Religion

The real threat behind Europe’s crackdown on brit milah - opinion

As Europe scrutinizes brit milah, Jewish communities must defend religious freedom without surrendering tradition.

Brit milah ceremony 311
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators carry a banner during a protest against the arrival of an Israeli cruise ship in the port of Piraeus near Athens, Greece, June 12, 2025.

Europe’s Israel policy, the search for a unifying narrative - opinion

Participants attend the annual Israel Day Parade, Sunday, May 31, 2026.

Faith, friendship, and the future of Israel advocacy - opinion

YISHAI, ‘OUR sweet pea.

A gift of light and love: A grandmother's tribute to a beloved grandson


Time for Israel’s non-kosher public to push back - opinion

Even the hint of a religious consumer boycott can shut entire markets. Deals collapse the moment the “non-kosher” is mentioned.

REPRESENTATIVES OF the Chief Rabbinate of Israel cross Jaffa Street in Jerusalem as they deliver a kosher certificate to a local restaurant.

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

The lesson that lingers is that freedom is not just about leaving a place of hardship; it is about creating a reality where that hardship does not repeat itself.

FOR ISRAEL in the here and now, these ideas are playing out in real time

Parashat Shmini: Guarding a pure heart

The Hebrew word timtum means “blockage” or “dullness.” Forbidden foods can lead to this blockage – to emotional numbness and a diminished ability to perceive spiritual depth.

DAILY DIET: The Creator gave us clear guidelines.

Long Island town ordered to pay $19M after blocking Chabad synagogue construction

Rabbi Aaron Konikov and Lubavitch of Old Westbury sued the Village of Old Westbury in 2008 after the village unlawfully blocked construction on the rabbi's property.

The Chabad of Roslyn/Old Westbury building.

Mordecai Kaplan's Reconstructionism: A vision of American Judaism that struggles to grow - review

Mordecai Kaplan’s dream of a Jewish civilization built on choice and fulfillment faces the reality of modern challenges in sustaining community and commitment.

 A Torah held aloft at a reconstructionist synagogue.

Canadians pray for Jerusalem as Parliament penalizes quoting the Bible - opinion

The success of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast in Ottawa suggests that there is still a hunger for unity, moral clarity, and courage.

Israeli Ambassador to Canada Iddo Moed receives a memorable gift from Christian leaders at the inaugural Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast in Ottawa, Canada, March 2026.

Netzach Yehuda's CNN altercation: Why religion is driving Israel toward extremism - opinion

After a tumultuous journey of deconstructing my past, I am now a vocal critic of both hardline religion and the contradictions inherent in trying to create a democratic nation-state.

A member of the IDF’s Netzah Yehuda Battalion is seen at the Western Wall, last year.

Freedom under fire: What Passover means in a time of war - comment

In a year of war, Jewish holidays reflect reality, where freedom is less about ideals and more about safety and survival.

On Wednesday night, we will talk about freedom, with the specter of ballistic missiles, safe rooms, and red-alert sirens still fresh in our minds.

Passover reimagined: How Jews reinterpret freedom at the Seder table

Passover celebrates liberty, tradition, and the evolving ways we mark the Seder night.

Rabbi Daniel Burstyn conducting a Seder on Kibbutz Lotan.

Coming home: Traveling from Maine to Israel during the Iran war

A modern exodus unfolds as a rabbi navigates flights, borders, and devotion to reach Israel.

Akiva Herzfeld crosses over from taba into Israel.