Simhat Torah

Fifty years on, Israel repeats previous mistakes leading to the October 7 massacre - opinion

From 1973 to 2023, the same intelligence blind spots persist, raising urgent questions about reform.

Members of the Agranat Commission investigate the military’s failures in the prelude to the Yom Kippur War.
An illustrative image of a man reaching for medicine in a medicine cabinet.

Miracle in the medicine cabinet: A Simchat Torah story of healing and joy - opinion

PEOPLE MARK the conclusion of Simchat Torah at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv last week, even as the clock continues to tick, still awaiting the return of hostages killed in captivity in Gaza. Simchat Torah was a mix of emotions this year, the writer notes.

Going it alone: Israel’s healing won’t come from the world—it must come from within - opinion

Einav Zangauker at celebrations at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv as negotiators sign deal freeing all hostages from Gaza, October 09, 2025.

Beyond the headlines: What the freed hostages teach us about Jewish resilience - opinion


Memories of October 6: What were Israelis doing before Hamas attacked?

The following vignettes are among many that were compiled from civilians, soldiers, religious community leaders, and reporters working on The Jerusalem Post’s Breaking News desk that day.

 Israelis seen in Tel Aviv on October 6, 2023

In dark times Jewish strength and solidarity provides light - opinion

In unity, we find strength. In resilience, we discover hope.

 Israelis in unity, amidst terror attacks

Praying to God and self-introspection as Israel is engulfed in war - opinion

God expects us to respond to a crisis by improving our behavior.

 IN SHIR Hashirim, God is compared to a gazelle (seen at the Jerusalem reserve).

Israel's post-holiday return to normalcy marred by Hamas rockets - comment

The festivities all abruptly ended at 8:30 a.m., when it was announced that there was a “security event.” From then on, the day was unlike any other Simchat Torah.

 WEARING GAS masks in Tel Aviv during the Gulf War. 1991.

Is getting the news out ‘pikuach nefesh’? - comment

Was I doing the right thing by suspending Shabbat – which I have observed my entire life – to keep the world informed?

 AT THE sound of a siren, we would halt the service abruptly and head down to the shelter for several minutes before going back upstairs and resuming (Illustrative).

Vezot habracha: The blessing of the Torah

The parsha opens with: “This is the blessing with which Moses, the man of God, blessed the Israelites farewell before he died” (Deut. 33:1).

 FRESH EYES: Lifting a Torah scroll at Yeshiva University in New York, 1950.

Simchat Torah: Order, trust, and the joy of Torah

When we delve into it, study its teachings, and live according to its guidance, we lead meaningful and elevated lives.

 SIMCHAT TORAH at Jerusalem’s Har Hamor Yeshiva.

Simchat Torah: The joy of Torah and the prayer for rain - opinion

It is a fitting benediction to end the festival of Simchat Torah and Sukkot, in which three times we are commanded to rejoice.

 PRAYER FOR rain: Strong stream of rainwater in Ein Prat Nature Reserve, Wadi Qelt, south of Jerusalem, this past Feb.

On the eve of Simchat Torah - are women allowed to touch the Torah?

There is a common misconception that menstruating women are not allowed to touch the Torah. However, halachic sources dating back to the Talmud do not support such an assertion.

 THE JOY of getting close to the Torah

More women are celebrating Simhat Torah in Australia - opinion

Many women from all over the world have described watching from the sidelines as feeling like spectators on what is supposed to be a day of celebrations.

 CELEBRATING SIMHAT Torah in Gush Etzion.