Torah

Knesset advances bill to enshrine Torah study into Basic Law, supporting haredi draft evaders

It proposes that the State of Israel "recognize those who commit themselves to long-term dedication to Torah study as performing significant service to the state and the Jewish people."

MK Tally Gotliv and and MK Ofir Katz attend a House committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on, June 9, 2026.
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Beyond the Headlines: What is your mission in the world? - opinion

Shas leader MK Aryeh Deri seen during a Shas party meeting, at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on January 23, 2023.

Ministerial committee approves Torah Study bill amid coalition tensions

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 the settlement of Alon Shvut, June 3, 2026.

The rabbis attacking Israel’s courts are attacking Religious Zionism - opinion


Love isn’t enough: Faith in humanity through the lens of the Torah

In a fractured world, Torah reminds us through Akiva, Hillel and Ben Azzai that every person carries dignity, meaning and divine image.

Hillel was not asking for perfect emotion.

Israel must break free from the dangerous status quo - opinion

What once felt like stability in Israel is now revealed as dangerous inertia with real costs across security, society, and faith.

Israeli soldiers guard near stickers of victims killed in the October 7 massacre and ongoing Iron Swords War at the Bental water reservoir near Kibbutz Merom Golan, in the Golan Heights, October 7, 2025.

Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: The promise of permanence

The covenant endures. The people have returned. And, as the Malbim teaches, we shall never again be cast out.

That mission is rooted in the fusion of the sacred and the everyday.

Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: Love your neighbor as yourself

The days between Pesach and Shavuot invite reflection, as Rabbi Akiva teaches that loving others is central to receiving the Torah.

These are also days of great light.

Hodaya Cohen wins Israel's 78th Independence Day Bible World Quiz for Youth

The event was held at the Jerusalem Theater and recorded in advance due to the security situation, and gathered 16 outstanding young men and women from seven countries.

Hodaya Cohen and Akiva Schreier during the World Tanach Quiz 2026.

The Torah our children wrote - opinion

On the stickers lining our lampposts, our fallen soldiers left something ancient. A new Mishnah, written not in ink but in lives.

Small stickers on lampposts and bus stops, petrol stations and kitchen fridges, plastered on the walls of army bases and in bus depots.

Beyond the Headlines: Odelia’s thank you list - opinion

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

 Dov Landau at the wedding of his great-grandson.

This month in Jewish history: History, memory, destiny

A highly abridged monthly version of Dust & Stars.

AS AN astronomer, Ralbag influenced Copernicus.  Pictured: Nicolaus Copernicus Monument in his hometown of Torun, Poland.

Shabbat Rosh Hodesh: At the threshold of renewal

Shabbat Rosh Hodesh is an invitation to renew not only the month but also ourselves.

‘Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad with her, all who love her.’

Parashat Tazria-Metzora: Turning lemons into lemonade

These parashot deal at length with a unique phenomenon described in the Torah – tzara’at, which are marks or changes that appear on the walls of a house, on clothing, or on the body.

'Spirituality can grow without diminishing anyone,' says the writer.