Judaism

Beyond the headlines: Taking care of yourself

A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news.

 An illustrative AI-generated image of a Torah scroll opened in an undisclosed location in outer space.
 Rabbi Jeffrey Fox, left, teaches a class in Jewish law at Maharat, the first yeshiva to ordain women to serve as Orthodox clergy.

Two congregations, two opinions as Torahs hit the floor at separate NYC services

HAREDI CHILDREN play an active role in the battle for military exemption, as seen on Highway 4 outside Bnei Brak.

Between two narratives: A candid conversation with an ultra-Orthodox Israeli

NEW IMMIGRANTS from France arrive at Ben-Gurion Airport in June. Instead of fearmongering, we should be encouraging an aliyah of ideals and idealism, the writer maintains.

Israel aims to improve absorption of olim into education system ahead of coming school year


'You’re part of genocide': Chilean synagogue targeted by anti-Israel vandals

The Jewish Community of Chile's representative body condemned the attack in a Sunday X/Twitter post, warning that acts of hatred could not be normalized.

 Palestine Action vandalized JNF offices, Hendon

Tel Aviv decries 'non-issue' in synagogue controversy, ‘faith’ clause removed months ago

The most up-to-date text of the clause shows that the “faith” part has been taken out, undercutting what many ministers and Members of Knesset were quick to catalogue as a widespread liberal threat.

Religious Jews gather on the eve of Tisha B'Av at a synagogue in Tel Aviv, August 12, 2024

From neighbors and friends, why betrayal still haunts Jews to this day - opinion

Betrayal does not break us. It hardens our realism, sharpens our solidarity, deepens our reliance on God, and strengthens our commitment to Israel.

PRO-PALESTINIAN protesters demonstrate outside the British Parliament in June. ‘When my London friends spoke of their sense of betrayal, they were not exaggerating,’ says the writer.

Parashat Re'eh: Divine consolation, both intimate and universal

'The time for consolation is now, and the path to redemption lies before us.'

Zion’s foundations will be laid with sapphires, we are reassured.

Parashat Re'eh: The gift of mercy

This is our ancestral heritage, passed down through the generations, and rooted so deeply that it is part of our very nature.

COMPASSION & MERCY: Haredi soldiers from the IDF Hasmonean Brigade take part in a beret march after completing seven months of basic and advanced training, at the Western Wall, Aug. 6.

Parshat Re’eh: Being engaged to God

We, the Jewish people, will find the courage to move beyond engagement, to build our home with God in Jerusalem, and to begin a new chapter in our ancient story.

PREPARING TO break the glass during a wedding ceremony: It represents a leap of faith; only once the glass is shattered can the covenant be sealed, the writer posits.

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

See Shabbat times for your area.

Shabbat candles

When life doesn’t fit: How to adjust your angle for success - opinion

In Judaism, the concept of tzimtzum teaches us that if G‑d can make space for us, surely we can learn to make space for others and new possibilities.

 An illustrative image of mindfulness meditation.

California Jews suffer heightened anxiety, depression following Oct. 7 massacre - study

In a society permeated by antisemitism, a UC Davis study found that Californian Jews are struggling with rising symptoms of mental distress.

A man holding the flag of Israel confronts a pro-Palestinian protester gathered outside the Adas Torah Orthodox Jewish synagogue, preventing access, in Los Angeles, June 23, 2024

Dozens of Modern Orthodox rabbis call for ‘moral clarity’ in the face of Gaza humanitarian crisis

“Orthodox Jewry, as some of Israel’s most devoted supporters, bears a unique moral responsibility,” the letter says. “Judaism’s vision of justice and compassion extends to all human beings."

Palestinians run towards airdropped aid packages, in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, August 19, 2025

Aliza Mamo's life of resilience: 106 years of faith - opinion

Family of Aliza Mamo, soon turning 106, shares her inspiring journey from Djerba to Israel.

Aliza Mamo, who will soon be turning 106.