Sparks of History

Amital Rav Amital’s teachings shaped my understanding of Jewish history, identity, and faith. He saw history not as a series of random events, but as a purposeful divine journey leading to redemption. He emphasized that our relationship with God is reflected in the state of the Jewish people, and that the sanctification of His name is deeply intertwined with our national condition. Rav Amital urged us to approach religion with simplicity, authenticity and humility, blending rigorous study with moral integrity. This book is a deeply personal journey, shaped by over three decades of learning from Rav Amital, whose wisdom continues to echo in my heart. I hope that his voice and wisdom, woven into these pages, inspire others as it has inspired me.

A Compelling Portrait of One of the Greatest and Most Influential of Our Sages Most of us learned the familiar story as children: Akiva, the illiterate shepherd who became, with his wife’s unswerving support, one of the greatest sages of our history. Now, Avrohom Yom Tov (Abie) Rotenberg shows us how to truly understand the story of R’ Akiva, in all its depth and glory. Who was this man, whom even Moshe Rabbeinu hailed for his greatness? What did his wife Rachel see in him to make her abandon her wealthy life for one of grinding poverty? How did he find comfort in the ruins after the Churban? And how did a man whose life was so full of turbulent challenges serve as our model of optimism, hope and, above all, emunah? This is a serious work of Torah scholarship that holds our attention with its absorbing details and often surprising insights. We will discover the many facets of this great sage – and we will be inspired.

This is the untold story of the rediscovery of the ancient City of David in Jerusalem and the powerful evidence that proves the Jewish people’s historical and indigenous connection to the Holy Land. Since the founding of Israel in 1948, the Jewish people have faced nine wars against multiple enemies. Yet, beyond the physical conflicts, a deeper ideological battle has been waged against Israel and the Jewish people. This war, crafted by certain Arab leaders and echoed by international organizations like the United Nations, seeks to erase the Jewish people’s ancestral ties to the land, casting them as outsiders, imposters, and “settlers.”One thing, however, stands in the way of the denialists: the 3,800-year history of the City of David, a site lying just south of the Old City. Archeologists at the site are unearthing evidence that proves the Jewish people’s origin story in the land for over three millennia. Every shovel of dirt reveals that while others may claim to be indigenous to Jerusalem, the Jewish people are, in fact, more indigenous to the Land of Israel than perhaps any other group living anywhere in the world.This is the timely story of those who transformed City of David from a neglected hilltop village into one of the most important archeological heritage sites in the world, while facing powerful global institutions and terror groups that would do almost anything to keep this truth hidden. Highly relevant to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this book foreshadows the events and historical denialism that unfolded with Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Whatis the history of how Yom HaAtzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim were first establishedin the State of Israel? Howdid different Israeli political leaders and rabbinic authorities collaborate,or disagree, on establishing these holidays Howhave the customs and public ceremonies of Yom HaAtzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim changedor developed since they were first instituted? Arethere examples in Jewish tradition—such as certain fast days or festivedates—that might parallel the celebratory nature of Yom HaAtzmaut or YomYerushalayim? Inwhat ways do Jewish texts or religious authorities address ideas of nationalindependence or the significance of Jerusalem, potentially providing a frameworkfor these modern holidays? Arethere significant rabbinic responsa (teshuvot) that serve as ideologicalcornerstones for religious communities observing these holidays?” Whatare the religious/halachic arguments against the celebration of Yom HaAtzmautand Yom Yerushalayim? Doopponents propose alternative forms of commemoration, or do they abstainentirely from observance? Isthere a difference between how Yom HaAtzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim arecommemorated? Shouldthere be a difference? Canthese two holidays serve as bridge across all of Israeli society? Doyou foresee future adjustments to the way these days are observed—perhaps inliturgy, national ceremonies, or communal customs?

How would youdefine the concept of Torah Codes? Are they truly hidden messages, or are theypatterns we impose on the text? What is thehistorical basis for the belief in Torah Codes? Do we find early sourcesmentioning this idea? What are some ofthe most compelling examples of Torah Codes that have been discovered? Skeptics arguethat similar patterns can be found in other texts. How do you respond to thesecritiques? Are Torah Codesmeant to be a proof of divine authorship, or do they serve another purpose? Can AI be used tofind Torah Codes more effectively than humans? If so, what are theimplications? AI can nowgenerate texts that mimic human writing. Could it one-day produce somethingthat appears as intricate as the Torah? Could AI be usedto uncover deeper layers of Torah wisdom that were previously inaccessible? If AI can predictpatterns in human behavior, does this challenge the Jewish understanding offree will? Could AI one daybe advanced enough to serve as a “halachic authority,” or will halachic rulingalways require human judgment? Looking ahead, doyou see AI and Torah Codes playing a greater role in Jewish outreach and beliefin the divine origins of the Torah?