MIZRACHI MATTERS. SHABBAT PARASHAT KORACH (Vol 8, No 42) Friday, 20 June (22 Sivan) SHABBAT Candle Lighting by 4:50pm

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1 MIZRACHI MATTERS בס"ד SHABBAT PARASHAT KORACH (Vol 8, No 42) Friday, 20 June (22 Sivan) SHABBAT Candle Lighting by 4:50pm To sponsor the newsletter please call Minchah at 4:55pm 2 the Mizrachi office on Beit Yehuda 2. Beit HaRoeh 3. Beit Midrash 4. Bnei Akiva 5. Elsternwick 6. Midrashah 7. Rabbi s Home 8. Goldberger Hall 9. Nachalat David Z manim Shacharit SHABBAT 21 JUNE 23 SIVAN SUNDAY 22 JUNE 24 SIVAN 7:30am 1 7:00am 1 9:30am 1-4 8:00am 1 MONDAY 23 JUNE 25 SIVAN TUESDAY 24 JUNE 26 SIVAN WEDNESDAY 25 JUNE 27 SIVAN THURSDAY 26 JUNE 28 SIVAN FRIDAY 27 JUNE 29 SIVAN 9:00am 3 7:25am 1 7:30am 1 7:30am 1 7:25am 1 7:30am 1 6:30am 1 6:30am 1 6:30am 1 6:30am 1 6:30am 1 Dawn 6:24am 6:24am 6:24am 6:24am 6:24am 6:24am 6:24am Tallit & Tefillin 6:39am 6:39am 6:39am 6:39am 6:39am 6:40am 6:40am Sunrise 7:36am 7:36am 7:36am 7:36am 7:36am 7:36am 7:36am Sh ma (גר"א) 9.59am 9:59am 9:59am 9:59am 9:59am 10:00am 10:00am Earliest Mincha 12:52pm 12:52pm 12:52pm 12:52pm 12:53pm 12:53pm 12:53pm Minchah followed by Ma ariv 4:45pm 1, 3 5:00pm 1 5:00pm 1 5:00pm 1 5:00pm 1 5:00pm 1 SHABBAT Candles: 4:52pm Mincha: 5:00pm 1 Sunset 5:08pm 5:08pm 5:09pm 5:09pm 5:09pm 5:09pm 5:10pm Night 5:50pm 5:50pm 5:51pm 5:51pm 5:51pm 5:51pm 5:52pm SECOND MA ARIV 9:30pm 3 9:30pm 3 9:30pm 3 9:30pm 3 9:30pm 3 Shiurim Mishnah Yomit Events Yahrtzeits R Bert Mond 8:45am 3 R Leor Broh 9:00am 2 R Kennard 9:30am 6 Drashot R Yaakov Sprung 1 Parsha Lessons for a Turbulent Week R Leor Broh 2 R Dudi Winkler 3 R Chezy Deren 9 Parashat Hashavuah Shiur with Rabbi Kennard 4:00pm 1 8:45am 3 R Dudi Winkler Sefer HaKuzari 8:45am 6 9:45pm 3 8:15am 3 R Dudi Winkler (for women) 9:30am 6 R Dudi Winkler Practical Halachah in the 21 st Century The Challenge of Shmita 8:30pm 2 R Dovid Segal Gemara B iyun 8:30pm 2 R Chezy Deren Contemporary Halacha 7/93 Hotham Street 8:30pm Michal Kaufman (Lewis house) 9:00pm 9:45pm 3 8:15am 3 R Yaakov Sprung Chumash Shiur for women 10:00am 6 R Dudi Winkler - Chabura Gemara for female uni students 7:30pm 6 R Dudi Winkler Rav Kook 8:30pm 6 9:45pm 3 8:15am 3 Weekly Parashah Shiur for ladies & girls 11:00am 7 Morrice Street Caulfield Chani Winkler R Yaakov Sprung Gemara B iyun for uni men returning from Yeshivot 6:30pm 6 R Yaakov Sprung Masechet Brachot 8:00pm 6 Chani Winkler (for women) 8:15pm 2 9:45pm 3 8:15am 3 R Dudi Winkler Gemara Shiur 8:00pm 3 R Yaakov Sprung Shiur for men 8:30pm 7 Chani Winkler Chabura for female uni students 8:30pm 6 R Dudi Winkler Parashat HaShavua in easy Hebrew 8:45pm 3 Chillen Cholent 9:45pm 6 9:45pm 3 8:15am 3 Bechorot 4:10-5:1 Bechorot 5:2-3 Bechorot 5:4-5 Bechorot 5:6-6:1 Bechorot 6:2-3 Bechorot 6:4-5 Bechorot 6:6-7 4:35pm 1 Between Mincha Between Mincha Between Mincha Between Mincha Between Mincha and Ma ariv 1 and Ma ariv 1 and Ma ariv 1 and Ma ariv 1 and Ma ariv 1 4:50pm1 Bar Mitzvah 1 Carlos Yemini Children s Tefillah Groups 10:15 11:30am Gan Shabbat 10:15 11:30am Bnei Akiva 3:30pm Seudah Shlishit Rabbi Meir Shlomo Kluwgant Avot Ubanim 6.50pm 3 Noberto Izsak (Mother) The Holy Bagel 9:00am 3 Limmud - Bnei Akiva s Learning Program 6:00pm 3 Michael Herman (Father) Michael Lewis (Mother) Alex Kaufman (Father) Tommy Junger (Mother) Molad for Tammuz 6:06pm (12 chalakim) Sara Bell (Mother)

