halacha

The much-politicized issue of Jewish conversions has seen Israel’s left and right-wing debate the merits of halachic conversion and what should be considered a legitimate conversion for decades.

The sense of solidarity has strengthened within the Haredi sector – 78%, the religious sector – 84%, former Soviet Union immigrants sector - 75%, and immigrants from other countries - 85%.

You can’t open a newspaper, listen to the news, or scroll through social media without reading about the way the people of Israel have come together to fight for survival.

Pronouncing a person’s death is one of the most sensitive, religiously complex issues faced by the Military Rabbinate.

It ultimately remains difficult to justify prioritizing national resources for an enemy like Hamas when an Israeli citizen needs it at that moment.

NATIONAL AFFAIRS: Jewish teachings, Benny Gantz made clear, informed his decision to support the Israel-Hamas deal to save hostages held in Gaza.

To preserve the sanctity of those murdered by Hamas, for the first time since the establishment of the state, they decided to bury the vehicles.

As if it wasn’t bad enough for her grieving family that Alina was mercilessly killed, the Chevra Kadisha decided that Alina Plahti must be buried “outside the fence,” away from the Jewish graves.

The opinions are almost all rooted in the core Jewish idea that pikuach nefesh, or the preservation of life, overrides nearly every other religious law.

Some laws can be altered or followed differently due to the principle of "pikuach nefesh," asving a person's life.