Society
Study Reveals 13.6% of Ultra-Orthodox Youth Leave Community
Analysis of census data shows 13.6% of ultra-Orthodox youth under 30 leave their communities. Organizations urge a national integration plan amid surging demand for support.
Historic Budapest Synagogue Restored and Reopened After 82 Years
Eighty-two years after being silenced by the Nazis and later used as a library warehouse, the historic Rákospalota synagogue in Budapest has been gloriously restored and returned to Jewish life.
90% of Israeli Jews Intend to Observe Traditional Shiva Mourning, Survey Shows
A new survey reveals that 90% of Israeli Jews intend to observe traditional shiva mourning rites, showing high adherence across secular and religious communities alike.
From Belarus to Judaism: Content Creator Vika Chaya Shares Her Conversion Journey
Content creator Vika Chaya shares her inspiring journey of converting to Judaism at age 26 after immigrating from Belarus, overcoming family resistance and finding inner peace.
Five Fascinating Facts About the Etrog Fruit for Sukkot
Discover five fascinating facts about the etrog, the majestic yellow citrus fruit used during Sukkot, exploring its mentions in Jewish texts, historical boycotts, and health benefits.
From Buddhist Monasteries to Faith: Rabbi Yitzhak Fanger's Journey
Rabbi Yitzhak Fanger shares his journey from a secular upbringing in Herzliya and Buddhist monasteries in India back to his Jewish faith.
Thousands Dance at Western Wall Plaza in Moving Post-Yom Kippur Celebration
Thousands of worshippers remained at the Western Wall plaza after Yom Kippur ended, joining in massive dance circles and singing together in a deeply moving post-fast celebration.
Fasting Across World Religions: Traditions of Abstinence and Spirituality
An overview of fasting traditions across major world religions, exploring how Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism incorporate spiritual abstinence into their practices.
Tzohar Marks 29th Year of Open Yom Kippur Services Across Israel
The Tzohar organization is holding its 29th open Yom Kippur prayer initiative across 400 locations in Israel, including a special gathering at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv.
Israeli Rabbinate Marriage Clashes With Population Authority Deportation Threat
A South African man who converted to Judaism and married an Israeli citizen four years ago is fighting deportation after the Population and Immigration Authority refused to grant him legal status.
Yom Kippur 2026: Fast Times, Transit Schedules, and Guidelines
Yom Kippur 2026 runs from September 20 to 21. This guide covers fast times in Israel and globally, public transit halts, weather, and labor rights.
Yom Kippur Guidelines: Halachic Rulings on Fasting, Illness, and Prayer
Comprehensive halachic and spiritual guidelines for Yom Kippur, detailing the laws of fasting, medical exemptions, education of minors, and the significance of the Ne'ilah prayer.
Jerusalem Police Reinforce Security for Final Western Wall Selichot Prayers
Israel Police reinforced security in Jerusalem as tens of thousands attended the final Selichot prayers at the Western Wall, joined by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Tel Aviv Municipality and Rabbis Reach Court-Validated Selichot Agreement
The Community Rabbis Association and Tel Aviv Municipality reached an agreement validated by the District Court, allowing the Selichot event at Tel Baruch Beach to proceed as planned.
Vizhnitz Rebbe Joins as Olam HaTorah Fund Surpasses 30 Million Shekels
The Olam HaTorah Fund's fundraising campaign surpassed 30 million shekels as the Vizhnitz Rebbe joined, driven by ultra-Orthodox seminary students amid government budget freezes.
Shabbat Shuvah: Meaning and Traditions Ahead of Yom Kippur
Shabbat Shuvah approaches as a time of spiritual preparation between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, centering on themes of repentance, renewal, and the profound message of the prophet Hosea.
Shabbat Times and Candle-Lighting Schedule for Parashat Haazinu
Check the exact Shabbat entry and exit times for Parashat Haazinu across major cities nationwide, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Eilat.
Israelis Gather at Western Wall and Hostages Square for Yom Kippur Selichot
Tens of thousands gather at the Western Wall for Yom Kippur Selichot, while freed captives lead a moving prayer service at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv.
Uman Pilgrimage on Rosh Hashanah: Tradition, Growth and Challenges
Nearly 40,000 pilgrims travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah, continuing a growing Hasidic tradition despite modern security and logistical challenges.
Thousands Celebrate Torah Completion at Jerusalem's Sultan's Pool
Thousands of female students gathered at the Sultan's Pool in Jerusalem to celebrate Torah learning and the Daily Rambam project, featuring performances by Ishay Ribo.
Rabbi Zamir Cohen Explains the Significance and Obligations of Daily Torah Study
Rabbi Zamir Cohen discusses the obligations of daily Torah study for men and women, emphasizing spiritual nourishment, family balance, and supportive encouragement.
