Talmud

Is there a halachic basis to refuse to serve alongside a female paramedic? – opinion

A reading of the Talmud suggests that a soldier who won’t engage in life-saving activity on the merit of avoiding physical contact is but a ‘pious fool’

Police officers stand by as ultra-Orthodox men block a road during a protest against conscription into the IDF in Bnei Brak in August.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, cast their vote during elections for the Likud Central Committee, at the Jerusalem International Convention Center, Nov. 25, 2025.

Jewish voting: How ancient Jewish tradition helped shape modern democracy - opinion

 Hebrew Typewriter

What Tisha B’Av can teach about the silencing, and creative defiance, of Jewish writers - opinion

 Second Temple Model

Beyond mourning: Rebuilding the Temple starts with rebuilding Israeli society - opinion


Lag Ba’omer reminds us to choose respect over division among Jews - opinion

Rabbi Akiva’s students remind us that respect and unity are essential to Jewish spiritual life.

 Rabbi Elimelech Biderman with his followers celebrate the jewish holiday of Lag Ba'Omer, in Meron. May 9, 2023

Parashat Emor: The social revolution

This portion is read during the days of the Counting of the Omer, when Judaism emphasizes mutual respect and love between people as preparation for receiving the Torah on the festival of Shavuot.

GOODWILL: PROVIDING volunteer massage therapy to soldiers at an IDF outpost in Samaria, March 12.

Jewish learning defines knowledge in a fragmented world - opinion

In an age of distraction, Jewish knowledge is no longer about knowing everything, but about engaging deeply with the core texts that shape understanding, practice, and meaning.

Torah scroll 521

Love isn’t enough: Faith in humanity through the lens of the Torah

In a fractured world, Torah reminds us through Akiva, Hillel and Ben Azzai that every person carries dignity, meaning and divine image.

Hillel was not asking for perfect emotion.

Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: Love your neighbor as yourself

The days between Pesach and Shavuot invite reflection, as Rabbi Akiva teaches that loving others is central to receiving the Torah.

These are also days of great light.

Beyond the Headlines: A Message of Faith - opinion

Rabbi Yitzhak Biton reflects on strength after tragic loss. His powerful message inspires resilience amid the war’s challenges.

Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach

Purim 2026: Ancient Persia offers lessons of prayer, unity, and courage

From ancient Persia to today, Purim shows how prayer, unity, and courage shape Jewish history and identity.

Let us see what is behind the masquerade.

From tragedy to protection: The fight against agunah status - opinion

Jewish families can protect wives from agunah status through halachic prenups and wartime authorizations, ensuring resilience even in tragedy.

Photo of Sarah M., one of the 12 cases resolved this month by Yad La’Isha of Ohr Torah Stone.

On Purim, Jewish tradition tells us to give to anyone who asks, no questions required - opinion

On the day we wear masks, we are commanded not to look away. This Purim, when a hand reaches out, give. Start with something that feels like too much.

Purim is a time when giving tzedakah freely is encouraged.

Parashat Mishpatim: All or nothing

Loyalty to a path means saying, “I belong. Sometimes I will fail, sometimes I will err, but I am all in.” This is completely different from saying “I like this, but I don’t like that.”

Piano