Jewish life

Houston synagogue and Jewish day school close due to unspecified threats

The threats were aimed at reform synagogue Congregation Beth Israel and the Shlenker School in Houston, Texas.

The Shlenker School's website announced the school had closed for the day.
Jewish food writer Joan Nathan (center left) and researcher Moriah Amit learned about the Holocaust histories of Nathan's relatives, Wolfgang Bernheim (far left) and his grandmother, Marie Bernheim.

Jewish food writer Joan Nathan discovers her relative’s martyrdom and full Holocaust history

online dating

OKCupid launches Hebrew version, with special personalization for traditional, orthodox Jews

Rabbi Kalman Ber attends the second round in the elections of for the new Chief Ashkenazi rabbi, at the Chief Rabbinate headquarters in Jerusalem, October 31, 2024.

Chief Rabbinate opens certification exams to women after High Court ruling


Brick by brick: The power of one in today’s fight for Jewish resilience - opinion

'The individual should never underestimate the power they have to make a difference.'

 An illustrative image of a man holding an Israeli flag.

Annual Shabbat in the Park Returns to New York on June 6

Young Jewish leaders to gather for JNFuture’s sold-out Shabbat in the Park, uniting in support of Israel and celebrating resilience through community and purpose.

 Jewish National Fund-USA's Shabbat in the Park

Amid rising antisemitism, Jewish life is surging on US campuses - opinion

A recent study from the Jewish Federations of North America found that nearly a third of American Jews have become more engaged in Jewish life since October 7.

 Students light candles this past Hanukkah during the Chabad on Campus International LivingLinks trip to Poland.

Birthright Israel works: Alumni are more Jewishly active than their peers, study finds - exclusive

The study assessed that due to Birthright participants having an increased chance of having a Jewish spouse, there were consequent indirect increases in Jewish engagement.

Birthright Israel participants

Modern Zionism: Embracing complexity, building a shared future - opinion

Modern Zionism is gradually abandoning David Ben-Gurion’s “melting pot” approach, embracing instead a profound social transformation.

 A silhouette of Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism, is displayed near a flag of the state of Israel on a building in Jerusalem.

Poor, frustrated antisemites: Truth, history must take second place to outrage - review

The endless suffering of the Jew and the frustration of the pathetic antisemite make a hell of a world that is filled with much beauty and mostly decent people.

 A pro-Palestinian demonstrator holds a sign, as they take part in a protest against US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Turkey, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Istanbul, November 4, 2023.

It is time for a new vision of Zionism - opinion

After almost 77 years, it seems that Zionism has deviated from its path and needs to recalculate its course.

 Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the media while standing in front of a portrait of Theodore Herzl, the father of modern Zionism, during a visit to the Independence Hall in Tel Aviv October 14, 2010.

How are the dynamics of Jewish family life always shifting? - study

Jewish parents share common aspirations, including raising children with empathy, moral responsibility, and a strong sense of self.

A JEWISH FAMILY gathers after lighting Shabbat candles.

This week in Jewish history: When Egypt said all Jews are 'Zionists'

Below is an abridged weekly version of Dust & Stars.

 A religious Orthodox Israeli Jew in a prayer shawl (tallit) is seen praying while keeping a smartphone in front of him.

Zach Margs's viral comedy unites Jewish identity, Israeli culture

Margolin’s comedy has become a way to spread laughter and foster resilience and pride within the Jewish community.

 BRITISH MEDIA influencer Zach Margolin on a previous visit to Israel.