Judaism

Orthodox rabbi Julius Berman, who influenced secular and observant Jewish institutions, dies at 90

His extensive leadership at some of the largest Jewish communal organizations in the United States defined his broader legacy.

Prominent Jewish communal leader Rabbi Julius Berman dies at 90.
Shmuel Legesse at his wedding at The Sephardic Temple of Cedarhurst in Cedarhurst, NY, June 8, 2014.

Israel’s Somaliland recognition shows the real purpose of the Abraham Accords - opinion

Tucker Carlson speaks during AmericaFest, the first Turning Point USA summit since the death of Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona, US December 18, 2025.

Tucker Carlson claims Israel's influence made radical Islam be seen as main threat for Americans

Rabbi Rafi Ellenson (L) and Rabbi Arielle Stein (R), the creators of the "Rabbinic Fit Check" Instagram account.

On Instagram, ‘Rabbinic Fit Check’ is a look book for Jewish clergy


Before ‘SNL,’ there was Sid Caesar and a roomful of Jewish writers

Legendary Jewish comedian Sid Caesar dominated the television screen beginning in the 1950's and left a lasting mark on American showbusiness as we know it.

Imogene Coca and Sid Caesar in a promotional photo for "Your Show of Shows," in 1952. The television show ran on NBC from 1950 to 1954.

When brothers reunite: Ezekiel’s prophecy and Israel’s deepest divide

A biblical vision of unity shows why Israel’s deepest fractures are also its greatest tests.

Iraqi Jews pray at the tomb of Ezekiel in Al-Kifl in southeastern Iraq on the Euphrates River, between Najaf and Al Hillah, in 1932.

My Word: 2025, in its own words - opinion

From AI slop to rage bait, 2025’s words reveal a world shaped by tech, outrage, and the human need to connect.

 AI education illustrative

Grapevine, December 26, 2025: In his father’s footsteps

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, alongside David Fattal, chats with Assaf and Nadav Fattal.

Parashat Vayigash: A shoulder of tears

 Though the formal verse of 'Shema, Israel' would only be inscribed later in Torah, Jacob sensed its truth centuries earlier.

Joseph meeting his father, Jacob, in the desert, at the frontier of Egypt. Painting by Jean-Antoine Julien de Parme (1736 - 1799).

Parashat Vayigash: Sharp emotional transitions

The Torah describes the emotional upheaval, the sharp transition from deep sorrow to astonishment and joy, when Jacob discovers that Joseph is alive and even holds a senior position in Egypt.

'The Recognition of Joseph by his Brothers,’ by Peter von Cornelius, 1817.

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

See Shabbat times for your area.

Shabbat candles

One in four Israeli Jews celebrate or consider celebrating Christmas - poll

The poll reflects the wider cultural presence of Christmas in Israeli public spaces, including markets, decorations, and seasonal events.

People attend a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the New Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City, on December 14, 2025.

The day everything changed for Jewish Australians - opinion

The Bondi Beach attack on December 14 changed everything for Jewish Australians, revealing hate, heroism, and choices that shape their future.

An aerial view of emergency personnel working at the scene of a shooting incident at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, December 14, 2025, in this screen grab from a video.

Beyond the Headlines: In memory of Rabbi Eli Schlanger - opinion

A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news.

A rabbi performs the Havdalah ceremony while Margaret Beazley, governor of New South Wales, holds the Havdalah candle, during a tribute for the victims of a mass shooting during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14, in Sydney, Australia, December 20, 2025.

Death penalty debate: Jewish reverence for life vs Ben-Gvir’s cheapening of life - opinion

In degrading terrorists and criminals, Itamar Ben-Gvir is trashing Jewish religious values and cheapening everybody’s life.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir attends a National Security committee meeting at the Knesset on December 8, 2025.