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.

'Messianic’: A slur, or Jewish birthright? - opinion

Throwing the word “messianic” around reduces complex ideas to caricature and avoids the real questions those ideas raise.

 FINANCE MINISTER Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionist Party, addresses his party’s faction in the Knesset last week. He is dismissed as ‘messianic’ not just for his policies, but also a worldview he represents, says the writer.
 Several Jews are seen waving flags with the Hebrew word for Messiah written on them.

Seeing the end from the beginning: Every Jew should see himself as a messianist - opinion

 An illustrative image of haredim.

Haredim cannot say God is theirs if they cut themselves off from Israel - opinion

Shabbat candles

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US


Parashat Balak: Others’ privacy is sacrosanct

Compassionate eyes and a kind heart – yes. Probing eyes and a gossiping tongue – no.

 Balaam and the donkey

A New Zionist Home for a New Zionist Conversation - opinion

The World Zionist Village sets out to unite and empower the next generation of Zionist leaders through education, collaboration, and action.

 A silhouette of Theodor Herzl and an Israeli flag hanging from a pole attached to the side of a building in Jerusalem, Israel.

'The Life of the Soul': A look at Judaism's view on 'gilgul' and reincarnation - review

With such erudite scholarship, The Life of the Soul is a landmark contribution and resource to the study of Jewish mysticism.

 An illustrative image of a young woman by the beach holding hands with a transparent figure.

17th of Tammuz: A time of mourning and fasting

The minor fast on the 17th of Tammuz lasts just from sunrise to sunset. Only eating and drinking are prohibited.

The Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans Under the Command of Titus, A.D. 70

Jewish ethical dilemma: What does Halacha say about coercing medical treatment?

In respecting a competent patient’s wishes, rabbis have upheld that choice in such cases reflects not a disregard for life but a sober recognition that the obligation to prolong life has limits.

 An illustrative image of a hospital bed.

Parashat Chukat: Simple faith

Faith – even when things don’t make sense. Faith – even when life is hard. Even when we have questions, we will always remain steadfast in our beliefs.

 The red heifers brought to Israel from Texas.

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

See Shabbat times for your area.

Shabbat candles

Parashat Chukat: Red ashes, endless skies

The war with Iran was something else entirely. It was swift. It was decisive. It was beyond imagination. It felt branded by God Himself.

 REMAINS OF a ballistic missile fired from Iran in the recent war, June 29, 2025.

In a first for Conservative Judaism, synagogue allows clergy to participate in interfaith weddings

Such weddings would take place outside the synagogue and be officiated by someone who is not clergy, such as a friend, relative, or judge.

  Conservative Judaism has been trying to chart a middle path between Jewish tradition and acceptance of the reality of interfaith families.

Huckabee thanks God at Western Wall for 'miracles granted' to Israel during Iran war

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee visited the Western Wall to thank God for the "miracles granted" during Operation Rising Lion.

 US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee makes an official visit to the Western Wall on July 1, 2025

A Jew is never stuck: Embracing resilience in times of crisis - opinion

Beyond the Headlines: A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news

Israelis arrive to the train station from Ben Gurion International Airport as the first flights back to Israel started since its civilian airspace was closed last week, in Tel Aviv, Israel, June 18, 2025.