Hassidim

Gerrer Rebbe, anti-Zionist Satmar billionaire discussed ICJ action against Israel over haredi draft

In footage released by Channel 13, another participant in the meeting, Emet LeYaakov chairman Israel Gafner, can be heard comparing Israel to North Korea.

Gur Grand Rabbi Yaakov Aryeh Alter seen after a meeting of the Council of Torah Sages regarding the Haredi draft exemption bill in Jerusalem, January 7, 2026.
 Thousands of Shluchim pose for a “class picture” outside Chabad World Headquarters

Will Chabad lead American Jewry? - opinion

The IDF arrests eight Palestinians in Mukhmas suspected of attacking Israelis, July 3, 2026.

IDF, Shin Bet arrest eight Palestinians suspected of assaulting Israelis in West Bank village

Ultra-Orthodox (haredi) Jewish men rally against the imprisonment of yeshiva students who failed to comply with IDF draft orders, on June 18, 2026; Illustrative.

Arad residents protest alleged Gur Hassidic ‘takeover’ of city amid rising violence


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.’

A meeting of minds and hearts: What lessons righteous figures learn from each other

Each person saw the value in the other person’s path, and adopted elements of the other’s ethos.

 An illustrative image of two chairs.

Rabbi Pinto: Most problems arise because people don’t know how to make decisions