Torah

Ofir Sofer is the first religious Zionist leader to say the king is naked - comment

Sofer, the first religious Zionist leader to publicly draw a red line on the draft bill, is making a choice to protect the "future of the IDF" over his own ministerial career.

Minister of Immigration and Absorption Ofir Sofer holds a press conference at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, December 1, 2025.
 Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, speak on stage during the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 21, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

Rachel Goldberg-Polin reflects how Rabbi Sacks's teachings helped her manage Hersh's captivity

HAREDIM SCUFFLE with police outside Jerusalem’s IDF Recruitment Center, Nov. 12.

A defense of Israel's ultra-Orthodox - and a plea to their leadership - opinion

LABAN’S SILENCE signaled indifference to the truth.

Parashat Vayetze: Unlistened truths


Parashat Vayetze: When a nation forgets its source

If Israel, like Jacob, holds fast to its mission – even in exile, even in danger, even in darkness – then the promise of Hosea still stands.

An illustrative image of a nest and egg in human hands.

Parashat Vayetze: 'Wise people, be careful with your words’

If we were truly aware of the power embedded in our words, in casual conversation, in a sentence spoken in anger or sarcasm, we would be far more cautious.

Close-up of letter cubes spelling "Words Have Power" (illustrative)

Your Investments: Lentil soup and inheritance

A son can bear with equanimity the loss of his father, but the loss of his inheritance may drive him to despair. – Niccolo Machiavelli

Husband and wife discussing investment plans with financial advisor

Parashat Toldot: A call for impassioned Jewish renewal

If the parasha is a saga of inheritance, of blessings fought over and destinies forged, then the haftarah is its echo, reminding us that a spiritual legacy must not merely be received, but upheld.

 SCRIBES FINISH writing a Torah scroll.

Parashat Toldot: Directing our natural inclinations

This is humanity’s eternal challenge: Not to give in to impulses and the desire for immediate gratification but to steer it toward a higher purpose.

'Only now, the color red becomes a symbol of essence'

Beyond the Headlines: The message of Ayala Shkuri - opinion

“People ask me how I am, how I’m doing. They ask how I managed to return to living alone in our home in Sderot. And I answer, ‘I’m not alone." said Ayala Shkuri

Sivan with Ayala Shkuri.

The biblical echo of ‘I will go’ - and the women moving Israel beyond October 7 - opinion

Jewish women today echo the values of Biblical foremothers, maintaining courage and faith in times of crisis.

Torah scroll 521

Parashat Chayei Sarah: Politics, power, perils of ambition

Politics, the haftarah reminds us, is not inherently corrupt. It becomes corrupt when it forgets that leadership is service, not self-promotion.

 SCRIBES FINISH writing a Torah scroll.

Parashat Chayei Sara: ‘Ger v’toshav’ – unfinished belonging 

Until our people are gathered and the land is restored, we remain wanderers yearning for wholeness.

PATIENCE REQUIRED...

Parashat Chayei Sarah: All are equally good

Sarah’s greatest achievement was her ability to live calmly and serenely

A LAMP burned continuously – symbolizing unceasing light and joy.

Some Jews are willing to risk their lives rather than receive a porcine transplant - study

Researchers saw that Jewish patients were willing to refuse life-saving treatments with porcine organs even when that would likely result in death.

Doctor lifting pig's kidney for transplant