Religion

In the shadow of October 7: How Yom Kippur has changed for some secular Israelis

The October 7 attack has affected all Israelis somehow. Some have questioned God’s existence. Others have gotten closer to religion, and sought connection to spirituality.

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.
 An illustrative image of a Torah scroll and a shofar for Yom Kippur.

The Jewish sin we never confess: Choosing indifference over love - opinion

The opening of Keith Siegel pancake house, a former Israeli hostage, at Sarona market in Tel Aviv, March 26, 2025.

Taking decisions in both hands: Ex-hostages Keith, Aviva Siegel find new meaning in Yom Kippur

People form a circle and walk on the empty streets in Tel Aviv, on the eve of Yom Kippur, September 24, 2023

An American perspective: Why Yom Kippur still brings Jews together, even without belief - opinion


Who owns Judaism? Israel must take it back from the religious establishment - opinion

Israelis have not abandoned Judaism. They are abandoning those who claim ownership over it.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish protesters demonstrate against a cafe operating on Shabbat, while secular protesters hold a counter-demonstration, in central Jerusalem, August 29, 2026

Parashat Ki Tavo: The finest generation

Elul's call to confession requires more than admitting failure. Authentic teshuva also means recognizing personal growth and the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of this generation.

HONEST ACCOUNTING cannot be selective

Parashat Ki Tavo: The power of joy

Parashat Ki Tavo teaches that joy is not a luxury but a religious obligation, revealed through gratitude, generosity and serving God with a sincere and joyful heart.

REJOICING UPON the release of Hamas hostage Bar Kupershtein, Nov. 2, 2025.

The E1 area: The strategic link between Jerusalem and Israel’s eastern border - opinion

The E1 area is vital to Jerusalem’s political future, and its importance is equally decisive for Israel’s ability to maintain a defensible border in the east.

Israeli minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich attends a press conference announcing his plans to approve more than 3,000 housing units in the E1 settlement project between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim, August 14, 2025.

National-religious men overrepresented in IDF reserves as haredim stay absent, IDI analysis finds

National-Religious men were found to have increased in service substantially from the start of the war until 2025, while the participation of secular men decreased the most of any group.

 THE ZIONIST identity didn’t overcome the Jewish identity, nor did the opposite occur: An IDF soldier puts on tefillin.

Being religious is better for your mental health, Israeli rabbi scientist-led study reveals

Study shows strong sense of purpose, healthier digital habits lower risks for addiction, depression.

VISITORS PARTICIPATE in the capital’s Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem march last month. The encouraging implication of the study is that these are factors anyone can strengthen, regardless of whether they are religious, according to the researcher.

‘I’m fine with Jews, just not Zionists’: Time to rip off the anti-Zionist mask - opinion

Those who believe that they are still supporting their Jewish acquaintances while chanting slogans against Zionism are self-righteous hypocrites

A view shows the stone ruins of the fortress at Masada National Park near Arad in April.

As I turn 80, I hope my life is and continues to be a journey that inspires others - opinion

Will I ever be religious? I do not know. But, as Baruch ben Michael said in his Ethics, “All things perfect are as difficult as they are rare.”

RABBI ABRAHAM Joshua Heschel presents the Judaism and World Peace Award to Martin Luther King Jr., 1965.

Jewish men permitted to pray on Temple Mount with prayer books for first time, Ben-Gvir confirms

The move was done as part of an "initial experiment aimed at ensuring the Middle East doesn't lose its mind over this," journalist Arnon Segal reported.

An Orthodox Jewish man faces the Temple Mount, in Jerusalem's Old City, March 12, 2026

Religious leaders sign interfaith peace accord in Abuja to launch national harmony initiative

Islamist insurgents such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have wrought havoc in the country for more than 15 years, killing thousands of people.

Islamic and Christian leaders exchange pleasantries during a high-level meeting titled "Religion and Building Social Harmony" at an international conference on diversity and social peace in Abuja, Nigeria, August 12, 2026.