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.

Perpetual Jewish family traits: Jewish genealogy, history explored by Am haZikaron Institute

Using an exact-sciences approach endorsed by a committee of 55 Nobel laureates, Am haZikaron can reveal the unique characteristics of one’s clan that have been preserved for centuries.

APRIL 12, 2026|ByABIGAIL KLEIN LEICHMAN

A SECTION of Jonathan Vidgop’s family tree on the walls of the Am haZikaron office in Tel Aviv.

SIMON BETUEL in his home studio.

Simon Betuel: Cosmetics producer by day, artist by night

Influenced by the palettes of Rubens, Klimt, Vrubel, and especially El Greco, Betuel executes deeply Jewish paintings in both figurative and abstract styles.

APRIL 11, 2026|ByABIGAIL KLEIN LEICHMAN

FOR ISRAEL in the here and now, these ideas are playing out in real time

A deeper reflection: Why the Passover story still matters today - opinion

The lesson that lingers is that freedom is not just about leaving a place of hardship; it is about creating a reality where that hardship does not repeat itself.

APRIL 11, 2026|BySTEWART WEISS

THEODOR HERZL, the solution appeared straightforward. Pictured: Theodor Herzl’s portrait on the 100-lira note (preceding the shekel), 1965

The sky is no longer silent: Antisemitism persists, but Jews are no longer defenseless - opinion

For the first time in centuries, Jews are not merely subjects of history but active participants within it.

APRIL 11, 2026|ByMOSHE TARAGIN

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

See Shabbat times for your area.

MARCH 13, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Shabbat candles

Parashat Vayakhel: A ‘kahal’ at war

As Israel faces its greatest challenges, the lessons of Vayakhel remind us of the power of unity in times of crisis.

MARCH 13, 2026ByMOSHE TARAGIN

ISRAELIS TEND to experience their identity more as members of a nation than as members of local congregations. Pictured: Celebrating Israel’s 77th Independence Day in central Jerusalem, May 1, 2025.

Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei: Wisdom of the wise

“Give to the wise, and he will become yet wiser.”

MARCH 13, 2026ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ

A pile of books.

Argentina's Milei says 'proud to be the most Zionist president in the world' at Yeshiva University

"Hoppe is bothered that I am a strong supporter of Israel," Milei told the audience.

MARCH 10, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Argentinian President Javier Milei addresses and Audience at Yeshiva University on March 9, 2026.

Iran’s nuclear ambition is not just Israel’s problem - opinion

Iran’s leaders chant “Death to America” while pursuing nuclear power. This is not Israel’s problem alone; it is a threat to the West.

MARCH 8, 2026BySHMUEL LEGESSE

AN IRANIAN FLAG is pictured near in a missile during a military drill, with the participation of Iran’s air defense units in October. (West Asia News Agency/Reuters)

From Khaybar to Khamenei: Historic battles and their echo in modern Iran - opinion

Historic battles and religious memory echo across generations, from the Battle of Khaybar to the death of Khamenei.

MARCH 8, 2026ByEDY COHEN

The Battle of Khaybar.

Israel never stops bringing its soldiers home - opinion

A special forces mission in Lebanon shows the ancient promise still guiding Israel: no Jew is ever left behind.

MARCH 8, 2026ByELI BEER

Missing IAF navigator Ron Arad in captivity after his jet went down in Lebanon in 1986

From DC to Jerusalem: Larry Liss’s journey as a chef and culinary artist

A southern-born chef brings creativity and flavor to Jerusalem through home-cooked meals and culinary adventures.

MARCH 8, 2026ByALAN ROSENBAUM

Larry Liss.

Why Israel doesn’t need the world’s permission to fight Iran - opinion

The so-called “rules-based international order” has ignored the fact that an international armed conflict has long existed between Iran, the US, and Israel.

MARCH 7, 2026ByDAVID M. WEINBERG

Motorists drive along an expressway as plumes of smoke rise after a strike in Tehran on March 5, 2026.

How Mikhael Mirilashvili sees Netanyahu, Trump, and Israel’s national priorities - interview

From legal battles to Channel 14, Mirilashvili shares his perspective on politics and public life.

MARCH 7, 2026ByZVIKA KLEIN

Working in his Petah Tikva office, 2024: Watergen’s water-from-air technology is a priority.