National Library of Israel

Hanukkah events and family activities at the National Library

Performances, children’s shows, and family tours are among the highlights of the National Library’s Hanukkah activities.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Education and fun at the National Library.
Or Yesha Meusharim from Machzor Worms (13th c.)

National Library unveils rare 14th century Mishneh Torah manuscript

The National Library of Israel has added a rare 14th century Mishneh Torah manuscript to its exhibition, alongside newly displayed medieval Jewish texts from Europe, North Africa, and Persia.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
An illustrative image of elderly Israelis.

Older folks, use your new time wisely: It’s a special present, make it magical - opinion

'The laughter of the past is the melody that carries us forward,' has challenged me when I have been hesitant to fill my days with newness Similarly, 'If not now, when?' has real potential.

|ByDAVID GEFFEN
From left, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Ecuador Ambassador Maria Cristina Coralios Calero, and Prof. Tamir Shaefer, president of the Hebrew University.

Grapevine, December 7, 2025: Multiple compositions

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

|ByGREER FAY CASHMAN

Hanukkah: The history of the menorah and hanukkiah seen in ancient manuscripts

The tradition of building up to lighting eight oil lamps (plus one shamash, or servitor) over the Hanukkah period began in the 2nd century CE.

DECEMBER 29, 2024ByDAVID GEFFEN
‘MISHNEH TORAH’ from 1470 contains a copy of a drawing by the Rambam of a menorah with straight branches.

Hanukkah fun in Jerusalem: Activities for everyone for the Jewish festival of lights

A sneak peek at some of the fabulous family activities happening in Jerusalem this Hanukkah.

DECEMBER 23, 2024ByRONIT ANSBACHER, JOANNA SHEBSON
A sufganiya (jelly doughnut) tour of Mahaneh Yehuda in Jerusalem for Hanukkah (Illustrative).

Top 10 reasons to leave the house: December 13-22

Fun events to take part in throughout Israel in the coming week.

DECEMBER 18, 2024ByNERIA BARR
Kamea Dance Company’s ‘White Face.’

'Metamorphosis of an Author': Kafka exhibit to open at Israel's National Library

Running from December 4 to June 30, 2025, the library will showcase over 80 original items from its Kafka archive, many of which have never been seen by the public.

NOVEMBER 30, 2024ByAMY SHAPIRO
THE ORIGINAL publications of Franz Kafka at the National Library.

Grapevine: Meeting Douglas Murray

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

NOVEMBER 22, 2024ByGREER FAY CASHMAN
BRITISH JOURNALIST and author Douglas Murray was honored with special recognition by Israel for his advocacy on behalf of the country in the wake of October 7.

Jerusalem Vibe: Who visited Jerusalem for the holidays?

In Jerusalem, visits to the city from Israeli residents actually rose during the holiday season, thanks to an aggressive internal marketing campaign.

OCTOBER 27, 2024ByZEV STUB
Planned construction in Talpiot.

Inscribing Oct. 7: National Library of Israel aims to preserve realities of war

The National Library’s Bearing Witness project aims to preserve the ephemeral realities of war

OCTOBER 25, 2024ByJENNA ROMANO
NLI Bearing Witness: Ceremony in memory of 42 French citizens murdered on Oct. 7. Paris, Feb. 2024

Jerusalem highlights: October 18-24

What's new to do in Israel's capital?

OCTOBER 18, 2024ByHAGAY HACOHEN
Chen Lev Ari in 'The Fox and the Tree.'

Grapevine: Friendship at the feast

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

OCTOBER 17, 2024ByGREER FAY CASHMAN
THE NEW reading room of the National Library of Israel.

Ancient texts belonging to the Beta Israel community are set to be made available for public

Among the texts included in the project and penned in the Ge'ez language, is the Orit, the Beta Israel Torah which includes the five books of the Torah, the book of Joshua, Judges and Ruth.

OCTOBER 15, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Chief Kes Berko Tegegne reads from the Orit, written in the Ge’ez language.