Jewish holidays

Beyond the Headlines: The lessons we cannot afford to miss - opinion

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

MDA paramedic Tzvika Rider on his first call.
Visitors to the site of the Nova music festival.

Israelis celebrate Simchat Torah near Nova Festival site despite ban by police, KKL-JNF

Praying at the entrance to the Temple Mount on Sukkot, Sept. 29.

Shmini Atzeret haftarah: The Temple Mount is no longer silent

‘CHAG HA’ASIF’: Tel Winery winemaker Lital Ovadia leads the early-morning grape harvest at the vineyard in Moshav Shaal, Golan Heights, Sept. 23.

How do we celebrate Sukkot and Simchat Torah after Oct. 7?


Simchat Torah 2026: What exactly are we so joyous about?

The joy of Simchat Torah is not merely an individual’s personal joy. It is joy about the Torah that exists within the people of Israel.

SIMCHAT TORAH at a base on the border with Gaza, last Oct.

Magen David Adom brings back 'Mitzvah on Wheels' traveling sukkah ambulance initiative

The initiative was started by Rabbi Yonatan Shpitzer, a volunteer MDA driver, in 2020, in order to bring the "spirit of sukkot" to MDA teams.

Magen David Adom's "mitzvah on wheels" traveling sukkah, 2026.

Sukkot and the United Nations: Two competing visions of Israel’s history - opinion

Political fashions at the UN change from generation to generation, but the historical truth of the Jewish people in their land is as firm as a rock.

Belgium's Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot addresses the 81st United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City, US, September 22, 2026.

Sukkot 2026: What the sukkah and Four Species teach us about Israeli unity

The sukkah is where we spend much of our time over the holiday, eating our meals, and many sleep in the sukkah when conditions and weather allow. 

(Illustrative) A woman stands inside a Sukkah, holding a Lulav and Etrog.

Sukkot Guide 2026: Fun family activities in and around Jerusalem

Now it’s up to you to choose which activities your family will enjoy. Whatever you do, you’ll be sure to have fun in Jerusalem this Sukkot!

Dead Sea Tourism jeeping.

Sukkot and Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

See candle lighting times for your area

Shabbat candles

Sukkot 2026: Bend-ability

The sukkah suggests unity through sameness. Everyone sits beneath the same fragile roof, exposed to the same elements.

BOUND TOGETHER: Morning prayers in Katzrin, Sukkot 2025.

Sukkot 2026: The refined person

The Torah itself emphasizes the idea of hadar in the festival’s central mitzvah, the mitzvah of the Four Species, and even makes it part of the definition of the mitzvah.

EXAMINING AN ETROG.

KKL-JNF unveils archival photos showcasing Sukkot celebrations in honor of the holiday

Long before elaborately designed sukkahs, store-bought decorations and photos shared on social media, Sukkot in Israel was very much a communal celebration.

Families and children celebrate Sukkot at Horshat Tal in 1963.

MDA medics finish building woman's sukkah for her after treating head injury

The woman had begun building the sukkah beneath her home as part of preparations for the approaching holiday when an iron pole fell while the upper supports were being tied together and struck her.

An MDA team finishes building a sukkah for a woman after treating her injuries.