2 MIZRACHI S VIRTUAL NOTICEBOARD To ensure the safety of all mitpallelim and visitors, particularly young children and the elderly, the Executive has determined that scooters and skateboards will no longer be permitted to be used in the courtyard and paved areas of the Balaclava Road campus. Thank you for your consideration. We wish a hearty Mazal Tov to Carlos Yemini on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah Mazal Tov to the parents Avi & Sarah Yemini and the grandparents George and Alana Lyford h *** We wish a hearty Mazal Tov to Shaina Barber (Melbourne) daughter of Rabbi Yanki & Rivkie a h Barber on her engagement to Ephraim Duchman (Crown Heights) son of Rabbi Sholom & Feigi Duchman Mazal tov to the grandparents Myer & Esther Barber (Sydney), Rabbi Osher & Nechama Heber (Crown Heights) and Mrs Rochel Duchman (Crown Heights) *** We wish a hearty Mazal Tov to Esther Werdiger and Marcus Silverman on their marriage in New York Mazal Tov to the parents Shloimie & Shyrla Werdiger and Alan & Tammy Silverman Mazel tov to the grand-parents Nathan and Nechama Werdiger k *** We wish a hearty Mazal Tov to Gilad Katz and Abigail Barnett on their marriage in Israel Mazal Tov to the parents Esther & Murray Meltzer, Evelyn & Dani Katz, and Judy Barnett & Terry Barnett Mazel tov to the grand-parents Rachel Katz and Marilyn & Robert Barnett We wish Mazal Tov to the following members who celebrate their wedding anniversary during the coming week: Romy & David Prins (Hebrew) (Monday) Susan & Philip Boltin (Tuesday) Erica & Tunni Paneth (English and Hebrew) (Wednesday) Ian & Gina Fishman (Friday) We wish Happy Birthday to the following members who celebrate their birthday during the coming week: Harry Rafalowicz (Hebrew) (Shabbat) Jeremy Wein (Hebrew) (Shabbat) Peter Kloot (Hebrew) (Sunday) Karen Franks (Monday) Elysheva Lindell (Hebrew) (Monday) Ari Rosenbaum (Tuesday) Daniel Parasol (Thursday)

