Judaism

Simon Betuel: Cosmetics producer by day, artist by night

Influenced by the palettes of Rubens, Klimt, Vrubel, and especially El Greco, Betuel executes deeply Jewish paintings in both figurative and abstract styles.

SIMON BETUEL in his home studio.
FOR ISRAEL in the here and now, these ideas are playing out in real time

A deeper reflection: Why the Passover story still matters today - opinion

THEODOR HERZL, the solution appeared straightforward. Pictured: Theodor Herzl’s portrait on the 100-lira note (preceding the shekel), 1965

The sky is no longer silent: Antisemitism persists, but Jews are no longer defenseless - opinion

Jewish book lovers gather at the Jewish Book Council's offices in Manhattan, July 19, 2023.

Jewish authors slam Jewish Book Council for ‘bias toward centering Israeli, Zionist voices’


The power of personal freedom: Finding meaning and joy in a Passover during war - opinion

We can approach this moment with the recognition that Hashem instilled within us this ability to recognize good even in moments of evil.

That spiritual right to freedom will not always live hand in hand with physical or political liberty.

On Passover, former Gaza hostages say freedom 'takes on a different meaning' - interview

Former hostages David Cunio and Keith Siegel return home, discovering a deeper, personal meaning of freedom this Passover.

Released hostage David Cunio is greeted as he returns to his home in Yavne, last October.

The Passover playbook: Jerusalem activities the whole family can rally around during war

This year, everything will be operating according to the instructions from the Home Front Command. Things may be subject to last-minute changes.

Kol HaOt Passover Festival.

Passover 2026: How to find meaning this year - opinion

We are living in an emotional mosaic of difficulty and inspiration, pain and resilience.

The best desserts of Passover 2026

Passover candle lighting times for Israel and US

See Passover candle lighting times for your area.

Shabbat candles

Jewish tradition is a polemic against loneliness, on Passover and the rest of the year

Jewish holidays like Purim and Passover seek to strengthen different sets of interpersonal connections, such as fostering bonds between friends and expressing care.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim in the ultra-orthodox Mea Shearim neighborhood in Jerusalem on March 4, 2026.

Passover and peoplehood: The ongoing struggle with empire - opinion

The struggle that Israel and the United States have embarked on against Iranian hegemony speaks to the age-old imperative to counter Egypt.

Exodus from Egypt (Edward Poynter)

War’s ripple effects reach Dharamsala as Israeli emissaries prepare Passover over open fire

Despite the fact that there are no missile sirens in this Himalayan backpacker destination, this year’s opening of the season in Dharamsala came with unusual challenges.

War’s ripple effects reach Dharamsala as Israeli emissaries prepare Passover over open fire.

Chief rabbi calls for protection of mosques, churches and synagogues after attacks

“Just as we demand full protection for synagogues and for Jewish lives, so too we reject any harm to mosques, churches, and all houses of prayer...and all religious violence," Rabbi Bar wrote.

 Rabbi Kalman Bar

From Egypt to Jerusalem: Passover inspires hope and security - opinion

“Next year in Jerusalem” reflects centuries of faith, miracles, and God’s ongoing protection of the Jewish people.

 A traditional Seder table setting.