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.
UK should recognize Judaism as ethnicity as well as religion, Board of Deputies says
The BoD's new commision on antisemitism, released on Tuesday, explores barriers Jews face in the workplace, the arts, education and even in the health service.
Ptil Tekhelet Educational Center: Israel's newest, bluest cultural venue
Over 100 US Sheriffs join ZAKA training course on Jewish burial customs
'Messianic’: A slur, or Jewish birthright? - opinion
Seeing the end from the beginning: Every Jew should see himself as a messianist - opinion
As we live through moments that feel charged with messianic energy, we must not shy away from pondering how these events reflect prophecy and align with God’s unfolding plan.
Haredim cannot say God is theirs if they cut themselves off from Israel - opinion
The anathema we have built into us Jews of a poresh min hatzibbur, “one who disconnects himself or herself from the community,” is what will lead to our disconnecting from the haredi public.
Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US
See Shabbat times for your area.
Parashat Balak: Others’ privacy is sacrosanct
Compassionate eyes and a kind heart – yes. Probing eyes and a gossiping tongue – no.
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.
'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.
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.
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.
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.
Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US
See Shabbat times for your area.
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.