Understanding Addiction: Beyond Judgment and Toward Healing
Rabbi Dan Tumkin explores the roots of addiction, urging society to look past surface behaviors and judgmental attitudes to address the deep emotional pain and trauma underneath.
Tech Professionals and Younger Audiences Drive Growth in Jewish Studies
Data from the Schechter Institute reveals a growing interest in Jewish studies among tech and management professionals, alongside a younger average student age and geographic expansion.
The 82-Year-Old Dutch Physician Caring for a Holy Cave in Peki'in
Meet 82-year-old Ruth de Jong, a Dutch-born physician who converted to Judaism and now lives alone in the ancient Druze village of Peki'in, dedicated to maintaining the holy cave of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.
Record 52,000 Worshippers Arrive in Uman for Rosh Hashanah Amid Security Measures
A record 52,000 pilgrims arrived in Uman, Ukraine, for Rosh Hashanah, alongside Israeli police forces aiding local security amid nightly sirens and curfews.
Moscow Jewish Community Completes High Holiday Preparations Amidst Expansion
Moscow's Jewish community prepared for the High Holidays with expanded social and educational services, receiving an official greeting from President Vladimir Putin.
Over 50,000 Worshippers Attend Central Selichot Service at Western Wall
Over 50,000 worshippers gathered at the Western Wall in Jerusalem for the central Selichot service ahead of Rosh Hashanah, joined by leaders and officials.
Channel 14 Launches Tehillim Initiative for Rosh Hashanah
Channel 14's "Tehillim for a Good Year" initiative sees high turnout as readers claim Psalms ahead of Rosh Hashanah, engaging in a communal prayer tradition.
The Young Hasidic Creator Bringing Judaism to the Arab World in Fluent Arabic
Young Chabad Hasid Shalom Kovesh is capturing hundreds of thousands of Arab viewers with fluent Arabic videos explaining Judaism, bridging divides and sparking surprising curiosity.
Jewish Life Revives in Gomel Under New Leadership
The historic Jewish community in Gomel, Belarus, is entering a new era of revival. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Kut and his family are relocating to lead communal and educational projects ahead of the High Holidays, with support from the Russian rabbinate.
Historical Cache of Holy Books Discovered in Russian Jewish Center Walls
Construction workers in Kostroma, Russia, discovered historical holy books hidden in walls during renovations. The find coincides with restoration efforts of the historic Chabad rabbi's home.
Public Marriage Proposals May Require Formal Religious Divorce, Rabbi Warns
The Chief Rabbi of Beersheba warns that public marriage proposals involving a ring and witnesses can constitute valid Jewish marriage, potentially requiring a formal get if the couple separates.
New Study Reveals Surprising Demographics of Israeli Pilgrims to Uman
A new Israel Democracy Institute study reveals that 8% of Israeli Jews have visited Uman, with 59% traveling outside Rosh Hashanah. Traditional Jews and young adults lead the diverse pilgrimage demographics.
Inside the Breslov Community of Yavniel: Faith, Cult Allegations and Child Marriages
An investigative report explores the Breslov Hasidic movement, focusing on the Yavniel community led by the late Rabbi Eliezer Shlomo Schick, allegations of cult-like practices, child marriages, and its unique appeal to penitents and troubled souls.
Yom Kippur 5787: Fast Times, Laws, and Traditions Across Israel
Yom Kippur 5787 begins on Sunday evening, September 20, 2026. This guide details fasting times across Israeli cities, traditions, candle-lighting rules, and laws.
Beloved Tel Aviv Rabbi Ben Zion Nesher Passes Away After 52 Years of Service
Prominent Tel Aviv Rabbi Ben Zion Nesher has passed away, leaving a legacy of 52 years of rabbinical service and a steadfast commitment to preserving Jewish tradition in the city.
The Breslov Phenomenon: How a 200-Year-Old Chassidic Movement Captured Modern Israel
The Breslov Chassidic movement has become a mass phenomenon in Israel, attracting secular and religious Jews alike through joy, social media outreach, and the practice of personal meditation.
Rebbetzin Rivka Shapira, Founder of Shuva Midrasha in Ofra, Dies at 91
Rebbetzin Rivka Shapira, co-founder of the "Shuva" Midrasha in Ofra and a key figure in Religious Zionism, has passed away at 91. Her funeral took place on Sunday evening in Ofra.
Rabbis Yigal Levinstein and Tamir Granot Analyze Israeli Societal Divides
Rabbis Yigal Levinstein and Tamir Granot discussed the roots of secular fears regarding a Halachic state and analyzed the underlying reasons behind Haredi resistance to IDF enlistment.
Rabbi Zamir Cohen Explains How to Start Wearing Tzitzit Without Fear
Renowned Israeli Rabbi Zamir Cohen offers guidance to those undergoing spiritual growth, addressing the hesitation to wear tzitzit before feeling fully observant.