Religion

Lag Ba’omer reminds us to choose respect over division among Jews - opinion

Rabbi Akiva’s students remind us that respect and unity are essential to Jewish spiritual life.

 Rabbi Elimelech Biderman with his followers celebrate the jewish holiday of Lag Ba'Omer, in Meron. May 9, 2023
BRIANNA TO NECHAMA: The journey.

After leaving Amish roots in Kentucky, Brianna Leapley built a Jewish life in Jerusalem

(Illustrative). Hand opens door to allow stream of light to enter.

Entering the fourth room: We are living in a new stage of Jewish history - opinion

Students going to school

Faith, values and coexistence deepen at a Jewish school in Manchester - opinion


Jewish learning defines knowledge in a fragmented world - opinion

In an age of distraction, Jewish knowledge is no longer about knowing everything, but about engaging deeply with the core texts that shape understanding, practice, and meaning.

Torah scroll 521

From sirens to song: Friendship forged in Israel’s shared loss - opinion

Yossi and Moshe fought together, fell together, and now, rest together side by side on Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl.

Family and friends of Israeli soldier Moshe Yedidia Leiter mourn at his funeral at the Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem, November 12, 2023.

Understanding global criticism of Israel through historical, theological lenses - opinion

How history, religion, and ideology shape global views of Israel and Jewish sovereignty.

An Israeli flag flutters, with Ma'aleh Adumim is visible in the background, in the West Bank, August 14, 2025.

What South Park and Dante get wrong about the Hebrew Bible’s Hell - study

A new academic essay argues that the fiery underworld familiar from Dante, TV, and pop culture replaced the Hebrew Bible’s older, quieter idea of Sheol.

Dante and Virgil in the Second Circle of Hell, 1823. Found in the Collection of Thorvaldsens Museum, Copenhagen. Artist Koch, Joseph Anton (1768-1839).

Love isn’t enough: Faith in humanity through the lens of the Torah

In a fractured world, Torah reminds us through Akiva, Hillel and Ben Azzai that every person carries dignity, meaning and divine image.

Hillel was not asking for perfect emotion.

Promoting Diaspora aliyah will never succeed through anger - opinion

Strengthening Israel-Diaspora ties requires partnership, not accusations or threats to abandon engagement.

American Jews [Illustrative]

Israel must break free from the dangerous status quo - opinion

What once felt like stability in Israel is now revealed as dangerous inertia with real costs across security, society, and faith.

Israeli soldiers guard near stickers of victims killed in the October 7 massacre and ongoing Iron Swords War at the Bental water reservoir near Kibbutz Merom Golan, in the Golan Heights, October 7, 2025.

Grapevine, April 24, 2026: Israel loves Milei!

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

Alon Ohel (right) accompanied by his brother, Ron.

Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: Love your neighbor as yourself

The days between Pesach and Shavuot invite reflection, as Rabbi Akiva teaches that loving others is central to receiving the Torah.

These are also days of great light.

Israel must be more than just the nation-state of the Jewish people - opinion

Beyond security, Israel must serve as an anchor for Jewish identity, culture, and global engagement.

 People watch the military airshow as part of Israel's 75th Independence Day celebrations, in Saker Park, Jerusalem, April 26, 2023.