Religion

Shmini Atzeret haftarah: The Temple Mount is no longer silent

Shmini Atzeret’s Temple haftarah takes on new meaning as Jews increasingly pray and perform mitzvot on the Temple Mount.

Praying at the entrance to the Temple Mount on Sukkot, Sept. 29.
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministers of Culture of Greece and Bulgaria, Lina Mendoni and Evtim Miloshev, September 30, 2026.

Bones of medieval tsar, 48 religious relics to be exchanged under new Greece-Bulgaria heritage MoU

Students enrolled in the Jewish program at Baku’s School No. 46 celebrate the festival of sukkot.

Baku's Jewish school passes 100 students as Azerbaijan's Jewish community continues to grow

Israelis hold a solidarity rally for American Jews due to a wave of antisemitic attacks in the US.

Zionist education must teach students to understand, not fear, Zionism - opinion


Yom Kippur 2026: The Jewish people are chosen - but not because they are better - opinion

As we recite Ata Behartanu many times during the High Holy Days, let us remember that we were chosen out of God’s love, not because of our own special characteristics.

Jews praying for forgiveness (selichot), at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem, on the eve of Yom Kippur, October 1, 2025

Israel tore itself apart on Yom Kippur - then October 7 reminded us of our collective 'we'

On Yom Kippur of 2023, Jews were pitted against Jews across the country. Thirteen days later, October 7 would remind Israelis that beneath their deepest divisions, there was still a collective “we.”

The Orthodox Jewish group of Rosh Yehudi sets up a gender partition during a public prayer for Yom Kippur, on Dizengoff Square, Tel Aviv, September 24, 2023

The other confession: Yom Kippur as the night journey of the soul

Few images capture Yom Kippur more powerfully than a person bent over a machzor (prayer book), quietly reciting its catalogue of sins.

IN THE early morning before Yom Kippur, 2024, prayers for forgiveness are recited at the Western Wall and elsewhere in the Jewish world.

Would Jews really be more accepted if the State of Israel did not exist? - opinion

After centuries of persecution, Israel gives Jews a homeland where they can defend themselves.

A person holds two Palestinian flags as supporters of the pro-Palestinian campaign group Palestine Action gather outside the High Court in London, Britain, July 4, 2025.

Rosh Hashanah 2026: October 7 awakened Jewish connection - now we must make it last - opinion

Rosh Hashanah offers a moment to turn the Jewish awakening of recent years into lasting community, connection, and belonging.

Visitors at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, October 05, 2025.

Religious Zionism has lost sight of Rav Kook’s ethics - opinion

Rav Kook united Zionism, holiness, and universal justice. Today’s Religious Zionism too often puts settling the land above ethical values.

RABBI ABRAHAM ISAAC KOOK, 1924

Who owns Judaism? Israel must take it back from the religious establishment - opinion

Israelis have not abandoned Judaism. They are abandoning those who claim ownership over it.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish protesters demonstrate against a cafe operating on Shabbat, while secular protesters hold a counter-demonstration, in central Jerusalem, August 29, 2026

Parashat Ki Tavo: The finest generation

Elul's call to confession requires more than admitting failure. Authentic teshuva also means recognizing personal growth and the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of this generation.

HONEST ACCOUNTING cannot be selective

Parashat Ki Tavo: The power of joy

Parashat Ki Tavo teaches that joy is not a luxury but a religious obligation, revealed through gratitude, generosity and serving God with a sincere and joyful heart.

REJOICING UPON the release of Hamas hostage Bar Kupershtein, Nov. 2, 2025.

The E1 area: The strategic link between Jerusalem and Israel’s eastern border - opinion

The E1 area is vital to Jerusalem’s political future, and its importance is equally decisive for Israel’s ability to maintain a defensible border in the east.

Israeli minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich attends a press conference announcing his plans to approve more than 3,000 housing units in the E1 settlement project between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim, August 14, 2025.