Judaism

Middle Israel: How 'The Odyssey' echoes the Jewish story of homecoming - opinion

Written roughly in the time of Isaiah, The Odyssey had nothing to do with the Jews. Its narrative, however, sure is relevant to the Jews, as their own narrative comes under assault. 

JEWISH IMMIGRANTS from Europe arrive in Haifa in 1929. Drawing on Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of ‘The Odyssey,’ the writer explores why the Jewish return to Zion remains one of history’s enduring homecoming narratives.
Moses on Sinai (Le tables de Loi judaique), 1773. Artist Simon Julien.

Parashat Va'ethanan: The positive within the negative

Modern culture has gradually eroded many boundaries.

Parashat Va'ethanan: Behind the curtain

Shabbat candles

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US


On Tisha B'Av, Israel's politics must reject hatred over unity - editorial

Israel’s first election since the October 7 massacre should have begun with humility and reflection. Instead, an opening image appeared to use a bereaved father's grief as political ammunition.

Young people in the foreground pray at the Western Wall during Tisha B'Av.

Today in photos: Thousands gather at Western Wall for Tisha B'Av lamentations

Tisha B'Av is first and foremost a fast day, during which Jews abstain from all food and water for approximately 25 hours, from sunset until nightfall the next day.

Jews pray at the Western Wall on Tisha B'Av, July 22, 2026.

Brilliant Hebrew calendar: More than just dates - opinion

Thanks to the Hebrew calendar, Jewish history is never abandoned or forgotten. Jews celebrate or commemorate – from destruction to rebirth.

Worshipers are seen at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Tisha B'Av.

Tisha B'Av 2026: Fast times for Israel and US

See when the fast begins and ends in your area.

An ultra-Orthodox jew prays at the Westen Wall July 17, 2002 on Tisha B'Av

Tisha B'Av 2026: What the Jewish summer fast day is all about - explainer

On Tisha B'av, the Jewish people mourn the two destructions of the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem. Here is everything you need to know.

‘THE DESTRUCTION of the Temple of Jerusalem,’ Francesco Hayez, 1867

'Faith in a Turbulent World': Lamentations teaches us how to endure grief - review

Yael Ziegler shows how the structure, rhythm and shifting voices of Lamentations hold grief, accusation and faith within the same biblical text.

MODERN REPLICA of the Arch of Titus relief depicting the spoils of the Second Temple, carried in a triumphal procession through Rome following its conquest of Jerusalem in 70 CE.

Tisha B’Av: Can Jews mourn destruction while witnessing national rebirth?

Rabbi Akiva’s smile offers a model for Tisha B’Av, allowing Jews to grieve past destruction while recognizing the beginnings of restoration.

MEASURE OF HOPE: Celebrating freed hostages on Simchat Torah in Moshav Lavon, Oct. 14, 2025.

Herzog College Bible festival connects ancient texts to modern Israel - preview

The multilingual festival combined lectures, online study, and historical tours, bringing Tanach to audiences in Israel and around the world.

THREE GENERATIONS learning together: Brondie Levine with daughter Nechama Weiss and granddaughter Shira Levine.

Tisha B'Av reminds us that rebuilding Israel begins with education - opinion

Perhaps the rebuilding of Jerusalem begins when we become what Isaiah called repairers of the breach, and every act of education becomes another stone in that rebuilding.

  A MODEL OF the Second Temple of Jerusalem.

Jerusalem's Bikur Cholim hospital battle puts city's pluralism to the test

“If the hassidim take control of the eastern building, it will no longer be open to the public, and the gate will be locked,” warned Jerusalem's Deputy Mayor Yosef Havilio.

The Jerusalem Bikur Cholim hospital in Jerusalem closes due to lack of money. November 30, 2010.