High holidays

Grapevine: Goodbye, King George?

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

Streets in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are named after Britain’s King George V due to the Balfour Declaration supporting the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in what was then known as Palestine, which was issued during his reign.
The empty streets in Tel Aviv, on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and the holiest of Jewish holidays. Israel came to a standstill for 25-hours during the high holiday of Yom Kippur when observant Jews fast and Israelis are prohibited from driving, October 2, 2025.

Over 250 people injured in Yom Kippur road accidents in 2025, road safety group warns

The opening of the schoolyear.

16 days at home: Who approved the holiday break fiasco?

Franny Weiss with Holocaust survivor Adelle.

Beyond the Headlines: 'But I already heard the shofar at Selichot' - opinion


In the kitchen with Henny: Sweetness in every course

FROM THE first bite to the last spoonful, these recipes let us enjoy the simanim throughout the meal, not just at the beginning.

Henny Shor.

American Jewish community security spending surpasses $1 billion, new data shows

The new study finds that the average spend across over 4,500 Jewish communal institutions amounts to roughly $225,000 per institution which represents a 33% increase compared to 2024.

New York police officers stand guard at the door of the Union Temple of Brooklyn, in 2018.

Tishrei Holidays 2026: Is it really more cost-effective for families to fly abroad?

A holiday price comparison shows gaps between Israel and abroad, as families factor in high hotel costs, traffic, and weather to save money.

Family vacation at a hotel, illustration.

Vacation starts in traffic jams: Ben Gurion Airport prepares for an exceptionally busy month

After 2.65 million travelers in August, 3 million are set to pass through Israel Airports Authority sites in September. Top spots: Greece and Cyprus.

Passengers scramble at Ben-Gurion Airport after a staff strike halted Israeli air travel, August 20, 2026

US calls on international governments to protect Jewish communities ahead of High Holy Days

In recent days, the State Department sent instructions to US diplomatic missions around the world to contact local governments and request that they increase security around synagogues.

A protester holds a sign that reads ‘Anti-Semitism Kills!’ during the ‘Britain Stands With British Jews’ rally at Downing Street in May in London, England. Antisemitic incidents have risen dramatically against Jews globally and in the United States and violence has become once again part of Jewish l

Before Rosh Hashanah, Elul asks us to practice, persevere, and rise a little each day

A shofar that would not sound and Shahar Pe'er's refusal to quit offer an Elul lesson in perseverance, inner strength and preparing for the Jewish New Year one day at a time.

Film strip frame: Soldier blows a shofar (1948-era).

Where are Israelis escaping to during the holidays? Top destinations seeing a demand surge

Ahead of the High Holy Days, vacation demand has jumped 25%, with Seychelles, Mauritius, and Corfu leading as safety becomes a top traveler priority.

Le Morne Beach, Mauritius.

US urges countries to boost security around synagogues ahead of High Holidays

The State Department is also seeking increased protection around Jewish community residential areas and along routes used by worshippers walking to synagogues.

 A kippah demonstration in front of a synagogue in Berlin

Grapevine: Nahlaot journeys

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

Blowing shofar in Jerusalem's Nahlaot neighborhood

From fake burps to reverse tashlich, new children’s books bring the High Holidays to life

The 2026 High Holiday season brings a new set of Jewish children’s books, with new stories spanning Rosh Hashanah traditions, Yom Kippur apologies and Sukkot celebrations.

New Jewish children's books released for the High Holidays in 2026 include ones about awe, tashlich and apologizing for burping.