Judaism

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.”

Participants on a Birthright Israel program.
Seattle Jewish Community Day School

Jewish day schools’ macro and micro impact - opinion

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

Haggadah

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


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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

See Shabbat times for your area.

Shabbat candles

Jan. 6 protester Jake Lang renounced his Judaism to court the far right. It isn’t working

Far-right, antisemitic media personalities such as Dan Bilzerian and Nick Fuentes slammed Lang for being a "Jewish operative" and a Jew "larping as a white Christian."

Far-right influencer Jake Lang speaks in front of Gracie Mansion regarding the attempted bombing at a protest organized by the influencer on Saturday, on March 9, 2026 in New York City. Two suspects were arrested on March 7 for allegedly throwing bombs that did not explode during a protest outside G