The Festival of Lights on Google Maps

A diya is a small light or lamp. During Diwali or 'the festival of lights' diyas are lit to signify the triumph of good over evil. Light a Diya allows anyone to light a virtual diya at the home of a loved one to help wish them a happy Diwali (Diwali is on Oct 26 this year).

The application uses Google Maps to allow users to search and find the address of the home where they wish to light a virtual diya. It is also possible to send the recipient of your virtual diya a personal message, either using Facebook connect or via e-mail.

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Google Maps Pointing the Way to the Qibla

The Qibla Locator is a simple and easy to use Google Map that points the way to the Qibla.

The map automatically detects the user's location and a red polyline points the way towards the Kaa’ba in Mecca. If the map has the user's location slightly wrong the map can be moved and the red polyline will automatically move to point from the centre of the map.

The Qibla Locator includes an interesting explanation in its FAQ page as to why Americans might find the map pointing towards the north-east or north rather than towards the east.

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Jewish Chicago on Google Maps

Stories of Jewish Chicago

The Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies is holding an eight-part exhibit that explores the Chicago Jewish experience. As part of the exhibit the Institute is creating the Greater Chicago Jewish Memory Map.

Visitors are being asked to contribute their own personal stories of Chicago Jewish life to a Google Map of the Chicago area. You can read the submitted stories on the Stories of Jewish Chicago page. Each of the stories is accompanied by a Google Map showing the location talked about by the visitor.

Eventually all the stories will also be added to the Greater Chicago Jewish Memory Map (currently blank).

Also See

• The Jew Map - this map shows the locations of important landmarks in Jewish history from the Red Sea to Katz' Delicatessen in New York
• Jewish Women on the Map - a guide to physical landmarks in Jewish women’s history

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Jewish History on Google Maps

The Jew Map

The creators of the popular Rap Map have now turned their attention away from music and towards religion. They say they have built the Jew Map out of love for Jewish history and also to impress their mothers.

The map shows the locations of important landmarks in Jewish history from the Red Sea to Katz' Delicatessen in New York. The map also includes the option to 'suggest a location' by completing a short form.

The Jew Map is the first of a number of historical maps from Rap Genius. There are plans to release The Black Map (a map of black history/culture) and the Cold War Map soon.

Also See

• Jewish in the City - Jewish directories for a large number of cities
• Jewish Women on the Map

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