God

Parashat Korah: Misreading intentions

Korah's rebellion shows how mistrust and competing narratives destroy dialogue, as reflected today in Israel’s haredi draft divide.

|ByMOSHE TARAGIN
Meira Sohlberg, wife of Supreme Court Deputy President Noam Sohlberg, reacts to the attack by haredi protesters on their Alon Shvut home, June 3.
Almond trees bloom near the border with Lebanon.

Parashat Korah: The story of the almond – and of diligence

When Korach questions Moses’ authority, a simple staff becomes a powerful symbol of divine choice and enduring leadership.

|ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ
Overconfidence, underconfidence –both negative.

What the ma'apilim teach us about faith and judgment

The story of the spies shows how belief in destiny can falter in fear or slip into reckless overconfidence.

|ByMOSHE TARAGIN
The Grapes of Canaan by James Tissot (circa 1900). Although the 12 spies brought back a cluster of grapes so large that it took two men to carry it, only two of the 12 brought back a good report of the land.

Joshua's spies chose faith over fear - can Israel do the same?

Joshua’s spies returned with faith and confidence, teaching a timeless lesson about courage, purpose, and the Land of Israel.

|ByMICHAEL FREUND

After our repentance on Yom Kippur, will God repent for October 7? - opinion

What was God doing as the residents of Beeri were being BBQ'd alive? Why was the Almighty passive as Shani Louk was paraded unconscious and naked — and then decapitated? 

OCTOBER 14, 2024BySHMULEY BOTEACH
Family members of October 7 victims grieve over loved ones' deaths at the site of the Nova music festival a year after the Hamas massacre.

Yom Kippur 2024: Reconciling our personal journeys and collective experiences - opinion

How do we reconcile the deeply personal journey of Yom Kippur with the overwhelming collective experiences of the past year?

OCTOBER 11, 2024ByMOSHE TARAGIN
The Cave of Machpelah in Hebron.

Rosh Hashanah: Wishing for a good and sweet year

It is not just the beginning of the new year but the most significant day; the one that influences our actions throughout the year.

OCTOBER 2, 2024ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur act as an anchor for the Jewish people.

Rosh Hashanah 2024: A bleak Jewish New Year - opinion

Rosh Hashanah is the day of divine authority, and we are currently locked in a struggle to preserve His presence. One day, His presence will be palpable and undeniable. Until that day, we have faith.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024ByMOSHE TARAGIN
BLOWING THE shofar is an expression of faith and confidence.

Our Mother who art in Heaven? Is God our mother or our father? - opinion

The Bible depicts God as both father and mother. Here's a look at both.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024ByMOSHE TARAGIN
An illustrative image of a mother goose and its children.

Divine right or historical fact? Understanding the basis of Zionism in modern Israel - opinion

Is Zionism based on divine promises or historical claims? Explore how religious and secular perspectives intertwine in the foundation of the State of Israel.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024ByURI PILICHOWSKI
NEW IMMIGRANTS from France arrive at Ben-Gurion Airport, last month. To move to Israel, to live in Israel, and to build Israel are all steps in the messianic process, says the writer.

This week in Jewish history: Divine mercy, Munich massacre, Khartoum resolution

A highly abridged version of the daily Dust & Stars.

AUGUST 30, 2024BySTEVEN DRUCKER
Sudanese president Ismail al-Azhari (R) welcomes King Faisal of Saudi Arabia to Khartoum for the fourth Arab League summit, Aug. 1967.

Heaven sent: Is Lebanon's earthquake a testament to divine protection? - opinion

Hezbollah's underground ambitions may now lie buried, turned to ashes before they had any chance to harm us. 

AUGUST 13, 2024ByDUVI HONIG
Cracked earth

Want the solution to mental anguish? Try prayer - opinion

In times of threat and challenge, the value of prayer emerges as a multifaceted tool, offering solace, unity, and a pathway to mental peace.

AUGUST 11, 2024ByJONATHAN LIEBERMAN
A religious Orthodox Israeli Jew in a prayer shawl (tallit) is seen praying while keeping a smartphone in front of him.

Bill Maher’s misstep on faith and commentary - opinion

As a Bill Maher fan, I respect his truth-seeking, but his recent monologue on the Trump assassination attempt and religious language missed the mark.

JULY 31, 2024ByHAYIM LEITER
BILL MAHER arrives at the ‘Vanity Fair’ party during the 94th Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California, in 2022. What we can all agree on is that we can’t explain how the world works, says the writer.