Judaism

Judaism is the oldest monotheistic religion in the world, having originated in the Middle East more than 3,000 years ago with patriarch Abraham.

As the first Abrahamic religion, Judaism has played a major role in shaping the history of the world, having greatly influenced the development of Christianity and Islam, despite having always had a relatively small amount of adherents by comparison.

The religion itself is built off of the "written Torah" of the Bible, known in Judaism as the Tanach, and the "oral Torah" of the Mishna, Talmud and other great works of leading rabbis throughout history.

Judaism itself has no single leading figure, and is divided into multiple streams, such as the ultra-Orthodox (haredi), Orthodox, Conservative and Reform. Further differences also exist along the lines of historic Diasporic communities, such as Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jewry.

Today, the largest concentration of adherents of Judaism can be found in Israel, with the US having the second-largest.

American demand for kosher wine strong despite national decline in wine consumption

Royal Wine, the largest distributor of kosher wine in the United States, saw slower growth this year than in previous years, but growth nonetheless.

MARCH 23, 2026|ByASAF ELIA-SHALEV/JTA

A rabbi raises a glass of kosher wine as he blesses over it.

Participants on a Birthright Israel program.

Birthright travelers look different after October 7, but the effect remains the same, study shows

“Many of the applicants live in communities where they hear frequent criticism of Israel,” a Brandeis University researcher said. "Their perspective on the conflict lacks context.”

MARCH 23, 2026|ByANDREW LAPIN/JTA

Seattle Jewish Community Day School

Jewish day schools’ macro and micro impact - opinion

Day schools function as an anchor institution, attracting parents and communal professionals who seek robust educational options for their own children.

MARCH 22, 2026|ByPAUL BERNSTEIN

The Great Mifgash. Pictured: Tracy Frydberg, director, Tisch Center for Jewish Dialogue at ANU – Museum of the Jewish People; Yoni Alon, Israeli Jewish Peoplehood Coalition and found er of David Cards.

The Great Mifgash: Building global Jewish connections amid crisis

The Great Mifgash used AI-powered speed conversations to unite Jewish leaders across continents in just one evening.

MARCH 22, 2026|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Passover Haggadah Graphic Novel: Bringing the Exodus to life, visually - review

Experience the Exodus like never before with this graphic novel Haggadah, which makes the story immediate, visual, and unforgettable.

MARCH 22, 2026ByNOAH ROTHSTEIN

Haggadah

Az Nashir Haggadah: Women’s voices on the path to redemption - review

A Haggadah that blends tradition, contemporary Israeli reality, and women’s voices for a living redemption.

MARCH 22, 2026ByRIVKAH LAMBERT ADLER

Prophet Miriam plays the tambourine as she dances and sings with the women as they leave Egypt. A Camden Press poster of a wood carving by the Brothers Dalziel after a mid-19th-century illustration by Edward Poynter.

Eid, Nowruz, Nisan converge in 2026, blending faith, culture, renewal across the region

The convergence creates a layered period of celebration that reflects the region’s complex identity, where religious practice and ancient cultural traditions coexist and often reinforce one another.

MARCH 22, 2026BySTEVEN GANOT/THE MEDIA LINE

Iranians watch fireworks during the Wednesday Fire feast, or Chaharshanbe Suri, held annually on the last Wednesday eve before the Spring holiday of Nowruz, in Tehran, on March 18, 2025.

American Jewish groups must rethink their West Bank policy - opinion

American Jewish leaders risk losing influence unless they align with Israeli realities on settlements, security, and the future of Judea and Samaria.

MARCH 22, 2026ByALIZA PILICHOWSKI

An Israeli flag flutters, with Ma'aleh Adumim is visible in the background, in the West Bank, August 14, 2025.

This month in Jewish history: From Exodus to modern Israel, and many birthdays

A highly abridged monthly version of Dust & Stars.

MARCH 21, 2026BySTEVEN DRUCKER

Happy Birthday to: Yigael Yadin (3rd R), Israeli delegation member to armistice talks in Rhodes, 1949, with Yitzhak Rabin {R);

From exile to nationhood: The enduring story of Am Yisrael

Passover marks more than freedom; it forged Jewish nationhood and a lasting identity that endured exile and returned as a living people in its land.

MARCH 21, 2026ByMOSHE TARAGIN

Millions of Jews who do not live in Israel shape their Jewish identity through their connection to this land.

Beyond buffer zones: Southern Lebanon may need a permanent Israeli presence - opinion

After decades of temporary buffer zones, Israel may need civilian presence in southern Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah’s return.

MARCH 20, 2026ByMICHAEL FREUND

Litani river, Bekaa Valley.

Israeli artist Idan Raichel blends music, art and desert magic in 'Fata Morgana'

Idan Raichel’s desert festival “Fata Morgana” blends music, art and resilience amid a time of war and uncertainty.

MARCH 20, 2026ByDAVID BRINN

Idan Raichel: Taking it all in stride.

Parashat Vayikra: Mutual responsibility

Vayikra’s message of purity, repentance, and unity teaches that even without sacrifices, we can draw closer to God and to one another.

MARCH 20, 2026ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ

‘To be worthy, every individual must work on himself.’

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

See Shabbat times for your area.

MARCH 20, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Shabbat candles