3 ב ס "ד NE W S L E TT E R FOR T HE ELSTERNWICK JEWISH COMMUNITY 21 June Sivan 5774 Parshat Korach Yahrzeits during the coming week Michael Weiner (Mother) [21 June] Linda Bulwa (Father) [23 June] Dalya Freedman (Father) [24 June] Sara Berhang (Mother) [25 June] Contact numbers Rabbi Rabbi Chaim Cowen cowen.chaim@gmail.com Chairman Mark Kras imkras@gmail.com Shabbat times Candle Lighting this week Mincha (followed by break inc shiur) Kabbalat Shabbat this week Pre-Shacharit Shiur Shacharit Mincha at Shabbat ends at Candle Lighting next week Mincha (followed by break inc shiur) Kabbalat Shabbat next week 4.50 pm 5.00 pm 5.30 pm 9.00 am 9.30 am 4.35 pm 5.50 pm 4.52 pm 5.00 pm 5.30 pm Gabbai Elan Jacobs elanjacobs@hotmail.com Secretary Sally-Ann Jaye ejc@mizrachi.com.au Haftorah requests Dennis Max classact@werple.net.au The Rabbi s Shabbat Shiurim The early shiur (9.00am, before Shacharit) - come join the Rabbi for cake, coffee and an exploration of the mystical parsha In shule this week Mr Surprise will be leading Kabbalat Shabbat, Rabbi Cowen will be leading Shacharit, Arthur Kafka will be saying the Haftorah, and Jordan Simai will be leading Mussaf. Kiddush this Shabbat You are all invited to the kiddush, which will be sponsored by Daisy & Moshe Smolarski in celebration of their newest granddaughter. Contributions to Newsletter (please) Sally-Ann ejc@mizrachi.com.au At the Rabbi s For the Young Adults the Wick on Thursday evenings from 8.00 to 9.00pm Recommencing The Monday Night Shiur Talmudic Philosophy: Exploring the mind of a Genius on Monday (obviously) evenings from 8.00 to 9.00pm at the Rabbi s home, Unit 3, 301 Glen Eira Road, Caulfield North Weekday times Sunday: Tefillin beginners class, including breakfast Monday to Friday pre-shacharit Shiur Monday and Thursday Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8.00 am 15 minutes before Shacharit 6.30 am 6.45 am

4 Torah Matters 20 June Sivan 5774 Mrs. On Ben Pelet - Parashat Korach 5774 David Prins At the beginning of Parashat Korach, the Torah names Datan and Aviram, and On ben Pelet, as key figures in Korach s rebellion against Moshe and Aaron, and essentially against G-d Himself. Later, the ground opens and swallows Korach, Datan and Aviram and their followers. But On ben Pelet is not mentioned again. He apparently takes no further part in the rebellion, and he is not punished. What happened to On ben Pelet? While the Torah is silent, the Midrash fills in the gap. On ben Pelet s wife saved her husband from certain death by being wise, thinking strategically, and acting in a practical manner to remove him from the rebellion. According to the Midrash, Mrs. On ben Pelet reasoned with her husband that even if Korach s rebellion succeeded, he would not gain. He would simply have Korach as his superior rather than Moshe. On ben Pelet answers that he has sworn allegiance to Korach, so he has no alternative but to stay with Korach s revolutionary forces. He may be unconvinced by his wife s wise argument, or perhaps he is simply afraid of the consequences of breaking his word to the gang leader. Mrs. On ben Pelet realises that she cannot rely on her husband following her advice, so she instead takes practical steps to prevent him from going with Korach to join his fate. She makes her husband drunk with wine inside their tent, and then sits at the door of the tent to discourage and prevent Korach and his followers from taking On ben Pelet with them to their fateful end. When On ben Pelet awakens from his drunken stupor, it is all over. He has been saved, while Korach and all the other followers have perished. The Midrash praises Mrs. On ben Pelet as being the wisest of women who saved her husband s life through her wisdom. The Midrash contrasts On ben Pelet s wife with Korach s wife, who incited her husband to be part of the rebellion, which led to his demise. The Midrash is thus emphasising the important role of one s wife in shaping our success or otherwise. As we sing each week in Eshet Chayil, a woman of worth opens her mouth with wisdom. Mrs. On ben Pelet does just that, but Korach s wife does not reach that standard. As well as extolling the virtues of female wisdom, we should not miss the key point of Mrs. On ben Pelet s argument to her husband that he will not gain even if the rebellion succeeds. It is sadly all too easy for vulnerable people to get caught up in cults with characteristic leaders who are going to change the world. But if those leaders are driven by their own hunger for power, with no underlying morality or compassion, following them will do no good for the individual cult members or for society as a whole. It is important instead to root ourselves firmly in our own faith, belief and traditions that are built on thousands of years of solid foundations. We must choose carefully our leaders and role models as people of integrity who care for the welfare of others.

