Tikvah
Subscribe
MosaicImage of Mosaic
Editor's Pick

November 13, 2024

A Rare Seal Returns to Israel’s Coast

Or is that a biblical tahash?

One of the enduring puzzles of biblical is zoology is the identity of the “tahash hides” that were used as coverings for the Tabernacle. One ancient opinion is that these were simply dyed goatskins, but most others assume the tahash was specific animal, identified variously as a gigantic multicolored unicorn, a badger, a dolphin, or an exotic species of weasel. Another theory is that it is a seal. Now a rare and endangered species, the Mediterranean monk seal can still be found on Israel’s coast. Etgar Lefkowitz describes a recent sighting:

Subscribe to Continue Reading

Get the best Jewish ideas and conversations. Subscribe to Tikvah Ideas All Access for $12/month

Login or Subscribe
Save

November 13, 2024

  1. Israel’s Strategic Gamble in Lebanon

    By attacking infrastructure rather than armies, the IDF aims for a quick victory.

  2. Will Israel’s Next Soccer Match Spark Another Round of Riots?

    All eyes on Paris.

  3. Orthodox Jews Strike a Blow for Religious Freedom in California

    And for the education of special-needs children.

  4. Uncovering the Legal Records of France’s Once-Largest Jewish Community

    How an 18th-century rabbinic court dealt with everything from charitable trusts to illegitimate pregnancies.

  5. A Rare Seal Returns to Israel’s Coast

    Or is that a biblical tahash?