The Exodus

Beyond the Headlines: Stronger than we think

A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news.

A protester waves the pre-Islamic Revolution Iranian flag outside UN headquarters during a United Nations Security Council meeting on Iran in New York on January 15, 2026.
Rabbi Tamar Magill-Grimm, of the Conservative Beth Shalom Congregation in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, speaks out with other faith leaders against Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operations in the Twin Cities at a press conference at a Lutheran church in St. Paul, Jan. 20, 2026.

Invoking Torah, Minnesota Jews mobilize against ICE operations

 THANK YOU, Selman Waksman, for isolating streptomycin.

This week in Jewish history: Miracle aids and antibiotics

 Cylinders found at Tel Um el-Marra, Syria.

‘This is from Moses’: Newly imaged Sinai inscriptions revive Exodus-era alphabet debate


Avner Moriah: The artist illuminating the entire Torah through art

As he reflects on the 15 years it took him to complete this monumental endeavor, he says he would not hesitate to embark on the project all over again.

 PLAGUE OF frogs: Artist Avner Moriah depicts Pharaoh summoning Moses and Aaron to halt the plague of frogs.

Two sets of the Ten Commandments on film to celebrate Passover

The Torah tells of two sets of the Ten Commandments. Likewise, Cecil B. DeMille directed two biblical films called "The Ten Commandments," one in 1923 and the other in 1956.

 YUL BRYNNER as Pharaoh in Cecil B. DeMille’s ‘The Ten Commandments.’

Passover, finding freedom: From Yannai to Bruce Springsteen

Unlike Yannai, Springsteen recognizes that the truest redemption happens within the individual: in the blessed, rare moments of the night, out of reach of the cruel binaries of boss man and worker

 WHY SUCH joy from our poets about redemption at night? Because they recognize that however agonizing and slow, despair does dissipate as morning comes and light arises.

Passover: Why the Exodus resonates with Jews from Arab countries

At this year’s Seder, Jews with roots in Arab and Muslim countries might be reflecting, in spite of all the hardships, that the exodus was a blessing and a liberation from persecution.

 Jews being airlifted from Iraq

Passover: Landmark moments in history in the quest for freedom

As we reflect on this story and its relevance to our lives today, it is important to also recognize the ongoing struggle for civil liberties around the world.

 Alexander Gardner’s portrait of Abraham Lincoln, taken on November 8, 1863.

Passover: Trapped in freedom

Passover is perfectly suited for savoring the freedom we sometimes take for granted. In many ways, the modern world embodies the revolution of Passover.

 PASSOVER IS also a moment to scrutinize freedom’s latent dangers.

Passover: Some fun facts, figures for the holiday - primer

Here are some facts and figures – use them to test your Passover IQ, and feel free to share them at your Seder!

 ALL-IMPORTANT: Children take part in a practice Seder.

Outside forces push the Jews back to Israel

During the Exodus, the global acceptance of God likely contributed to the Jews’ own strengthening of faith.

 EARLY SUPPORTER: Reverend William Hechler and family.

Parashat Bo: The politics of extinction

Religious Jews must demonstrate the beauty and dignity of a life of divine commandment and moral commitment.

 GOLD: PSYCHOLOGICAL investment.

Thinking long-term about stock - opinion

Age is a case of mind over matter, if you don't mind then it doesn't matter-Satchel Paige

 Worshippers wearing facemasks with rabbit faces make offerings of incense sticks at lunar new year