Judaism

Perpetual Jewish family traits: Jewish genealogy, history explored by Am haZikaron Institute

Using an exact-sciences approach endorsed by a committee of 55 Nobel laureates, Am haZikaron can reveal the unique characteristics of one’s clan that have been preserved for centuries.

A SECTION of Jonathan Vidgop’s family tree on the walls of the Am haZikaron office in Tel Aviv.
SIMON BETUEL in his home studio.

Simon Betuel: Cosmetics producer by day, artist by night

FOR ISRAEL in the here and now, these ideas are playing out in real time

A deeper reflection: Why the Passover story still matters today - opinion

THEODOR HERZL, the solution appeared straightforward. Pictured: Theodor Herzl’s portrait on the 100-lira note (preceding the shekel), 1965

The sky is no longer silent: Antisemitism persists, but Jews are no longer defenseless - opinion


Jewish authors slam Jewish Book Council for ‘bias toward centering Israeli, Zionist voices’

A new open letter signed by 42 authors argues that the Jewish Book Council, which was founded in 1925, should commit itself more to spotlighting Jewish voices who disagree with traditional Zionism.

Jewish book lovers gather at the Jewish Book Council's offices in Manhattan, July 19, 2023.

Parashat Shmini: Guarding a pure heart

The Hebrew word timtum means “blockage” or “dullness.” Forbidden foods can lead to this blockage – to emotional numbness and a diminished ability to perceive spiritual depth.

DAILY DIET: The Creator gave us clear guidelines.

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

See Shabbat candle lighting times for your area.

Shabbat candles

Jewish leader of UK’s Green Party calls to end trade, diplomatic ties with Israel

“It is outrageous that Israel is still enjoying diplomatic and trade privileges from the international community," said Polanski during his party's local election campaign.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski speaks during the launch of the local election campaign in London, England, April 9, 2026.

Between miracle and memory: The evolution of Miriam in art over the years

Whether in medieval ‘Haggadot’ or the lithographs of Bezalel, artists trace Miriam as she emerges, tambourine in hand, to lead the aftermath of the Exodus.

BYZANTINE MOSAIC, Abbey of the Dormition, Jerusalem (c. early medieval) – Miriam, tambourine in hand.

The body continues: In war, dance becomes a way to survive

In their new works for the Batsheva Ensemble, choreographers Bosmat Nossan and Roni Chadash echo the rhythm of Miriam as a practice of necessity.

‘SEPARATIONS/DOME,’ Batsheva Ensemble. ‘The work began from a feeling, an everyday sensation of vulnerability.’ – Bosmat Nossan

Before the song: On Passover, Miriam leads with rhythm when the path is unclear

Miriam leads not through words or commands but through rhythm, movement, and shared presence. Her tambourine becomes a structure that others can enter.

Engraving: The Song of Miriam (1880), by William Blake Richmond.

Passover and Song of Songs: What spring teaches us about freedom

HIKING THE HOLYLAND: Israel's hiking trails are quieter than they used to be. And yet – spring does not wait.

IT IS no accident that Song of Songs is read every Passover. The book is saturated with an explosive, summoning, and impossible to resist spring – an explosion of energy and new life

Mordecai Kaplan's Reconstructionism: A vision of American Judaism that struggles to grow - review

Mordecai Kaplan’s dream of a Jewish civilization built on choice and fulfillment faces the reality of modern challenges in sustaining community and commitment.

 A Torah held aloft at a reconstructionist synagogue.

The hidden well: Exploring Miriam's leadership as a source of hope in war's shadow

Within a world of harsh decrees and cruelty, Miriam creates a human partnership that crosses boundaries for the sake of saving life.

TAMBOURINE PLAYERS from the ‘Golden Haggadah’ (c. 1320), reflecting a medieval vision of Miriam and the women’s song after the crossing of the sea, The British Library, London