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.

Ghetto Fighters’ House: World's first Holocaust museum keeping memory, message alive

The Ghetto Fighters’ House brings rare archival artifacts and stories to Givatayim for International Holocaust Remembrance Day, linking past resilience to today’s changing world.

JANUARY 23, 2026|ByBARRY DAVIS

Janusz Korczak motivated the children in his care by giving them jolly cards.

A charity donation box is seen in this illustrative photo taken March 22, 2023

Jerusalem highlights: January 23-29

What's new to do in Israel's capital?

JANUARY 23, 2026|ByHAGAY HACOHEN

Exodus from Egypt (Edward Poynter)

Parashat Bo: Jeremiah’s timeless promise to Israel

Empires crumble, pain persists, yet Israel survives; Jeremiah’s words offer reassurance across generations.

JANUARY 23, 2026|ByMICHAEL FREUND

IDF commanders visit Auschwitz as part of their training.

After October 7, IDF commanders visit Poland for Holocaust lessons and battlefield reflections

The Jerusalem Post interviewed Col. Yoni Dahan and Col. Nati Keren, who have been serving during the war, about the importance of a trip to Poland.

JANUARY 23, 2026|ByESTHER DAVIS

Lighting Hanukkah candles in an age of Jewish anxiety - opinion

Hanukkah is no longer just a memory of survival. It is a test of Israel’s responsibility to Jews facing fear abroad.

DECEMBER 15, 2025ByODED REVIVI

Hatzalah in Sydney volunteers responding a mass shooting at Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia, December 14, 2025.

Not someday: Israel is ready for a new woman prime minister now - opinion

Israel’s democracy is mature enough for another woman prime minister, and leaders are already emerging.

DECEMBER 15, 2025BySHMUEL LEGESSE

MKs Pnina Tameno-Shete and Sharren Haskel.

What the hostages reveal about Israel’s real strength - opinion

Survivors of captivity, grieving mothers, and quiet heroes show that Israel’s true strength lies in its people.

DECEMBER 15, 2025ByHOLLY CIN

Visitors at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv. The hostages are expected to be released from Hamas captivity tomorrow morning, on October 12, 2025.

Seeing our brothers’ plight: The light Hanukkah demands we bring into the world - opinion

Hanukkah and Vayeshev together reveal that the festival’s light shines only when we open our eyes to our brothers’ struggles and choose loyalty and compassion.

DECEMBER 14, 2025ByKENNETH BRANDER

Candles are lit on the eighth night, at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, last Hanukkah. The main idea of the holiday is the spiritual illumination of the public sphere, says the writer.

Art and Torah: A molten menorah and the power of light from darkness

From Joseph’s darkest moments to Hanukkah’s rising flames, exploring how light is born from depth.

DECEMBER 14, 2025ByMEIRA RAANAN

‘Molten Menorah,’ by Yoram Raanan, 100x80 cm., acrylic on canvas, 2025.

Menorah of spears and the deeper meaning of Hanukkah- opinion

The Maccabees may have lit Hanukkah’s first menorah using spears left by fleeing soldiers, transforming instruments of harm into a beacon of faith.

DECEMBER 14, 2025ByMARC D. ANGEL

Maccabee cartoon 521

The Hanukkah miracle that restored our strength and unity - opinion

A year marked by hardship ends with light, unity, and restored hope across the Jewish world.

DECEMBER 14, 2025ByWILLIAM C. DAROFF

Bar Kupershtein acknowledges those welcoming him as he comes home last month, in Holon, after his release from Hamas captivity in Gaza. The return of the hostages restored our breath, says the writer.

Hanukkah fun in Jerusalem: Activities for everyone for the Jewish festival of lights

A sneak peek at some of the fabulous family activities happening in Jerusalem this Hanukkah.

DECEMBER 14, 2025ByRONIT ANSBACHER, JOANNA SHEBSON

Creative Crafts Cafe’s family-friendly seasonal workshops, Gush Etzion.

Israel’s healing begins with Tamar-like leadership - opinion

As Israel seeks healing after October 7, Tamar’s fearless leadership shows how truth and accountability can heal the nation's wounds.

DECEMBER 13, 2025ByZEHAVIT GROSS

‘RECOGNIZING THIS, the Talmud places Tamar on a pedestal.’

On board for Hanukkah: Fresh, delicious twist for the holiday

Latke focaccia and plenty of deli-style sides, a Hanukkah table that is easy, homey, and different.

DECEMBER 13, 2025ByHENNY SHOR

Henny Shor.