5 Honey Adulteration Mordy Hoenders Many Kosher Australia articles start with "what could be wrong with..." And this one is no different. During my audits at various manufacturers, the topic of food adulteration comes up frequently. For example, whether non-kosher milk is still mixed in with Kosher milk (which is the basis of Cholov Yisroel) or the adulteration of extra virgin olive oil in Europe. Another recent example is the horse meat scandal in Europe. Some of the newer cases include mixing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil and honey adulteration. Honey adulteration made front page news this week as some imported honey from the Middle East was tested and found to absent of honey. Legal action is being taken as we speak. While I am no expert in honey production, I would like to share a little of the technical information about honey adulteration and the methods used to detect the adulteration. Bees collect nectar (carbohydrates) from flowers and through a process called regurgitation convert the nectar into honey. (The bee, a non-kosher insect, produces the enzymes responsible for the conversion which in itself raises questions why honey would be kosher see ohr.edu/ask_db/ask_main.php/18/q1/.) Carbohydrates present in nectar, sugar cane or sugar beets are created through different reaction mechanisms in plants. All carbohydrates contain Carbon atoms. Carbon exists in nature in different atomic configurations so called isotopes. It turns out that nature has preference for particular isotopes and a natural selection of isotopes takes place when the plant converts Carbon Dioxide from the air into carbohydrates (think photosynthesis and the like). Carbohydrates from sugar cane can be detected among carbohydrates from nectar. This is a specialised analysis and tests are mostly performed by a laboratory in Germany. Beekeepers need to feed their bees in the winter and use a sucrose solution which they place in proximity of the hives. Honey made by sucrose fed bees will show up as "adulterated" honey because of the sucrose feeding. It is therefore important for honey companies to closely monitor the source of the incoming honey from the bee keepers, and to document all aspects including sucrose feeding, GMO status and use of antibiotics to prevent diseases among the bees, to cover any claims against their product.

6 Mizrachi AGM 2014 On Monday 26 May, the Mizrachi AGM was held in the Goldberger Hall. With an great turnout, many important issues were discussed and a new executive and committee were elected. EXECUTIVE MEMBERS President: Vice President: Committees' Chairman: Treasurer: Secretary: Immediate Past President: Kosher Australia Chairman: Beit Midrash Chairman: Building Chairman: Beit HaRoeh Chairperson: Synagogue Representative: College Chairperson: College Vice Chairperson: College Treasurer: Chief Financial Officer: Mr Ian Waller QC Mr Sam Seigel Mr Sam Tatarka Mr Mark Franks Mrs Sharona Jotkowitz Dr Shlomi Menahem Mr Stephen Shnider Dr Lawrence Cher Mr Nathan Cher Ms Beverley Honig Mr David Brykman Mr Avi Gilboa Ms Ilana Wald Mr Simon Feiglin Mr Daniel Solomon COMMITTEE MEMBERS Mr Geoffrey Bloch Mrs Naomi Bloch (ex officio) Mr Jonathan Boymal (ex officio) Mr Tuvia Cannon (ex officio) Mr Gary Esterman Mr Jeff Morrison Mr Jeremy Gold (ex officio) Mr Alex Izsak (ex officio) Mr Benji Jotkowitz Mr Ronnie Judah Dr Peter Kloot (Life Member) Mr Noam Korbl Dr Danny Lamm (Life Member) Mr David Lamm Mr Rafi Lamm Mrs Pat Levy Ms Ronit Lewis (co-opted) Mr Michael Neuhauser (Life Member) Mr Robert Nossbaum (ex officio) Mr Nadav Prawer (co-opted) Mr Ben Slonim (Life Member) Ms Romy Spicer (ex officio) Dr Joel Steiner Dr Shira Wenig

