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.

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

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

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

17th of Tammuz: A time of mourning and fasting

 An illustrative image of a hospital bed.

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


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.

'Judaism: A love story': The latest book by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin - review

This is a book that will open readers’ hearts and minds to Rabbi Riskin’s vision of Judaism, not just as a religion but as a profound and enduring love story.

 Rabbi Shlomo Riskin (at home with portrait of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik)

'Above All, We Are Jews': The life story of a great American Reform rabbi - review

To learn more about this great American Reform rabbi, Jews and non-Jews alike will want to read this well-researched and highly accessible biography.

 Rabbi Alexander Schindler became one of the greatest supporters of the historic peace agreement between Israel and Egypt.

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

See Shabbat times for your area.

Shabbat candles

Parashat Korah: ‘An elevated place in Gehenna’

What is repentance? It is a small, good thought filled with love – the kind of thought that saved the sons of Korah from a tragic fate; a moment of introspection that can save any Jew from harm.

 ‘THE PUNISHMENT of the Sons of Korah’ by Sandro Botticelli, c. 1481-1482.

Finding God in the foxhole? Netanyahu reveals spiritual side in midst of Iran war - analysis

Some critics say Netanyahu's religiousness is tactical. However, if Netanyahu wanted to use faith for political gain, he has had many opportunities to do so, but he never did.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a statement at the Weizmann Institute of Science, which was hit by an Iranian missile barrage, in the central city of Rehovot, Israel, June 20, 2025