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.
A Jew is never stuck: Embracing resilience in times of crisis - opinion
Beyond the Headlines: A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news
'Judaism: A love story': The latest book by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin - review
'Above All, We Are Jews': The life story of a great American Reform rabbi - review
Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US
Parashat Korah: ‘An elevated place in Gehenna’
What is repentance? It is a small, good thought filled with love – the kind of thought that saved the sons of Korah from a tragic fate; a moment of introspection that can save any Jew from harm.
Finding God in the foxhole? Netanyahu reveals spiritual side in midst of Iran war - analysis
Some critics say Netanyahu's religiousness is tactical. However, if Netanyahu wanted to use faith for political gain, he has had many opportunities to do so, but he never did.
Chalkida: The little Greek town that could – save its Jews
How joyous it is to find a town where our brethren have walked for 2,500 years and has been a safe haven in times of trouble.
The awakening of Am Yisrael: No more grasshoppers, but lions - opinion
We have the chance to show ourselves and the world that power can be transformed into moral influence, into the construction of a society rooted in human dignity, Torah values, and faith in God.
'From Eden to Exodus': Learning the meaning of Hebrew words - review
From Eden to Exodus incorporates 53 articles explaining the meanings of various words and phrases from the first two books of the Torah.
David’s dilemma: Having a healthier relationship with God - opinion
May the godliness within each of us protect the many thousands of Davids and Devorahs out there fighting for our lives and our future.
A matter of faith: Israel will rid the world of Iran's evil, even if it must do it alone - opinion
Once again, this week we are left with no alternatives but to summon faith and confront this daunting challenge with courage, and unshakable resolve.
Nadav Schwartz: Fighting for LGBTQ+ acceptance among religious Jews
Jerusalemite of the week: A religious Jew who has been out as a gay man for 15 years now, Nadav Schwartz is a passionate activist who fights for the reconciliation of religious and queer identities.
Anger, hope, déjà vu and cold chicken soup: How Jerusalemites reacted to war with Iran
RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS: Four Jerusalem residents share Shabbat experiences on the fateful weekend when Israel’s began its strikes on Iran.
Parashat Shelach: Seeing giants, choosing hope
The 10 spies teach us what happens when fear rules the heart. The ma’apilim teach us of the danger of forcing reality to revive an old fantasy.
Parashat Shelach: Believe in yourselves
The Torah recounts the argument that erupted between the 10 pessimistic spies and Joshua and Caleb, the two optimistic ones.
