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.

Your Investments: Lessons from Tisha B'Av on reflecting for a better future

Every setback contains the potential for growth if we are willing to learn from it. Sometimes you need to destroy in order to build.

JULY 17, 2026|ByAARON KATSMAN

Circa 700 BC, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Esekiel, three prophets of the Old Testament.

Palestinian women walk past a mural of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in Hebron on the 21st anniversary of Arafat’s death. Ruth Wasserman Lande argues that the Palestinian narrative was created by the Soviet Union.

Middle Israel: How Jews and Palestinians became masters of historical denial

Had the Jews studied their history impartially, they would've understood centuries before Herzl that regaining their land and restoring their power is their task, not God's.

JULY 17, 2026|ByAMOTZ ASA-EL

Shabbat candles

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

See Shabbat candle lighting times for your area.

JULY 17, 2026|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

A fragment of a 2,000-year-old Psalms Scroll from the Dead Sea Scrolls collection; illustrative.

One of the Dead Sea Scrolls' greatest mysteries may have finally been solved by Israeli researcher

For decades, scholars have wondered if Qumran’s 364-day year calender had ever been used in practice or if it served only as a theoretical framework.

JULY 15, 2026|ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM

It's time for Israel to end Temple Mount appeasement for good - opinion

From detention for silent prayer to public worship, the Temple Mount has undergone a remarkable transformation.

JUNE 7, 2026ByDAVID KIRSHENBAUM

The Dome of the Rock and the Temple Mount in Jerusalem's Old City as viewed from the Mount of Olives. This place should be for all who are interested in free and safe access and peaceful worship together, the writer maintains.

Could you hold a lost piece of Western Wall history? Jerusalem museum seeks rare photos

A new exhibition hopes to uncover rare Western Wall photographs tucked away in attics, basements, and family albums.

JUNE 7, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

‘Tower of David,’ taken by A.O. Freedman, c. 1920.

Jew vs Jew: New York, Israel, and the crisis of Jewish solidarity - opinion

As antisemitism rises, the widening rift among Jews over Israel raises urgent questions about Jewish unity.

JUNE 7, 2026BySTEWART WEISS

Chai Riders line up in this year’s Salute to Israel parade in Manhattan, May 31.

'I show up for my Jewish friends': Jerry O’Connell on antisemitism, Israel, and a childhood promise

Jerry O’Connell: "Jewish people have been showing up for me and my family for my entire life, and [it’s] time for me to show up for my Jewish friends."

JUNE 6, 2026ByLANA MELMAN

Jerry O’Connell: Connection to Israel started young.

In the kitchen with Henny: Sheet pan magic

Simple one-pan dinners and a decadent dessert help busy families get delicious meals on the table with minimal effort.

JUNE 6, 2026ByHENNY SHOR

Sheet-pan gnocchi and veggies.

What the ma'apilim teach us about faith and judgment

The story of the spies shows how belief in destiny can falter in fear or slip into reckless overconfidence.

JUNE 6, 2026ByMOSHE TARAGIN

Overconfidence, underconfidence –both negative.

Joshua's spies chose faith over fear - can Israel do the same?

Joshua’s spies returned with faith and confidence, teaching a timeless lesson about courage, purpose, and the Land of Israel.

JUNE 6, 2026ByMICHAEL FREUND

The Grapes of Canaan by James Tissot (circa 1900). Although the 12 spies brought back a cluster of grapes so large that it took two men to carry it, only two of the 12 brought back a good report of the land.

How a Jewish police chief's mezuzah captivated a Mississippi town

A Jewish police chief's mezuzah ceremony became the talk of a Mississippi town and drew a crowd no one expected.

JUNE 6, 2026ByARIEH O’SULLIVAN

The writer and daughter Noa O’Sullivan on roots visit to Mississippi, 2018. Background: Highway welcome sign upon entering to state, ‘the birthplace of America’s music.’

'I am a grateful American': Gary Sinise hopes to bring his mission of service to Israel - interview

From Hollywood to humanitarian work, Gary Sinise shares his journey of service, sacrifice, and resilience.

JUNE 5, 2026ByLANA MELMAN

Gary Sinise receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, surrounded by armed guard, 2017.

Jerusalem highlights: June 5-11

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

JUNE 5, 2026ByHAGAY HACOHEN

‘Sausages,’ Stav Rozental (see Saturday).