Sorrow and Pain

This summer’s Paris Olympics warrants a historical look at some of European Jewry’s athletic stars… and tragic losses

Marc Chagall’s Gift: A Mosaic of Generosity

The French artist once designed something special for his friends’ garden in Washington, D.C. In turn, they provided a unique experience for congregants of a synagogue across the street.

Keepers of Jewish Treasures: Meet the Participants of the International Judaica Curators Conference

Some 50 men and women charged with preserving the cultural treasures of the Jewish People came from all over the world to attend a professional conference which now took on a different, deeper, and more urgent significance. “Here, we felt a little less alone” was something we heard from everyone we spoke to. Here’s a peek behind the scenes into the world of those who seek to protect the cultural heritage for the Jewish People.

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