Judaism

Are Irreconcilable differences stopping Israel from healing societal fracture? - opinion

After two female soldiers were chased in Bnei Brak, something sacred was fractured. What happens when Israel no longer feels like one nation?

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men clash with police following an assault on two female Israeli soldiers in Bnei Brak, central Israel, February 15, 2026.
Shabbat candles

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

Michael Freilich.

Belgium’s only Jewish MP accused of ‘split loyalty’ after seeking US advice on circumcision ban

Irish singer of U2 Bono poses during a photocall for the film "Bono: Stories of Surrender" at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 17, 2025.

U2 releases EP featuring poem by Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai


Hiking in the Holy Land: The almond tree, Israel's ancient clock

Spring has not arrived, yet blossoming almonds in Israel signify the arrival of Tu Bishvat, the new year for trees, a time when some seasonal quality has shifted.

THE ALMOND TREE has been watching over the Land of Israel for longer than we can fathom.

Israeli voters deserve representatives they can trust - opinion

Reform is needed to make Israeli democracy meaningful as voters don't have enough influence over Knesset members.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee meeting at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, February 5, 2026

The Epstein scandals and the collapse of moral restraint - opinion

Trust in today's world feels increasingly fragile, and Judaism offers hope that societies can recover not by lowering standards to match disappointment, but by reaffirming religious values.

 US financier Jeffrey Epstein appears in a photograph taken for the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services' sex offender registry March 28, 2017 and obtained by Reuters July 10, 2019.

Jerusalem through Ethiopian eyes: Understanding Israel's capital through its Ethiopian communities

As Jerusalem continues to evolve, the rhythms of Ethiopian heritage shape its character in unmistakable ways.

Ethiopian Jews take part in a prayer of the Sigd holiday on the Armon Hanatziv Promenade overlooking Jerusalem on November 28, 2024.

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Parashat Yitro: Illuminating the fog

Moses understood that genuine service of God is not found in thunder and lightning but rather in the place of fog, confusion, and lack of clarity.

The God one seeks is found precisely in the confusing, unclear place.

Parashat Yitro: Before the revelation at Sinai

Whenever people are convinced that they are acting in the name of higher goals – especially when they believe they are serving God – moral boundaries become fragile.

A big ball of fire (illustrative)

The paradox of antisemitism education – and why it backfired - opinion

Antisemitism is not ordinary bigotry, and treating it like every other form of prejudice misunderstands its psychology and makes the problem worse.

 An illustrative image of a class in an elementary school.

Argentinian oleh celebrates his Bar Mitzvah, conversion to Judaism 20 years after making aliyah

Ariel Weintraub, an Argentinian-Israeli who has been living in the country for the past 20 years, decided to fully convert to Judaism after connecting with his Jewish coworkers.

An Argentine oleh (new immigrant to Israel) who made aliyah 20 years ago celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in Eilat after a long period of conversion.

Alt-New Jew: Israeli grit and Diaspora wisdom combined - opinion

Jews must combine the ways of life of both the Diaspora and the Israelis to ensure a safe, strong, and vibrant future.

American and Israeli Jews [Illustrative]