Orthodox Jews

Most Israeli Jews fast on Yom Kippur, while over half take part in prayer services, survey finds

Only a small number of those reported to be fasting partially or not at all are older people, according to the survey data, suggesting that the reasons are more linked to health or principle.

A Jewish man blows a shofar at the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City during the final Selichot prayers ahead of Yom Kippur, September 19, 2026.
A haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protester argues with a police officer outside the Jerusalem IDF recruitment center, April 12, 2026.

Givati situation must teach IDF it has no time for diversions by religion, egalitarianism - comment

MEASURE OF HOPE: Celebrating freed hostages on Simchat Torah in Moshav Lavon, Oct. 14, 2025.

Beyond outrage: Building communities that can fight antisemitism - opinion

Israeli soldiers at a staging area near the Israeli border with Syria in northern Israel, February 28, 2026.

IDF nearly strikes right-wing Israeli activists mistaken for terrorists near Syrian border - report


National healing begins with a much needed change in politics - editorial

We may be naive, but at the same time truly believe that there is a small and important opportunity for change.

Even as Shas followed United Torah Judaism’s lead and declared on Wednesday it was leaving the government, it did so with a major caveat: ‘We are leaving the government, but we are not quitting the coalition.’ Here, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sits alongside Shas chairman Arye Deri in 2023.

Reality check: Ultra-Orthodox rabbis are leading their flock to a historic dead end - opinion

MIDDLE ISRAEL: In their wartime conduct, the ultra-orthodox rabbis show a lack of commitment and a real disconnection with reality.

 "We are at war. Join it! Fully, immediately, to the last of you, like everyone else," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not tell Shas leader Arye Deri.

From immigrant to innovator: Oleh entrepreneur lights up business world with Shabbat-friendly light

This ingenious design allows any existing light fixture to be used on Shabbat, providing a convenient and aesthetically pleasing alternative to bulky, standalone Shabbat lamps.

  Osher Fritzhand, 27, with the Ner Tamid.

‘Passover Coke’ could become obsolete as Trump says Coca-Cola will use ‘REAL’ sugar in US soda

Such a change would obviate Coca-Cola’s special runs for Passover — and the fervent searches that some kosher-keeping Jews undertake to secure the scarce “yellow-cap” bottles of Coke that result.

 Many red lids and one yellow plastic cap with coca cola logo close up.

Haredi draft dilemma: Religious exemption from IDF will bring down the government

With a majority of Israelis calling for public change, haredi exemption from the IDF is no longer just a legal debate, but a question of Israel’s survival.

 Ultra-Orthodox Jews clash with police during a protest against the drafting of ultra orthodox jews to the Israeli army, on road 4 near Bnei Brak, June 5, 2025.

Fighting antisemitism requires healing the Jewish political divides - opinion

A deep problem exists within the Jewish community that we don't want to recognize, one that threatens to exacerbate the already stark partisan divides within our community..

 A man walks with an Israeli flag draped over his shoulders, following an incident where two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead near the Capital Jewish Museum, in Washington, DC, US, May 22, 2025.

Balancing devotion and division: The 'nazir' is a colorful but complicated personality

Secular Zionist culture has deepened in spirituality and no longer aims to hollow out religion. This cultural shift in Israel may render extreme cultural insularity less essential.

 A glass of wine (illustrative).

Orthodox slates claim nearly half of US votes in World Zionist Congress election

A surge in Orthodox votes reshapes the American delegation at the World Zionist Congress, challenging the traditional dominance of liberal movements.

 PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG addresses a gala event on August 29, 2022, on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the First Zionist Congress, at the original venue, the Stadtcasino Basel, in Basel, Switzerland.

Yitzhak Teshuva: "Where others tried and failed - I succeeded only through faith"

At Derech Ami's annual event, Iris Haim receives inaugural award for Jewish identity, sharing a powerful message of unity after October 7.

 Yitzhak Teshuva: "You must believe, and nothing will stand in your way."

Trump's trade war imperils Spanish hatmaker's business with US Orthodox Jews

Higher tariffs would be "dramatic" for the hand-made hat factory, since it can't afford to reduce prices for its long-term clients in the US to offset the new fee, Mazuecos said.

(Illustrative) HAREDIM GATHER en masse in Bnei Brak.