Spirituality

'Jews are Magic': Museum exhibit explores Jewish fascination with occultism

Jews Are Magic,” opening this month at YIVO’s Manhattan headquarters, explores the Jewish fascination with mysticism, fortune telling, amulets, psychics, and occult practices.

YIVO'S EDDY Portnoy, who curated the exhibit "Jews Are Magic," with a reproduction of a High Holiday card featuring a Jewish palm reader, Warsaw c. 1910.
Bishop of Porto Dom Manuel Linda speaking at the event with Dr. Jose Ribeiro e Castro, Dr. Luis Andrade and Gabriela Cantergi

Human rights group honors Jews, Christians, and Jerusalem

Old house versus a new house

Sinking, spooky feeling? A subsonic sound may be at fault

David Kosak.

David Kosak on cultivating hope as a discipline in a digitally saturated, emotionally complex world


Parashat Kedoshim: The holiness of inclusion - opinion

The essence of holiness lies in recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every human being, regardless of their abilities or limitations.

 A Torah scroll being written.

Third of Israelis hold a stronger belief in God since October 7, 'Post' survey finds

An absolute majority of respondents (75%) said that since October 7, they feel a greater connection to the State of Israel (69%) and the diverse Israeli society (68%).

How was the faith of Jewish Israelis been affected by the October 7 massacre and war?

What can Jewish mysticism teach us about psychedelics?

There’s simply no definitive proof in the archeological and textual evidence of the use of psychoactive drug use in ancient Jewish religious activity.

 psychedelic mushrooms (illustrative)

IDF reservists learn Talmud, maintain spiritual practice amid Gaza war

Most recently, a group of IDF reservists finished the Talmudic tractate of Berachot by splitting it up into sections and each learning a small part. 

 IDF soldier shown with a Jewish spiritual book in his pocket.

10th of Tevet: Historical and current perspective - opinion

On this year's 10th of Tevet fast, it is time to teach about Israel’s character as a Jewish democratic society and to reinforce the values of our Declaration of Independence.

 MOURNERS ATTEND the funeral, in Rehovot, of IDF Captain Yarin Gahali, killed in the Gaza Strip this week. Our generation has the task of extolling the heroism of those murdered in defense of our country, says the writer.

Parashat Vayigash: The Jewish people's spiritual existence

The spiritual existence of the Jewish people demands effort from us, and we must not settle for a physical existence devoid of spiritual significance.

 FAMINE: NECESSITY determining journey to Egypt.

Winning the war through education - opinion

By prioritizing authentic and immersive Jewish education for our young people, we will ensure that the torch of Jewish pride and resilience is passed down for generations to come.

 A FATHER teaches his son how to wear tefillin.

Disturbing: Young women summon ghost, experience scary exorcism ceremony

A group of Mexican young women took the Charlie Charlie challenge, unknowingly inviting a mean ghost. Even if you're not usually a believer, what came next is quite spooky.


Spiritual fasting: Can a diet impact spirituality?

Yom Kippur brings the holiday of fasting, but according to fasting guru Gabriel Cousens, doing so may help you on a spiritual level.

 SUNSET MEDITATION at Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center, in Patagonia, Arizona.

Woman claims to speak with the dead, receive messages from beyond the grave

A 31-year-old woman from California claimed she could speak to the dead - and that they told her what the afterlife is like.

A black and white image of a ghostly being.