Judaism

Judaism is the oldest monotheistic religion in the world, having originated in the Middle East more than 3,000 years ago with patriarch Abraham.

As the first Abrahamic religion, Judaism has played a major role in shaping the history of the world, having greatly influenced the development of Christianity and Islam, despite having always had a relatively small amount of adherents by comparison.

The religion itself is built off of the "written Torah" of the Bible, known in Judaism as the Tanach, and the "oral Torah" of the Mishna, Talmud and other great works of leading rabbis throughout history.

Judaism itself has no single leading figure, and is divided into multiple streams, such as the ultra-Orthodox (haredi), Orthodox, Conservative and Reform. Further differences also exist along the lines of historic Diasporic communities, such as Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jewry.

Today, the largest concentration of adherents of Judaism can be found in Israel, with the US having the second-largest.

Purim 2026: The hidden miracle of Jewish survival across generations - opinion

Purim reminds us that Jewish continuity is a miracle, sustained by belief, identity, and unwavering strength.

MARCH 3, 2026|ByMENACHEM SPIEGEL

19th-century Megillat Esther linked to Gaza's Jewish community up for auction in Jerusalem.

Israelis celebrate Purim on the streets of Jerusalem amid war with Iran, March 3, 2026

Purim 2026: It’s not over until it’s good - opinion

Living in Israel during these past years of war has made the message of Purim painfully real.

MARCH 3, 2026|ByYAEL ECKSTEIN

Reading ‘Megillat Esther’ in Safed: Hebrew returned because the people it spoke for had returned.

The Book of Esther: How letters preserved Jewish identity across empires and exile - opinion

How the Book of Esther uses letters to safeguard Jewish identity and language during exile and empire.

MARCH 3, 2026|ByMOSHE TARAGIN

Purim.

Purim 2026: Celebrating with faith, fun, and resilience through the years

From childhood groggers to Israel today, Purim reminds us of courage, joy, and the enduring fight against life’s Hamans.

MARCH 3, 2026|ByDAVID GEFFEN

Purim 2026: Ancient Persia offers lessons of prayer, unity, and courage

From ancient Persia to today, Purim shows how prayer, unity, and courage shape Jewish history and identity.

MARCH 3, 2026BySTEWART WEISS

Let us see what is behind the masquerade.

The Tomb of Mordechai and Esther: Iran's Jewish, Purim heritage

According to the tradition of the Jews of Persia, after Haman’s downfall, hostility toward the Jews intensified, and Mordechai and Esther left Shushan and wandered north, to the city of Hamadan.

MARCH 2, 2026ByJACOB MAOR

THE MAUSOLEUM containing the tombs of Esther and Mordechai, Hamadan, Iran.

Megillah in the Miklat: Tel Aviv moves Purim underground as Operation Roaring Lion rages

Despite Operation Roaring Lion, Israelis continue to celebrate Purim in shelters and homes, with community efforts to ensure the mitzvot are fulfilled, including sending gift packages to the needy.

MARCH 1, 2026ByMATHILDA HELLER

Israelis take cover in Tel Aviv as a siren sounds warning of incoming ballistic missiles fired from Iran toward Israel, March 1, 2026; illustrative.

'The Gavriel Tirosh Affair': Unforgettable teacher, lingering memory - review

Yitzhak Shalev’s novel traces the lingering power of a teacher who vanished but never left his students’ minds.

MARCH 1, 2026ByRACHEL PARNESS

The Irgun Museum in Tel Aviv.

Why I'm proud to be a Zionist living in the State of Israel - opinion

From desert blooms to Jerusalem’s ancient streets, Zionism still matters in creating a Jewish homeland.

MARCH 1, 2026ByURI PILICHOWSKI

A silhouette of Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism, is displayed near a flag of the state of Israel on a building in Jerusalem.

'A hug from God': Diana Klein on music, healing, and women’s empowerment - interview

Diana Klein’s music offers comfort, hope, and strength for women seeking self-appreciation.

MARCH 1, 2026ByBASIA MONKA

Diana Klein singing.

Finding faith, family, and business: Ben Woolf’s story from England to Jerusalem

From a fractured past to Israeli entrepreneur and devoted family man, Ben Woolf’s story inspires.

MARCH 1, 2026ByRIVKAH LAMBERT ADLER

AI is transforming work, but it must not redefine humanity - opinion

With the rise of artificial intelligence, true human connection and empathy are needed more than ever.

MARCH 1, 2026ByJONATHAN LIEBERMAN

Artificial intelligence (illustrative)

When Jewish law fails: Decades-long struggle of Jewish women seeking freedom - opinion

Even with legal tools, Jewish women who are trapped in bad marriages wait years for divorce.

MARCH 1, 2026ByPNINA OMER

A WOMAN seeking divorce in a ‘beit din’ was the sole female in the room until the advent of ‘toanot.’ (Illustrative)

The Purim-inspired chess technique that confuses my rivals - opinion

I win at chess by making opponents nervous, bewildered, and prone to blunders.

MARCH 1, 2026ByNATHAN LOPES CARDOZO

Chess