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.

What does the kashrut reform repeal mean, and could it raise food prices? - explainer

The reform was designed to move Israel’s kashrut system away from one controlled almost entirely by the Chief Rabbinate and local rabbinates, and toward a regulated market.

JUNE 3, 2026|BySARAH BEN-NUN

KASHRUT CERTIFICATION at a Jerusalem eatery – will the rabbinate’s monopoly be broken?

THE PARTING of the Red Sea during the Jewish nation’s escape from Egypt, an illustration from a Bible card published 1907 by the Providence Lithograph Company

A different mind, a shared covenant - opinion

I often find myself drawn to the story of Moses, who, when called, responded: "Why me?" Any of Moses’ traits might be understood in the context of autism

JUNE 3, 2026|ByDAVID GOLDFARB

A group of ultra-Orthodox Jews blocked traffic and the light rail in Jerusalem demonstrating against a Haredi draft into the IDF. February 26, 2024.

From Flatbush to Israel: How ignorance fuels the haredi draft crisis - opinion

What a Brooklyn protest reveals about Israel’s internal struggle over equality, service, and a divided society.

MAY 31, 2026|ByYAAKOV GRODKA

Dina Gavriely: ‘My task was clear – create vibrant and joyful texts.’

Meet the Israeli author making Jewish texts accessible for children

The first book I received of Dina’s series of three was her Scroll of Ruth, most appropriate since Shavuot was only a week away.

MAY 31, 2026|ByDAVID GEFFEN

Wine accessories take center stage in Israeli homes despite global decline in consumption

The younger generation tends to drink more moderately, with their wine consumption a choice rather than just another drink.

MAY 20, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

The Pauker Red made in memory of winemaker Gideon Pauker, murdered on Oct. 7, 2023.

Thousands gather on National Mall for Trump-backed 'Rededicate 250' national prayer event

The day-long, faith-focused rally transformed the historic space into a venue for prayer and national reflection.

MAY 18, 2026ByJONAH DAVIDOV

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) leads a prayer at the Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 17, 2026.

Antisemitism has returned after October 7, despite decades of remembrance - opinion

Examining the surge in antisemitism after October 7 and the broader cultural and historical dynamics behind it.

MAY 17, 2026ByCOOKIE SCHWAEBER-ISSAN

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators carry a banner during a protest against the arrival of an Israeli cruise ship in the port of Piraeus near Athens, Greece, June 12, 2025.

How well do you know Israel’s capital? Take the Jerusalem Quiz

At the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum, middle school students from 33 Jerusalem schools put their knowledge to the test this week at the Jerusalem Quiz.

MAY 16, 2026ByPENINA HOROWITZ

In total there were 33 participants, each representing a different Jerusalem school – religious, secular, and mixed.

This month in Jewish history: Revelation, thrill of victory, agony of defeat

A highly abridged monthly version of Dust & Stars – Today in Jewish History.

MAY 16, 2026BySTEVEN DRUCKER

THE PALMAH’S ‘German Squad’ on a training march, 1942.

From Sinai to today: Judaism and the long march of monotheism - opinion

We were not selected for privilege but to carry God’s presence and moral vision into a broader world.

MAY 16, 2026ByMOSHE TARAGIN

MONOTHEISM WAS never intended to remain the private inheritance of a single nation.

America’s National Shabbat: An invitation Jews cannot afford to miss - opinion

Trump’s call for a national Shabbat highlights a growing Judeo-Christian alliance and a new cultural moment in America.

MAY 15, 2026ByTULY WEISZ

A JEWISH FAMILY gathers after lighting Shabbat candles.

Jerusalem Day: Israelis cannot afford to take a united Jerusalem for granted - opinion

Jerusalem Day should be appreciated and celebrated in all its manifestations – as a historic achievement, a political challenge, and a spiritual opportunity.

MAY 15, 2026ByDAVID M. WEINBERG

Jewish men dance with Israeli flags during Jerusalem Day celebrations at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, May 26, 2025.

Parashat Bamidbar: ‘Machar Chodesh’

This week’s haftarah offers a timely message about longing, loyalty, and the enduring bond between the Jewish people and their homeland.

MAY 15, 2026ByMICHAEL FREUND

IDF SOLDIERS stand at the Western Wall in June 1967 after it was captured during the Six Day War.

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

See Shabbat candle lighting times for your area.

MAY 15, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Shabbat candles