Ezra, who led the return of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel after the Babylonian exile (423-353 BCE), oversaw the building of the Second Temple, canonized the 24 books of the Holy Scriptures ("bible") and, as head of the "Great Assembly" legislated a series of laws and practices (including formalized prayer) which left a strong imprint on Judaism to this very day, passed away on the 9th of Tevet of the year 3448 from creation (313 BCE -- exactly 1000 years after the Giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai). The passing of Ezra marked the end of the "Era of Prophecy".
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Alfred Dreyfus, a captain in the French Army, was falsely accused of treason, largely on account of his Jewish identity. On this date, he was formally stripped from his rank, following which he was deported to Devil’s Island, where he languished for over four years. The case and its aftermath, known as the Dreyfus Affair, served as a poignant reminder that despite modern promises of equality and progress, anti-Semitism was still prevalent and Jews were unable to fully integrate into European society.
After being found guilty of crimes against humanity, the evil Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was put to death. Hussein was responsible for the Kuwait invasion that sparked the First Gulf War, and subsequently launched tens of SCUD missiles against Israel.
Link: Purim Saddam
“Jacob said to Joseph: And now, your two sons who were born to you in Egypt before I came to you, they are my sons.” (Genesis 48:5.)
Jacob’s life was about being truth, no matter where, no matter what. For that is the real meaning of truth—that which doesn't change because of time and place.
Even while wrestling with his twin brother Esau, even when finagling with his uncle Laban, Jacob struggled to remain earnest, upright, and real.
That is why the ultimate offspring of Jacob were his two grandchildren, Ephraim and Menasheh.
They were born and raised in the corrupt land of Egypt—and yet were pure, innocent, and good, walking in the ways of Abraham and Sarah.
Real truth is when you remain true even in a place where everything is a lie—everything except for you.