7 Yom Yerushalayim Tefillah Service On Tuesday 27th May, the annual Tefillah Service was held by Mizrachi Organisation, the Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Victoria, the Rabbinical Council of Victoria and Bnei Akiva to mark the joyful day of Yom Yerushalayim. The beautiful Tefillah service was very well attended and the celebratory vibe was felt through the melodious Tefillot and enthusiastic dancing. We were honoured to have Six-Day War veteran soldier, Mr Shmuel Gurewicz, address us at the service. Mr Gurewicz was both fascinating and entertaining as he relayed his experiences as the only religious solider in his unit, and the way he was understood and respected when it came to issues of Shabbat and Kashrut. Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the service. We look forward to celebrating this auspicious day with the community for many years to come.

8 WINNERS OF THE LEIBLER YAVNEH COLLEGE YOM YERUSHALAYIM ART AND WRITING COMPETITION WHAT JERUSALEM MEANS TO ME Jerusalem, to me, is not just the capital city of Israel; it is one of the main parts of my world. It has history built and infused within its foundations. It has beautiful designs and architecture like no other city in the entire world. Jerusalem also has one of the most substantial Jewish communities in the whole, wide world. Jerusalem has been attacked and fought many times but still remains strong. Its people will do anything for the rights of their city and themselves. It makes me feel proud to be a Jew to know that we will always be united and together. Jerusalem s communities are so involved with each other and they share a special bond, and even though my family outside Israel are friendly with our neighbours, I still couldn t imagine living with such a close connection to them. I have been told that Jerusalem s atmosphere is so buzzing and alive, from the busy streets to the prayers in the air at the kotel. The kotel is the only remainder of what was once the stunning Beit Hamikdash, and I think that is special because I think that symbolises that even if Hashem is angry at us he is not knocking down all of our hopes, he is saving some of the Beit Hamikdash to show us we can still do Teshuva. In conclusion, Jerusalem means so much to me, from its close and tied together community, to its involving history and intricate design and atmosphere. I cannot wait to visit and make my own memories in Jerusalem. Tahni Paluch (4 Aleph) I am davening in front of the Kotel, pouring my heart out to Hashem. I touch the Kotel, the sole remaining wall of the Beit Hamikdash, our hope and our pride. I feel the rough stones, the cracks in between them and the letters stuffed in there. I am filled with joy and hope. It s like all my worries are washed away. Walking through the market I smell delicious food. It makes my mouth water. People all around me are shouting, trying to draw attention to their stalls. I walk around wondering what I should buy. There s just too much to choose from! As I walk through the old city, I can t help but notice that the houses are so close that it s almost as though they are jammed together. I can barely tell where each house starts and ends. It makes me realise how bad the living conditions were in the early days of Israel. I stare at the Jaffa gate (the one on the Western side of the Old City). It s much bigger than I expected. It makes me realise why people feel safe and secure while they are inside it. Ring, ring. My alarm clock goes off. This was all just a dream. I have never been to Jerusalem let alone Israel so I can only imagine our beautiful country. I hope that one day soon I will be able to visit the breathtaking land of milk and honey. But until then, I will have to keep dreaming and imagining Israel, our home away from home. Eliana Maron (6 Aleph) Eliana and Tahni receiving their prizes Winner of the art competition Keira Lewis (1 Bet)

