Secular

Israeli organization's 'Secular House' opens in Thailand as non-religious alternative to Chabad

The 'Secular House' is the brainchild of the Free Secular Movement, an Israeli activist organization that promotes secularism and the separation of religion and state in Israel.

'Secular House' in Thailand, an Israeli activist organization.
 Big Fashion Glilot

Ramat Hasharon to force mall to close on Shabbat after religious controversy

IDF SOLDIERS operating in the Gaza Strip.

Pareto vs the IDF: Does sociology determine army service? - opinion

Ultra orthodox jewish men protest against the jailing of yeshiva students who failed to comply with an army recruitment order, at the home of Supreme Court Deputy President Noam Sohlberg in Alon Shvut, June 3, 2026.

Man attacked by haredi protesters outside Jerusalem police station after Sohlberg rioters arrested


Is Eshkolot the future of haredi secular education in Israel?

While the Eshkolot program has attracted close to 20,000 students, there remains an official stigma among many to publicly acknowledge their participation in the program

 SEVENTY-FIVE percent of Eshkolot program students are haredi men with no formal secular education.

Meet the Fire Island shul; warning: not your normal shul

For those who observe Shabbat and Jewish holidays, and for those who simply want a relaxed destination getaway not far from New York City, there may be no better place than on Fire Island.

 THE FIRE Island market and trolleys.

How are parents, adult children navigating religious differences?

Yet, all around us are families that have found ways to navigate their religious differences. We focus here on three Torah-observant families that have adult children who identify as secular.

 A HAREDI family walks on the beach in Ashdod this past Passover (Illustrative)

Israeli art and design at its finest: Bezalel Graduate Exhibition 2022

I cannot help but recommend seeking out a recent Bezalel graduate if you are looking for a new local artist to patronize or simply seeking some food for thought.

 THE KIDDUSH cup from Naama Altalef Blau’s ‘In the Beginning of Love’ Judaica collection.

Time for a new kind of Israeli-Jewish identity - opinion

Two competing narratives are at play: one secular and one religious.

 “Young Tel Avivians  at MINYAN. Participants from diverse backgrounds are invited to celebrate Shabbat with 10 total strangers in an attempt to form a new kind of Jewish community"

Secular Jews, moral objectivism and religious ideology - opinion

While I won’t tie my moral code to religion, it’s eye-opening to see the merits of a religious belief and to hold more respect for the ideology of religious individuals.

 WOMEN PRAY in synagogue. ‘While I won’t tie my moral code to religion, it’s eye opening to see the merits of a religious belief,’ says the writer

Easy to be Jewish, but easier to decrease observance - opinion

Israel has yet to become the place of the ingathering of exiles

A CHABADNIK helps a man put on tefillin in Safed.

As a non-religious woman, do I not have a voice? - opinion

“Anyone can be observant, but a truly religious person is kind, thoughtful, inclusive and caring.”

A secular woman cycles in downtown Jerusalem, alongside ultra-Orthodox pedestrians

Three ladies, three lattes: Betrayal

Three ladies, three lattes looks at percolating issues in Israel's complicated social and religious fabric. Secular Pam, modern Orthodox Tzippi and haredi Danit answer your questions.

 WHEN LEADERS decree it ‘lashon hara’ to speak of Chaim Walder, this is tantamount to keeping a terrible secret.

There is so much that separates us – but a lot that unites, too

A chance encounter shows the unified nature of the Jewish people

 THE LONELINESS of the Covid bus passenger.