Torah
What South Park and Dante get wrong about the Hebrew Bible’s Hell - study
A new academic essay argues that the fiery underworld familiar from Dante, TV, and pop culture replaced the Hebrew Bible’s older, quieter idea of Sheol.
Love isn’t enough: Faith in humanity through the lens of the Torah
Israel must break free from the dangerous status quo - opinion
Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: The promise of permanence
Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: Love your neighbor as yourself
The days between Pesach and Shavuot invite reflection, as Rabbi Akiva teaches that loving others is central to receiving the Torah.
Hodaya Cohen wins Israel's 78th Independence Day Bible World Quiz for Youth
The event was held at the Jerusalem Theater and recorded in advance due to the security situation, and gathered 16 outstanding young men and women from seven countries.
The Torah our children wrote - opinion
On the stickers lining our lampposts, our fallen soldiers left something ancient. A new Mishnah, written not in ink but in lives.
Beyond the Headlines: Odelia’s thank you list - opinion
A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news.
This month in Jewish history: History, memory, destiny
A highly abridged monthly version of Dust & Stars.
Shabbat Rosh Hodesh: At the threshold of renewal
Shabbat Rosh Hodesh is an invitation to renew not only the month but also ourselves.
Parashat Tazria-Metzora: Turning lemons into lemonade
These parashot deal at length with a unique phenomenon described in the Torah – tzara’at, which are marks or changes that appear on the walls of a house, on clothing, or on the body.
Your Investments: Financial modesty
"When someone saves your life and gives you life, there’s gratitude, humility; there’s a time you’ve been so blessed you realize you’ve been given another chance at life..." - Pat Summerall
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.
Miriam’s beat: From Exodus to modern Israel, women reclaim rhythm and resilience
Pe’imat Miriam, a female percussive endeavor, revives an ancient rhythm to find a collective voice of hope – core to the biblical Passover narrative and to our spiritual well-being.