9 Please come and participate in an evening of learning and Tefilah in the Zechut of the safe return of the three kidnapped Israeli boys. TONIGHT, Thursday 19th June 8:30 9:30pm at Mizrachi Beit-Midrash (81 Balaclava Rd) Speakers: Rabbi Yaakov Sprung, Rabbi James Kennard, Rav Dudi Winkler

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11 Beit Midrash Mizrachi invite you to get ready for the upcoming Shmita year (Practical Halacha) Given by Rav Dudi Winkler Monday, 23 June 8:30pm Beit Haroeh,81 Balaclava Rd, Caulfield North

12 Get in touch with your inner Irish at NACHALAT DAVID S hiskey Appreciation Night SATURDAY NIGHT 28 JUNE 8PM Light supper including flavoured herrings and a selection of whiskeys 4 MILBURN GVE ESK $50pp Bookings close Sunday 22 June For more info call Nikki

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14 Korach Issue Sivan, 5774, June 21th, 2014 שבת מציון Shabbat MiTzion Mazal tov to Shlomo Binenfeld, former shaliach Washington 2003, on his Engagement to Pnina בס ד Staying united while disagreeing Rabbi Avraham Kannai - Former Rosh Kollel, Memphis TN. Rav of "Mitzpe Ramot" congregation in Jerusalem and clinical psychologist Praying for the safe return of our boys The following ideas regarding this week's parasha are written from Jerusalem. Our entire nation is undergoing very difficult days now, as we are all extremely worried and concerned regarding our three children who were kidnapped last week. It is deeply felt here, and we all pray for their speedy return to their families. One of the most amazing and heartwarming phenomena which we experience these days is how our people gather and become united at such difficult times of trouble. This stands in sharp contrast to our ordinary disputes and arguments which occur on regular days. The main topic of our parasha is the dispute of Korach, which had very negative consequences. Interestingly, as we shall see, our sages did not necessarily view all disputes as negative. Thus, it seems very fitting to discuss the nature of legitimate disputes among us, and how we can maintain our precious unity even when we have disagreements. Our sages in the Mishna gave us two models in Jewish history, one serves as a model to a positive dispute and one serves as model to a negative dispute. T h e M i s h n a s a y s : Any dispute that is for the sake of Heaven is destined to endure; one that is not for the sake of Heaven is not destined to endure. Which is a dispute that is for the sake of Heaven? The dispute(s) between Hillel and Shamai. Which is a dispute that is not for the sake of Heaven? The dispute of Korach and all his company (Ethics of Our Fathers, 5:17) One can easily notice the asymmetry in the way the two models are presented. Whereas regarding the positive model Hillel and Shamai both parties of the dispute are mentioned, regarding the negative model only Korach is mentioned. Why isn't Moshe mentioned? The answer seems pretty straight forward. Whereas Korach's motivations were impure, creating an ad hock coalition with other groups which had nothing in common but the desire to gain power, Moshe was not interested at all in all of this. But Moshe s attitude towards this dispute goes even further. Our parasha tells us that Moses sent to call Dathan and Sydney Perth Melbourne Munich Shabbat Times Jerusalem Begin 19:12 End 20:30

