Jewish holidays

Meet the Israeli author making Jewish texts accessible for children

The first book I received of Dina’s series of three was her Scroll of Ruth, most appropriate since Shavuot was only a week away.

Dina Gavriely: ‘My task was clear – create vibrant and joyful texts.’
Jews at the Western Wall, 1870s.

The beauty and frustration of Shavuot at the Western Wall

Jews visit the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City during Jerusalem Day celebrations, May 14, 2026.

Jewish youths detained after forcing entry to Temple Mount for Shavuot sacrificial ritual

An AI-generated cartoon illustration of Moses presenting the Ten Commandments to the Israelites and linking it to sovereignty over Israel.

Shavuot’s lesson for Israel: Sovereignty without purpose cannot survive - opinion


What festive fun is being held across Israel for Sukkot?

Cultural events abound up and down the country, taking in ad hoc events, annual festivals, and institutions laying on special programs for the week.

THE BAROQUE CHOIR at the Abu Gosh Festival.

Sukkot 2025: Fun family activities in Jerusalem for the holiday

Here are some exciting Sukkot events that promise an unforgettable Jerusalem holiday experience this year.

Amazing Race

Sukkot 2025: ‘How beautiful was the journey’

And this harmony – between the beauty of nature and the peaceful heart of the Jew who trusts in God and thanks Him for all the good – this is the very essence of Sukkot.

TWO HASSIDIC children carrying ‘schach’: Beneath it, we find shelter.

Traveling during Sukkot? A new trail system awaits your discovery

Tishrei holidays begin with a gift for hikers: A new trail system in Timna Park, circular routes for the whole family, the 24 km Timna Loop trail, and 70 km of cycling paths.

Timna Park.

Beach celebration: This is what awaits you at Mosh Beach during Sukkot

For the first time this Sukkot, Beer & Beats Festival at Mosh Beach, Achziv offers four nights of live music, beer garden, wine, sunset yoga, and family activities – all free.

Mosh Beach in Achziv.

Tzedakah: The happiness of giving instead of spending on ourselves - opinion

Spending money on others has a stronger, more lasting impact on happiness than spending it on ourselves.

VOLUNTEERS PRESENT food packages to elderly people in Tel Aviv last year. The pleasure of giving often feels different from the fleeting rush of acquiring something for ourselves, the writer notes.

October 7 and Simchat Torah: The arc of fragility - opinion

A holiday meant to celebrate joy and spiritual renewal became the darkest day in recent Jewish history.

 People gather and light candles to remember the Israeli victims of the October 7 massacre at Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv, October 12, 2023.

Jerusalem highlights: September 26 – October 2

What's new to do in Israel's capital?

Maureen Nehedar (see Sunday).

October 7 shattered our sense of safety but not our capacity for resilience - opinion

Resilience is not about snapping back to what was before but about taking pain and integrating it into a story that creates strength.

 View of the Re'im music festival massacre, in southern Israel, January 16, 2025.

Rosh Hashanah 2025: Pittsburgh's Jewish students see 'increase in Jewish joy' ahead of new year

As they worked, they snacked on popcorn and tortilla chips - and caramel apples, which served as a representation of the hope for a sweet and prosperous year ahead.

Exterior sign for University of Pittsburgh, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, November 1, 2020