Rosh hashana

Freedom of worship demands both physical safety and sanctuary autonomy - editorial

On Yom Kippur, Jews across the world gather to recite the same confessions. That shared observance does not require Jews to agree about how Judaism should be practiced.

People walk and ride bicycles on empty streets in Jerusalem on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement and the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, September 21, 2026.
An ultra-Orthodox man blows a shofar ahead of Rosh Hashanah in Mea She’arim in Jerusalem in August

Beyond the echo of the shofar: Urgent action for Israel’s children in the new year

Defense Minister Israel Katz attends a plenum session and a vote on a bill to split the duties and powers currently held by the attorney general between two separate officeholders, at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, July 15, 2026.

When journalism crosses the line from reporting to mind reading - opinion

 A Jewish worshipper blows a Shofar as he takes part in Slichot at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, 2017

Rosh Hashanah 2026: What does ‘shana tova’ mean in an Israel divided by politics? - opinion


Looking back on the year 5784: A soundtrack of war, love, and TikTok

After the initial shock had worn off and the country began pulling together, people were looking for ways not only to express themselves but also to uplift others.

 ADI AGAI’S SONG ‘Trauma’ became an anthem for listeners.

A taste of the new year in a bottle: Macallan launches festive whisky

As winter approaches and the scent of the New Year fills the air, Macallan, in collaboration with Whisky Bar Museum, launches A Night on Earth in Scotland edition.

 Macallan's Festive Whisky

Transportation department failure: Pilgrims over reservists - opinion

Soldiers and stranded Israelis don’t have political sway. Thus, they're inconsequential to Regev.

 Men dance near the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman on the eve of Rosh Hashanah last week. The writer ponders: The country has been working around the clock to return the Uman travelers; why isn’t it also organizing transportation for soldiers?

Minneapolis police arrest man for ‘terroristic threats’ made to synagogue on Rosh Hashanah

Jaden LeBlanc’s arrest occurred a day after a member of Temple Israel’s security team reported spotting a man with a gun outside the Reform synagogue during holiday services.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, center, speaks at a press conference alongside Temple Israel senior rabbi Marcia Zimmerman, left, and Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara, right, Oct. 5, 2024.

Paratroopers eliminate 15 Hezbollah terrorists in close-range combat, destroy tunnels

Israeli paratroopers killed 15 Hezbollah terrorists, uncovered weapons, and located underground sites.

 IDF soldiers operating in a Hezbollah-controlled village in Lebanon. Uploaded on 4-Oct-2024

Israel’s 68,000 evacuees celebrate Jewish new year apart — and wonder when they will return home

Families have had to spend the Jewish holidays separated, as Hezbollah continues to fire at civilian communities.

A woman and a girl hold pet carriers and other belongings as they prepare to depart from Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel near the border with Lebanon, Oct. 19, 2023.

Year after the horror: Rekindling Jewish identity in the wake of tragedy

In the face of unspeakable violence and global hatred, the Jewish people confront their identity, mission, and resilience, guided by faith, history, and the promise of a brighter future in 5785.

 Rabbi Sholom Lipskar.

Shofar shortage? War impacts Jerusalem seller as shipping delays, costs spike

This year has been challenging for Refoua, who sells Judaica gifts and souvenirs in a shop in downtown Jerusalem. The war has decimated tourism and spiked shipping costs.

 Jan-Elazar Refoua in his shop in Jerusalem, in front of pictures of three of his sons who are serving in reserves (Marc Israel Sellem)

One chain pays more than all others during holidays

Geocartography Institute survey finds Rami Levi chain leads in offering the most affordable shopping basket during Israel's holiday rush.

 Rami Levy

Light bubbles of optimism

For their lives, for our lives, for life, especially now: Wine and alcohol recommendations for Rosh Hashanah.

 Psagot Winery