15 Korach Page 2 Abiram, the sons of Eliab, but they said, "We will not go up. (Bamidbar, 16:12). Why did Moshe send to call Dathan and Abiram, the partners of Korach? Rashi offers an answer: From here we derive that one should not persist in a dispute, because Moses sought them out to conciliate them with peaceful words. This is no less than amazing. Moshe, the modest leader who was willing to sacrifice his soul for the sake of the Jewish People, is falsely accused and attacked. Naturally, he is hurt. And yet nonetheless, Moshe s initial approach is to try to resolve the matter in a peaceful way. The reservation from a dispute that is not for the sake of Heaven is so strong, that Moshe is doing all his efforts, even when the other side is clearly false and unfair, in order to resolve the dispute. He is willing to make a personal sacrifice, to give up his pride, for the sake of unity in Am Yisrael. The model given for a positive dispute is the dispute(s) between Hillel and Shamai. Indeed, there could be positive aspects to some disputes. A disagreement for the sake of Heaven occurs when the two parties of the dispute leave their personal interests aside and are sharpening and crystallizing their opinions as both seek the truth. In such a case both parties gain and the truth itself is strengthened. But what is the ultimate proof, the indicator that a dispute is for the sake of Heaven? It is written, that Even though Beit Shamai and Beit Hillel disagreed Beit Shamai did not refrain from marrying women from Beit Hillel, and Beit בס ד Hillel did not refrain from marrying women from Beit Shamai, rather, they acted with peace and truth one towards the other, as it is said And the truth and peace will be loved (Zecharia 8). (Tosefta Yevamot, 1:3). Even though Beit Shamai and Beit Hillel had very serious disputes, they insisted on keeping the unity and love towards the other. This serves as the most ultimate proof that the disputes between them were for the sake of heaven They were arguing as part of the process of discovering the truth, but that did not stop them from having mutual respect and love, thus maintaining the unity of the nation. This message couldn t be more relevant to our nation these days. As we are establishing our Jewish state and society we should keep in mind the necessity to maintain our unity even at the presence of strong disagreements between us. The last days here in Israel and in the entire Jewish world are living room for hope. It is amazing to see the unity between different groups, without denying the disputes that are between them. This is a resource of strength. We should all do our best efforts to maintain this virtue in ordinary days too, and G-d willing, we will see our boys back soon. The Torah MiTzion family together with Klal Yisrael is praying for the safe return of our boys to their families and people: תחרנבב ייתבנ בקעי עיח בבתןביבנ בניבעית בתיבנ בבתקתאביב קיב

16 Korach Page 3 Bs d ISRAtag Arik Speaker Beit She'an is one of the oldest cities in Israel. It is strategically located on the "sea way" between Egypt and Mesopotamia and at the cross-borders of the Jezreel and Jordan Valleys, also sitting on the main road leading from Jerusalem to Tiberias. Beit She'an is mentioned in the Tanach in the book of Joshua when the Nation enters the Land of Israel. Theoretically Beit She'an belonged to the Tribe of Manasseh but was not conquered because the local Canaanites used iron chariots to defend against the attack, a technology which the Israelites had not mastered at the time. When King Saul was killed after the Israeli army was defeated by the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, his corpse and the corpses of his sons were displayed on the wall of the city of Beit She'an. Later the city was part of the Kingdom of King David and King Solomon, but eventually was destroyed by fire, likely by the king of Assyria. Beit She'an was re-established as a Hellenistic city about 2,300 years ago, and was renamed Scythopolis ("city of the Scythians"). In the Roman period that followed the city was widened in the southern area reaching its peak in the 5th century, when it is believed that between thousand inhabitants lived in the city. The remains of this magnificent city can be clearly inspected in the city's main tourist site - Beit She'an National Park (appearing in last week's Isra- Tag). In 1948 the city was conquered by the Golani Brigade. The first settlers were immigrants that arrived in Israel after the War of Independence. During the early 1950s Beit She'an absorbed new immigrants, mostly from North Africa, Iraq and Persia. The 1960s witnessed another large wave of immigration from North Africa, mainly from Morocco. During the past two decades the city has absorbed immigrants from the FSU, Ethiopia and South America. The current approximate population is 18,000. Yasher Koach to Abigail Leichmann for providing the correct answer To advertise in Shabbat MiTzion contact: Ph shabbatmitzion@torahmitzion.org Dedicate an issue of Shabbat MiTzion on the occasion of a yoretzeit Ph Where was this photo taken? Please send answers to arik@torahmitzion.org The answer, further information about this location as well as the name of the first person to recognize this site will be published in next week s edition. Torah MiTzion was established in 1995 with the goal of strengthening Jewish communities around the globe and infusing them with the love for Torah, the Jewish People and the State of Israel. Over the past eighteen years Torah MiTzion's shlichim have inspired and enriched their host communities through a wide range of formal and informal educational programs.