Purim

Freedom under fire: What Passover means in a time of war - comment

In a year of war, Jewish holidays reflect reality, where freedom is less about ideals and more about safety and survival.

On Wednesday night, we will talk about freedom, with the specter of ballistic missiles, safe rooms, and red-alert sirens still fresh in our minds.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim in the ultra-orthodox Mea Shearim neighborhood in Jerusalem on March 4, 2026.

Jewish tradition is a polemic against loneliness, on Passover and the rest of the year

 Aish Hatorah World Center opposite the Kotel in Jerusalem.

Aish backs Israel and US forces protecting peace, freedom - opinion

Zoom school, March 12: ‘For young children, parents, and university stu dents, people are juggling many roles.’

Studying under fire: Israel's students navigate exams, sirens, daily life during Iran war


A perfect ball has landed in Israel, just in time for Purim mischief

Adloyada, and a little more: Israel’s tasty news.

Mozart Chocolate-Coconut Liqueur

This month in Jewish history: The first permanent government of Israel

A highly abridged monthly version of Dust & Stars – Today in Jewish History.

DIZENGOFF SQUARE, named for the Tel Aviv founding father.

2,500 years in the making: Are the Jews once again turning the tables on Iran?

On the 23rd day of the Hebrew month of Sivan, Queen Esther is said to have allowed the Jews of Persia to fight back against extinction. Has Israel done the same today with Iran?

 An AI-generated illustrative image of US President Donald Trump being handed a parchment from the biblical Queen Esther as Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hovering in the background.

Purim-Passover connection: Uniting the Jews, then building a nation - opinion

Step one – as epitomized by Purim – is the struggle to bring the Jews together, to unite as a loving community, albeit in a foreign land. Step two – Passover – is the forming of our own nation.

 Departure of the Israelites 'Departure of the Israelites' by David Roberts, 1829.

Purim celebrations: Deliverance, customs, and controversies - opinion

In addition to the core activities of reading the Megillah, sending gifts (mishloach manot), and donating three half shekels to charity, Purim is a time of carnivals and masquerades.

 The reading of the ‘Megillah.’

Purim's unacceptable mask: The powerful themes of revenge, evil, and free will

In the Scroll of Esther, revenge is a powerful theme, but just as clearly one that leads to confusion and tragedy.

 Esther and Mordechai writing the second letter of Purim, painted by Arent de Gelder.

How beautiful are illuminated ‘Megillot Esther’

Medieval megillot were beautifully illuminated. Why? Because God’s name is not mentioned.

 Illustrated Esther scroll (Ferrara, Italy, 1616)

Misplaced guilt and right to defend: Lessons from Esther and October 7 - opinion

We make no apology for defending our home, our families, our country, and our race.

 AN ULTRA-ORTHODOX man dances on the street, marking Purim, the celebration of the Jews’ salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, in Jerusalem’s Mea Shearim neighborhood, on March 16.

Grapevine March 21, 2025: Greater sensitivity needed toward families of hostages

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

 PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG speaks at the Inauguration of the Avraham Shochat Cultural Center in Arad.

Peter Beinart, Rabbi Sharon Borus: Jews blind to their own self-destruction - opinion

As of late, there has been no shortage of self-hating Jews; one can only look on in horror and pray they realize the error of their ways.

PETER BEINART is the sort of progressive who hopes to be ahead of his time.