God

Passover, war and faith: Moral clarity matters in Israel’s defense - opinion

As Passover begins, a rabbinic voice challenges the Pope’s remarks on war, arguing that Jewish ethics demand moral clarity and the obligation of self-defense.

Pope Leo XIV speaks to the media as he leaves the papal residence to head back to the Vatican, in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, March 31, 2026.
That spiritual right to freedom will not always live hand in hand with physical or political liberty.

The power of personal freedom: Finding meaning and joy in a Passover during war - opinion

 Aish Hatorah World Center opposite the Kotel in Jerusalem.

Aish backs Israel and US forces protecting peace, freedom - opinion

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei looks on, in a televised message following the Israeli strikes in Tehran, Iran, June 13, 2025.

Ali Khamenei’s rule is over, but Iran's path to freedom still continues - opinion


US-Israel ties: Having faith in God, as well as in our friends - opinion

Throughout history, the Jews have faced moments of uncertainty in relationships with world powers. We have endured through diplomatic acumen and an unshakable connection to something far greater.

 US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman stand during a visit to At-Turaif World Heritage Site, in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, May 13, 2025

Prayers of silence: Why Passover's seventh day is so unique in its quietness

Calling out in prayer and beseeching God to answer our supplications involves an element of entitlement, perhaps even temerity. In contrast, silence reflects humility.

 An illustrative image of online messenger icons.

Passover 2025: Crossing your own Red Sea

We all face Red Seas in one form or another. But the good news is that just as God parted the waters for our forefathers when they left Egypt, He can part them for us as well.

 PHARAOH’S ARMY engulfed by the Red Sea, by Frederick Arthur Bridgman, 1900. ‘The wind dropped, the waters flooded back, and the entire Egyptian force was drowned.’

Passover 2025: When God hides, we still believe

Faith isn’t about finding all the answers – it’s about having shoulders wide enough, and spirits deep enough, to carry the weight of the questions. 

 An illustrative image of a maze with a large question mark inside.

This week in Jewish history: Buchenwald liberated, Paschal lambs sacrificed

A highly abridged weekly version of Dust & Stripes.

Jacob Sheep

Parashat Pekudei: Don’t walk away

We know who we are. They cannot fathom it. Our tireless efforts to explain may fall on deaf ears – but we hear, and we know.

 MOSES PROVIDED a meticulous accounting of every donation collected for the Mishkan.

The Mishkan testimony: How the Jews offer hope to the world amid a tidal wave of hate - opinion

We offer the world hope that it can withstand this tidal wave of hatred and escape the abyss of confusion. We have endured. So can you. We will show you the way.  

An illustrative image of a tidal wave.

Stamped with holiness: Circumcision and the sacred power of oaths

Fulfilling the commandment of circumcision means taking the ordinary body of a human being and transforming it into something holy that has been brought into the covenant/treaty of Hashem’s people.

 An illustrative image of a stamp and bright light underneath it.

1 in 5 Americans believes God determines winners and losers in the Super Bowl

A smaller share of Americans—13%—say God cares about who wins the Super Bowl.

 1 in 5 Americans believes God determines winners and losers in the Super Bowl. Illustration.

Purim's eternal message: Protecting humanity's moral fiber and maintaining hope

The clouds of confusion will clear, sanity will replace lunacy. The hypnotic spell of postmodern confusion will be broken. What has happened before will happen again. Just read the story of Esther.

The feast of Esther