Judaism

Cain, Abel, and the shepherds of Israel

A century-old debate over shepherding in the Land of Israel takes on new meaning as modern farms combine agriculture, security, and settlement in defending Jewish control of the land.

Is Sydney Sweeney considering converting to Judaism?

Page Six reports that Sydney Sweeney is considering converting to Judaism amid her relationship with Jewish music producer Scooter Braun.

Rabbi Yoel Ben-Nun:

Divine inspiration on display on the Flydubai plane

The takeover of the attacker on the aircraft and the rescue of its passengers reflect the same spirit of valor that accompanied the judges of Israel, David and Moshe.

Nahalaat Israel Yeshiva hands out Four Species in Tel Aviv

Nahalaat Israel Yeshiva in Migdal HaEmek, led by Rabbi Meir Katz, set out to bring the Four Species of Sukkot to hundreds of people in Tel Aviv.

The Secret of Joy and Unity during Sukkot

In Moses’ blessing to Issachar and Zevulun lies a message to the Jewish people: complete joy is created when each person recognizes the value of the other, and understands that without him the picture is not complete.

Why was Moses not granted mercy?

Moses succeeded in saving Israel from destruction, but he could not overturn his own decree. In Parashat Haazinu, the true power of prayer becomes clear.

Looking above the parties

Just before Rosh Hashanah and with elections looming ahead, let us contemplate the great miracles that the Jewish people have undergone.

No Elections Needed:

Moses' last day

On his final day, Moses does not look back - he prepares Israel for the future, passes the mantle to Joshua, and leaves behind a timeless lesson in leadership, humility and faith.

First fruits and the Torah’s lesson of gratitude

The mitzvah of bringing the first fruits teaches that true gratitude is more than a feeling - it requires memory, recognition, and action.

A Jewish soul's journey from in the army to at home

From war and the struggle with the enemy to marriage, education and mutual responsibility: a journey through the three circles of the Jewish soul.

New AI platform brings Jewish tradition into the digital age

A new AI-powered platform launched in Savyon aims to make Jewish law, tradition and daily practices accessible worldwide, while connecting users with more than 1,000 rabbis.

'Settlers' returning to their Biblical status

The word 'settlers' is often used as a pejorative, but a study of the Torah, the Sages, and the words of our Rabbis reveals the central place of 'inheritance' in the Jewish story.

Tradition or politics:

Poll discloses what really irritates secular Israelis

57% of secular Israelis support religious presence in the public realm, provided it is not forced. Two-thirds of young Israelis view Judaism in a positive light.

Learning to See: From Blessing to Divine Presence

Parshat Re'eh opens with “See" and ends with “be seen." What does the Torah teach us about the many levels of seeing - from physical sight to spiritual vision?

Trust in God does not replace the army

The parsha teaches that God is the one who grants strength to achieve success, not that a person is exempt from taking action of their own.

Between Safeguarding the Body and Sacrificing One’s Life

Our appreciation for all those who served during the war in its darkest hours demands that we reflect more closely on the verses that have accompanied Jewish self-sacrifice for generations.

It is time to come and take possession of the land

Rashi teaches that the sin of the spies and the contempt for the land are what turned entry into the land into a journey of wars.

Truth alone is not enough

What is the meaning of the “covenant of peace" given to Pinchas - whether in the Bible or in our modern world?

From today’s tears tomorrow’s Good will grow

There is no doubt that the current war has led many to strengthen spiritually, like those synagogues and study halls that stood by Israel against Balaam and Balak.

From the Song of the Well to the Song of the Redemption

This week's parsha shows the need to praise God for miracles - from the days of the wilderness to our own times.

On Money, Power and Public Relations:

When Dathan and Abiram opened the Rebellion Ministry

Korah's sin is not the desert's alone, but a contagious disease that also affects Torah scholars seeking to get by 'without a rabbi'.

The tzitzit that restores the Jewish compass

Tzitzit is not merely a commandment - but a way of life that directs the gaze toward holiness and the land.

Why did Moses' prayer get answered only halfway?

Why at the Red Sea crossing was Moses told, 'What are you crying out to me?', and why, in this passage, was the prayer for Miriam answered only partly?

The Difference Between Pure And Impure Kindness

The Book of Ruth contains no commandments - but is a quintessential lesson for the generations in how and why an act of kindness is to be carried out.

Parashat Bamidbar:

Not just a headcount

The portion of Bamidbar presents the first census of the Jewish people as a national preparation for a holy war. From the verses, it emerges that 'military-age male' is not only a technical datum but a spiritual and national mission.

'Like eating pork':

Rabbi denounces new Israeli haircut trend

Rabbi Avraham Yosef sharply criticized the phenomenon of haircuts that shave the sidelocks in a way that leaves no hair at all.

When Truth Becomes Only a Recommendation

In a world of fake news and manipulation, this week’s piece recalls the importance of cognitive freedom and the risks of misinformation to public discourse.

Perfection Does Not Depend on the Body, But On Spirit

The gap between disqualifying a blemished Kohen from temple service and our deep appreciation for IDF wounded, such as the heroic conscript Ari Spitz, reveals a fundamental principle.

