Hassidim

Góra Kalwaria: The legacy of Poland’s ‘New Jerusalem’ and Gur hassidim

In the footsteps of the Gerrer hassidim and their illustrious rebbes: A look at Góra Kalwaria in Poland.

Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Alter (1865-1948) with his entourage.
‘MIRIAM’S MIRACULOUS WELL,’ from a synagogue at Dura-Europos, located in modern-day eastern Syria.

A biblical legend: Yom Kippur and the mystery of Miriam's Well

AT THE ruins of the Jobar Synagogue in Aleppo.

From Satmar to Syria: The hassidic mission to discover relics of ancient Jewish civilizations

JPost sits down with Mitchell Silk.

A seat at the table: Mitchell Silk’s journey from Beijing to the White House


Politicians decry attempts to allow haredi draft dodgers to travel to Uman, New York

The government decision to invest NIS 10 million to finance the various aspects of the annual haredi pilgrimage to Uman sparked widespread criticism.

 Jews in the streets of Uman, a day after the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, September 18, 2023.

When hassidic masters tried, failed to usher in the messianic age during Napoleon's wars

The Hozeh would later recount that the Heavenly Court had ruled against him on account of his attempts to bring the redemption before the appointed time.

‘SIEGE OF Acre,’ 1799

Utterly forbidden or a glowing husk? How hassidic Jews view AI

It is not entirely clear whether there is rabbinic oversight and by what standard these large language models are 'kosher.'

 An illustrative image of a robot dressed in the clothing of an ultra-Orthodox Jew.

Jewish mysticism: Did hassidic masters use the Pope Joan legend to heal?

If the Pope Joan narrative is mystically powerful, and telling the tale of that narrative is also potent, then recounting the story of the tale of the narrative might alleviate the pain.

 POPE JOAN with the papal tiara, illustrated manuscript, c. 1560, Bibliothèque nationale de France.

Prayers of silence: Why Passover's seventh day is so unique in its quietness

Calling out in prayer and beseeching God to answer our supplications involves an element of entitlement, perhaps even temerity. In contrast, silence reflects humility.

 An illustrative image of online messenger icons.

Israeli troops escort hundreds of hassidic pilgrims to rabbi's tomb inside Lebanon

The pilgrims were reportedly escorted by IDF soldiers early on Friday morning to hold the Shacharit prayer at the site of Rav Ashi's tomb.

  Ultra-Orthodox Jews pray at the tomb of Rav Ashi,on the Israeli border with Lebanon, March 7, 2025

This week in Jewish history: Herzl writes Der Judenstaat, Byzantines betray the Jews

A highly abridged weekly version of Dust & Stars.

 ‘HERZL UNDERSTOOD the value of a great photo’: Theodor Herzl in Basel, 1897.

A new chapter for hassidim and the IDF - opinion

As we support these pioneering souls, we must also pave the way for more integration, more understanding, and more shared responsibility. The future of our nation depends on it.

 NETZACH EDUCATIONAL Network graduates join the IDF. Hasidim from the Belz, Karlin-Stolin, and Sanz communities are preparing to enlist in the IDF, under the guidance and blessing of their rebbes, says the writer.

Prepare it or wing it? Inspiration and guidance for Torah teachers

While being lax about preparation could reflect a lack of respect for the forum and a disdain for the audience, we can also discern positive spiritual aspects of such an approach.

 IDF reserve soldiers and Orthodox Jews reading from a Torah scroll at dawn.

Terrorists fire at Israeli bus exiting Nablus, driver lightly wounded

The bus was reportedly en route to its destination without prior coordination with the military.

Gunmen attend the funeral of Palestinian teen Hamzeh Al-Ashqar, who was killed in clashes during an Israeli military raid, in Askar camp near Nablus, in the West Bank February 7, 2023.

How 'Tamid Ohev Oti' became an unlikely Israeli anthem of 2024

“Tamid Ohev Oti” is more than a song; it’s a phenomenon uniting Israel through faith, rhythm, and hope.

 SASSON SHAULOV’S YouTube cover page for ‘Tamid Ohev Oti,’ translated from the Hebrew as ‘Always Loves Me.’