Judaism

From rain to dew: Prayer and the meaning of uncertainty - opinion

The shift from rain to dew in prayer reveals a deeper message about resilience, fear, and spiritual growth.

Rain falls in mid-August in the upper Galilee
Rabbi Jacobson stands next to the monument in Trondheim, 1947.

How a Norwegian pastor helped Jews pray in secret during the Holocaust

A SECTION of Jonathan Vidgop’s family tree on the walls of the Am haZikaron office in Tel Aviv.

Perpetual Jewish family traits: Jewish genealogy, history explored by Am haZikaron Institute

SIMON BETUEL in his home studio.

Simon Betuel: Cosmetics producer by day, artist by night


A deeper reflection: Why the Passover story still matters today - opinion

The lesson that lingers is that freedom is not just about leaving a place of hardship; it is about creating a reality where that hardship does not repeat itself.

FOR ISRAEL in the here and now, these ideas are playing out in real time

The sky is no longer silent: Antisemitism persists, but Jews are no longer defenseless - opinion

For the first time in centuries, Jews are not merely subjects of history but active participants within it.

THEODOR HERZL, the solution appeared straightforward. Pictured: Theodor Herzl’s portrait on the 100-lira note (preceding the shekel), 1965

Jewish authors slam Jewish Book Council for ‘bias toward centering Israeli, Zionist voices’

A new open letter signed by 42 authors argues that the Jewish Book Council, which was founded in 1925, should commit itself more to spotlighting Jewish voices who disagree with traditional Zionism.

Jewish book lovers gather at the Jewish Book Council's offices in Manhattan, July 19, 2023.

Parashat Shmini: Guarding a pure heart

The Hebrew word timtum means “blockage” or “dullness.” Forbidden foods can lead to this blockage – to emotional numbness and a diminished ability to perceive spiritual depth.

DAILY DIET: The Creator gave us clear guidelines.

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

See Shabbat candle lighting times for your area.

Shabbat candles

Jewish leader of UK’s Green Party calls to end trade, diplomatic ties with Israel

“It is outrageous that Israel is still enjoying diplomatic and trade privileges from the international community," said Polanski during his party's local election campaign.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski speaks during the launch of the local election campaign in London, England, April 9, 2026.

Between miracle and memory: The evolution of Miriam in art over the years

Whether in medieval ‘Haggadot’ or the lithographs of Bezalel, artists trace Miriam as she emerges, tambourine in hand, to lead the aftermath of the Exodus.

BYZANTINE MOSAIC, Abbey of the Dormition, Jerusalem (c. early medieval) – Miriam, tambourine in hand.

The body continues: In war, dance becomes a way to survive

In their new works for the Batsheva Ensemble, choreographers Bosmat Nossan and Roni Chadash echo the rhythm of Miriam as a practice of necessity.

‘SEPARATIONS/DOME,’ Batsheva Ensemble. ‘The work began from a feeling, an everyday sensation of vulnerability.’ – Bosmat Nossan

Before the song: On Passover, Miriam leads with rhythm when the path is unclear

Miriam leads not through words or commands but through rhythm, movement, and shared presence. Her tambourine becomes a structure that others can enter.

Engraving: The Song of Miriam (1880), by William Blake Richmond.

Passover and Song of Songs: What spring teaches us about freedom

HIKING THE HOLYLAND: Israel's hiking trails are quieter than they used to be. And yet – spring does not wait.

IT IS no accident that Song of Songs is read every Passover. The book is saturated with an explosive, summoning, and impossible to resist spring – an explosion of energy and new life