The same old story, still being told

A history of disproportionate contribution and disproportionate blame. Opinion.

Enough, Maspik, Dayenu!

We are done constantly explaining ourselves. We are done trying to make people like us. We are done pretending that one more perfect argument will change hearts poisoned by hate.

A shield for antisemites:

“Judaism Without Zionism"

Don’t be misled: it’s time for us to all put our heads above the parapet and be vocally proud of the world’s only Jewish state. Opinion.

Essentials of Judaism Series:

The many forms of Kedushah

Meta-mitzvot are necessary because the Torah cannot possibly address every circumstance people encounter. Kedushah is an example.

Essentials of Judaism:

Chinuch Habanim: Where Judaism began

Modeling is the only authentic and impactful form of education.

Freed hostage

Rom Braslavsky: 'People need to understand that we are Jews'

Captivity survivor Rom Braslavsky shared in the hospital about his strengthening faith and sense of pride in being Jewish after the years of captivity in Gaza.

The secret of the greatest artists & Judaism's mission statement

How one strange Biblical verse came to capture the success of the Jewish People.

A Noahide writes:

Let's admit it - we hate the Jews because we know they are right

Only Judaism arouses true hatred. And this hatred is roused by non-Jews' very very deep fear/realization that Judaism and the Chosenness of Israel are true. A response to Rabbi YY Jacobson. Opinion.

The 4 Sons—and the 4 Big Questions on Judaism

The Rational Child, the Depressed Child, the Selfish Child, and the Apathetic Child. G-d believes in the youth. You must too!

Rabbi Shimshon Refael Hirsch:

Tzav: Rise and shine

Judaism flourishes in light, not darkness.

In first:

Jewish studies approved as academic degree in Hungary

Hungarian Minister of Education Balázs Hankó approves Jewish Studies as an academic degree program. 'Hungary provides a rare haven of religious freedom amid rising antisemitism across Europe.'

Letter to a soul seeking to convert legitimately to Judaism

The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) created, in conjunction with the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, uniform Conversion Policies and Standards (“GPS”) for conversion to Judaism and a nationwide network of GPS conversion courts. Here is why. Opinion.

Vayetze: Show your children your love of Judaism

First, we must love Judaism ourselves. Then, we can impart this love to our children.

The Jewish moment

We live in a world in which morality has been sickeningly turned on its head. On Yom Kippur we remember the high standards of morality Judaism sets for mankind.

The perils of politeness

What about brainstorming some new outreach ideas? LIke - Why don’t teams of people man tables on or near the university lawns to answer questions about Judaism?

If Judaism Is immutable, how can It be relevant?

A Tale of Two Torahs: The timeless and the timely.

Devarim:

Stopping the 'radical Islamization' of Judaism

Isaiah, along with the other Prophets, is full of warnings about the negative influences on the Jewish people from the outside world, including from other faiths.

The Mission Statement of Judaism

"One sheep you shall offer in the morning and the second sheep in the afternoon." The verse that says it all.

Speaking from experience

With his voice gone, the writer seemed doomed to a life of isolation. Read the story of a young man's discovery of life's true meaning.

Cracking open the Jewish Code

An essay on the foundations of Judaism in six parts. This is Part IV - links to previous parts are below.

Cracking open the Jewish Code. Part II

An essay on the foundations of Judaism in six parts.

Cracking open the Jewish Code. Part I

An essay on the foundations of Judaism in six parts.

Ramat Gan Yeshiva Head: Hamas wants Muslims to rule over Israel

President of Ramat Gan Yeshiva, Rabbi Yaakov Ariel: ‘Our dispute is over the Torah of Israel, over Judaism. Islam cannot recognize Judaism.’

What would Moses think of us today?

What would he say about the abysmal lack of knowledge about Judaism of so many Jews?

Transforming the World - a book by Rabbi Leo Dee

The Jewish impact on modernity is explained in this clear, readable book in a way that presents the case for Jewish continuity and adds original creative insights to Torah observance. Review.

Religious Zionist rabbi:

'Judaism and Islam can find common ground'

Rabbi Oury Cherki, who instructs communities around the world in the Noahide Laws of Judaism, wrote to Islamic leaders to tell them that there was still a chance for their faith to be accepted in the world.

The Nature Party

If a nature party was the way many Israelis felt the holiday of joy in the Torah should be spent, it is a call to those who educate them.

Islam and Israel

According to many Islamic scholars, every Muslim is obligated to fight for the destruction of the State of Israel.

‘We the People’ begin to speak

In the Israel the left seeks to create, Judaism will be no more than a kitschy accessory. Op-ed.

Judaism is much more than ritual precepts

Judaism is the NATIONAL CONSTITUTION of the Jewish NATION. And that can only come about in the Land of Israel.

Op-ed:

Israel can regain the world's respect by embracing its Heritage

Israel's attempts to gain the respect it deserves are not succeeding, and it’s worth considering why. Op-ed.

Shavuot (Pentecost) guide for the perplexed, 2023

Learn the significance of the holiday and its names, about the number 7 in Judaism as well as the number 50 and more.