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


Ignoring antisemitism leads to violence against Jews: Lessons from Bondi Beach – opinion

The Bondi Beach mass shooting was not unforeseeable; it was the product of years of denial and tolerance for hate.

PEOPLE PAY respects at Bondi Pavilion after a shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Dec. 15, 2025.

Seeing our brothers’ plight: The light Hanukkah demands we bring into the world - opinion

Hanukkah and Vayeshev together reveal that the festival’s light shines only when we open our eyes to our brothers’ struggles and choose loyalty and compassion.

Candles are lit on the eighth night, at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, last Hanukkah. The main idea of the holiday is the spiritual illumination of the public sphere, says the writer.

Hanukkah lights up Israel with festivals, tours, shows and family fun

Israel is glowing this Hanukkah with shows, tours, theater, films, and family-friendly events across the country.

‘King Solomon's Legend’ at the ANU Museum of the Jewish People.

Hanukkah fun in Jerusalem: Activities for everyone for the Jewish festival of lights

A sneak peek at some of the fabulous family activities happening in Jerusalem this Hanukkah.

Creative Crafts Cafe’s family-friendly seasonal workshops, Gush Etzion.

On board for Hanukkah: Fresh, delicious twist for the holiday

Latke focaccia and plenty of deli-style sides, a Hanukkah table that is easy, homey, and different.

Henny Shor.

Hanukkah miracle: Israel discovers evidence of Judah Maccabee’s battlefield near Jerusalem

The site is widely identified with the ancient village of Bet Zecharia, where the Seleucid army and the forces of Judah Maccabee clashed in what is known as the fifth Maccabean battle.

A bronze coin from the Asia Minor city of Side found at Horbat Bet Zecharia south of Jerusalem, where the Maccabees fought the Greek Seleucid army.

US 'Dancing with the Stars' airs first Hanukkah-themed dance in holiday special

Viewers saw Alan Bersten and Valentin Chmerkovskiy, both Jewish, dancing to “Miracle” by Matisyahu.

Dancing with the Stars Hanukkah Special, December 7, 2025

From golems to Horton to banana menorahs: This year’s Hanukkah kids’ books light up the imagination

Three titles garnered the recommendation of the Association of Jewish Libraries: “Construction Site, Hanukkah Lights,” “Banana Menorah,” and “Lost and Found Hanukkah.”

 An illustrative photo of religious books.

Camping season breaks records – and it's just the first sign of the next trend

High vacation costs, the need to escape urban stress, and upgraded sites created a season where more Israelis chose to holiday in tents under the stars.

Camping in nature.

Of mourning and morning: Toward a new understanding of Simchat Torah

Simchat Torah was never a festival of polarity. Happiness was never its sole emotion. Between death and creation, there is commemoration.

An illustrative image of hands reaching toward each other.