Judaism

Judaism is the oldest monotheistic religion in the world, having originated in the Middle East more than 3,000 years ago with patriarch Abraham.

As the first Abrahamic religion, Judaism has played a major role in shaping the history of the world, having greatly influenced the development of Christianity and Islam, despite having always had a relatively small amount of adherents by comparison.

The religion itself is built off of the "written Torah" of the Bible, known in Judaism as the Tanach, and the "oral Torah" of the Mishna, Talmud and other great works of leading rabbis throughout history.

Judaism itself has no single leading figure, and is divided into multiple streams, such as the ultra-Orthodox (haredi), Orthodox, Conservative and Reform. Further differences also exist along the lines of historic Diasporic communities, such as Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jewry.

Today, the largest concentration of adherents of Judaism can be found in Israel, with the US having the second-largest.

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.

AUGUST 29, 2026|ByBATYA KAHANA-DROR

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

A man blows the shofar in the Mea Shearim neighborhood of Jerusalem, ahead of the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, September 17, 2025

Elul teaches us a Jewish lesson: The last siren has not sounded - opinion

For us, though, the final siren is not until the shofar is blown on Yom Kippur. We still have time to score more points.

AUGUST 29, 2026|ByJONATHAN LIEBERMAN

HONEST ACCOUNTING cannot be selective

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.

AUGUST 28, 2026|ByMOSHE TARAGIN

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

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.

AUGUST 28, 2026|ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ

Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community feels misunderstood. Here’s why - opinion

If haredim see that they are treated with understanding, respect, and sensitivity, they will more readily change and adapt in the service of the greater good

AUGUST 11, 2026ByMOTI LEITNER

Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) people in Tel Aviv in June.

Beyond the Headlines: Have you heard Elkana Levi’s speech? - opinion

Elkana did not gloss over the pain or the difficulty. He spoke about friends who had been killed, and about his darkest moments.

AUGUST 10, 2026BySIVAN RAHAV MEIR

Elkana Levi giving a speech on gratitude.

Before the High Holidays, the Jewish people must look inward - opinion

With Yom Kippur fast approaching, now is the time for Jews to look inward and ask how one can do better to support one's own nation and peoplehood.

AUGUST 8, 2026ByWILLIAM C. DAROFF

‘MESIRUT NEFESH’: Willingness to give up comfort, time, money, and personal interests for a greater value.

How a Connecticut Torah scroll traveled 50 years, and thousands of miles, to make aliyah - opinion

A closing Connecticut synagogue, a chance Facebook connection, and a retired rabbi helped a Torah scroll dedicated to a young boy complete its journey to Jerusalem.

AUGUST 8, 2026ByBARBARA SOFER

The sefer torah.

Parashat Re'eh: The tyranny of ‘one’ truth

An age of prophecy should have been an age of clarity. If God spoke directly to humanity, the path forward ought to have been unmistakable.

AUGUST 7, 2026ByMOSHE TARAGIN

It takes courage to reject someone who has demonstrated extraordinary gifts.

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

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AUGUST 7, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

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Parashat Re'eh: The choice to choose

Even those who observe Jewish tradition have areas of choice that they have already conquered, while their struggles lie elsewhere, each person according to their own level and circumstances.

AUGUST 7, 2026ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ

A person is obligated to identify where their own 'point of choice' lies.

Reburying Herzl’s grandparents reflects Zionism at its most redemptive - opinion

Shimon Leib and Rivka Herzl have rested in peace in Belgrade since 1879 and 1888, respectively. Their homecoming is a profound act of Zionist faith and synthesis, mocking the anti-Zionist mania.

AUGUST 5, 2026ByGIL TROY

THEODOR HERZL.

Beyond the Headlines: What did you take home from Israel? - opinion

A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news.

AUGUST 3, 2026BySIVAN RAHAV MEIR

Rabbi Mark Wildes with the scribe at the Nova site.

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

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JULY 31, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

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