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.

'Faith in a Turbulent World': Lamentations teaches us how to endure grief - review

Yael Ziegler shows how the structure, rhythm and shifting voices of Lamentations hold grief, accusation and faith within the same biblical text.

JULY 19, 2026|ByBARUCH LANDA

MODERN REPLICA of the Arch of Titus relief depicting the spoils of the Second Temple, carried in a triumphal procession through Rome following its conquest of Jerusalem in 70 CE.

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

Tisha B’Av: Can Jews mourn destruction while witnessing national rebirth?

Rabbi Akiva’s smile offers a model for Tisha B’Av, allowing Jews to grieve past destruction while recognizing the beginnings of restoration.

JULY 19, 2026|ByMOSHE TARAGIN

THREE GENERATIONS learning together: Brondie Levine with daughter Nechama Weiss and granddaughter Shira Levine.

Herzog College Bible festival connects ancient texts to modern Israel - preview

The multilingual festival combined lectures, online study, and historical tours, bringing Tanach to audiences in Israel and around the world.

JULY 19, 2026|ByALAN ROSENBAUM

A MODEL OF the Second Temple of Jerusalem.

Tisha B'Av reminds us that rebuilding Israel begins with education - opinion

Perhaps the rebuilding of Jerusalem begins when we become what Isaiah called repairers of the breach, and every act of education becomes another stone in that rebuilding.

JULY 19, 2026|ByOFEK MEIR

In the kitchen with Henny: Sheet pan magic

Simple one-pan dinners and a decadent dessert help busy families get delicious meals on the table with minimal effort.

JUNE 6, 2026ByHENNY SHOR

Sheet-pan gnocchi and veggies.

What the ma'apilim teach us about faith and judgment

The story of the spies shows how belief in destiny can falter in fear or slip into reckless overconfidence.

JUNE 6, 2026ByMOSHE TARAGIN

Overconfidence, underconfidence –both negative.

Joshua's spies chose faith over fear - can Israel do the same?

Joshua’s spies returned with faith and confidence, teaching a timeless lesson about courage, purpose, and the Land of Israel.

JUNE 6, 2026ByMICHAEL FREUND

The Grapes of Canaan by James Tissot (circa 1900). Although the 12 spies brought back a cluster of grapes so large that it took two men to carry it, only two of the 12 brought back a good report of the land.

How a Jewish police chief's mezuzah captivated a Mississippi town

A Jewish police chief's mezuzah ceremony became the talk of a Mississippi town and drew a crowd no one expected.

JUNE 6, 2026ByARIEH O’SULLIVAN

The writer and daughter Noa O’Sullivan on roots visit to Mississippi, 2018. Background: Highway welcome sign upon entering to state, ‘the birthplace of America’s music.’

'I am a grateful American': Gary Sinise hopes to bring his mission of service to Israel - interview

From Hollywood to humanitarian work, Gary Sinise shares his journey of service, sacrifice, and resilience.

JUNE 5, 2026ByLANA MELMAN

Gary Sinise receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, surrounded by armed guard, 2017.

Jerusalem highlights: June 5-11

What's new to do in Israel's capital?

JUNE 5, 2026ByHAGAY HACOHEN

‘Sausages,’ Stav Rozental (see Saturday).

Parashat Shlah: The absolute truth

When fear overrides faith, even truth becomes distorted; this is the lesson of the spies in the desert.

JUNE 5, 2026ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ

Truth

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

See Shabbat candle lighting times for your area.

JUNE 5, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Shabbat candles

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, 2026BySARAH BEN-NUN

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

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, 2026ByDAVID GOLDFARB

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