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What makes the Jewish new year different from all others?
September 22, 2025
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On Wednesday, the Israeli Ministry of Defense declared the laser interception system popularly known as the “Iron Beam” fully operational, able to be used against rockets, mortars, and drones. The IDF is expected to start deploying it by the end of the year, although it has already been using some variations of the weapon. Yaakov Lappin, writing shortly before the announcement, explains:
What makes the Jewish new year different from all others?
The Lisbon Mahzor.
The world’s oldest Jewish synagogue art survived a civil war.
An expert on military law goes to journalism school.
High-tech wonders and hard truths.
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Subscribe NowOn Wednesday, the Israeli Ministry of Defense declared the laser interception system popularly known as the “Iron Beam” fully operational, able to be used against rockets, mortars, and drones. The IDF is expected to start deploying it by the end of the year, although it has already been using some variations of the weapon. Yaakov Lappin, writing shortly before the announcement, explains: