Synagogue

Rabbi Zamir Cohen highlights the profound spiritual significance of the priestly blessing in synagogues, emphasizing that God Himself is the ultimate source of blessing.

A comprehensive guide to essential synagogue terminology, from the minyan quorum and prayer leaders to the Amidah, Kaddish, and Tachanun, demystifying Jewish ritual life.

Jewish students in Halle blocked a senior far-right AfD politician from entering a synagogue for a Yom Kippur memorial service, preventing him from attending.

Antisemitism in the US and Canada has escalated from protests to physical violence and institutional harassment, affecting schools, universities, and synagogues across North America.

Recent footage from Tehran shows hundreds of Jews celebrating Simchat Torah, highlighting the complex reality of Iran's ancient Jewish community living under strict regime oversight.

The Kol HaNeshama community in Jerusalem held a public Simchat Torah celebration following a series of recent vandalism incidents and attacks on their synagogue.

The Yom Kippur synagogue shooting in Belleville, Ontario, has reignited deep fears among Canadian Jews regarding rising antisemitism and security, prompting community reflection.

Firefighting teams rescued Torah scrolls and prevented a blaze from spreading after a fire broke out in a temporary synagogue structure. No casualties were reported.

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.

MK Avi Maoz sharply criticized Tel Aviv Deputy Mayor Reuven Ladiansky for opposing a planned Chabad synagogue in Ramat Aviv Gimmel, questioning opposition to Jewish worship.

Israeli police arrested three minors in Jerusalem on suspicion of vandalism and religious harassment targeting the Reform Kol Haneshama synagogue in the Baka neighborhood following a series of recent attacks.

Unknown attackers targeted the Kol HaNeshama synagogue in Jerusalem for the fourth time in a month, tearing down a pride flag on Yom Kippur night following Kol Nidre services.

Jewish communities worldwide concluded a high-security Yom Kippur marked by an attempted terror attack at a Canadian synagogue, where a police officer stopped a gunman.

Antisemitic graffiti and swastikas were sprayed on a synagogue, a church, and a park in Ventura, California. Police are investigating the hate crimes.

A 37-year-old Afghan national was arrested in Wuppertal, Germany, after attempting to set fire to the Bergische Synagogue. Jewish leaders condemned the antisemitic attack.

A Brisbane court sentenced a man to six months in prison for ramming his car into a synagogue gate, but ordered his immediate release due to time served and rehabilitation.

FBI Director Kash Patel told the Senate Judiciary Committee that online radicalization translating into real-world violence against synagogues and officials is the top domestic threat.

Jewish communities worldwide observe the High Holidays amid reinforced security, increased police patrols, and strict entrance protocols across major global cities due to elevated threats.

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.

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.

Sarah Lindsay Santiago, a resident of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was arrested on Sunday and charged with three counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Although she is 17, a grand jury decided to try her as an adult. She faces life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O'Neill revealed that the shooters also...

Months after the missile fall that claimed the lives of nine people, a burial ceremony was held for the Torah scrolls of the "Tiferet Yisrael" synagogue. Zion Revah, who lost his son in the event and is now burying the scroll he donated: "It brings me back to the blow I received." The structure is expected to open during the Tishrei holidays.

It all started with a personal miracle during the COVID-19 pandemic, when a relative was hospitalized in serious condition. Since then, Ron Shaharban, a security guard from Petah Tikva, has been traveling between synagogues across the country, distributing books and stickers, and leading a quiet but determined struggle for the observance of the laws of Lashon Hara (evil speech) and the sanctity of...

About two weeks after the attack at the synagogue in Manhattan, Kathy Hochul pledged to increase security ahead of the High Holy Days. Against the backdrop of her criticism of City Council member Zohran Mamdani's anti-Israel rhetoric, she clarified: "There is no place for hate in New York. I am here for you."

A week after the antisemitic attack at the Central Synagogue in Manhattan, Jessica Tisch returned to the community where she grew up and promised: Jewish institutions will not be left to defend themselves alone. Before her remarks, she was called to the Torah, and at the end, she received a standing ovation from hundreds of congregants who rose in her honor as the Torah scroll was returned to the...

About a year after the deadly terror event on Yom Kippur, in which two worshipers were murdered, authorities in the UK announced that a 49-year-old Iraqi citizen is accused of failing to report to authorities information about terrorist activity related to the attack. During the bloody attack, a Syrian-born British citizen drove a car toward the worshipers and stabbed one of them.

The Persian synagogue that has been revived and attracts hundreds every night. The ancient Jerusalemite rite that made its way to Rome and returned. And the son who travels every year from Ra'anana to preserve 30 years of melody. A journey between the Selichot, traditions, and stories that fill the alleys of the capital in Elul.

Larry Montes, 46, who burst into a Friday night service at a Reform synagogue in Manhattan and struck a congregant, called those present "fake Jews" after his arrest. The "Forward" found posts on his Facebook page supporting Israel, and his aunt said he wanted to convert. Police had previously classified him as an "emotionally disturbed person."

Larry Montes, 46, from the Bronx, is accused of attacking worshippers and vandalizing a Manhattan synagogue. Despite his antisemitic outbursts during the incident, his aunt claims he suffers from severe mental illness and has an obsession with Judaism.

A man was arrested during prayers at the Central Synagogue in Manhattan after he began to disrupt, struck a member of the congregation, and caused property damage. According to the NYPD, the suspect spat on a security guard and headbutted him before being arrested. The mayor wrote: "There is no place for this heinous act in our city," the number of hate crimes against Jews has risen by 8.5% in the...

Jacky Levy moved to a new community and, in a conversation with Yair Sharki, revealed a worrying trend: people are stopping their synagogue attendance due to political disputes.

A year after the murder of Chabad emissary Zvi Kogan in the UAE, a synagogue and youth center were inaugurated in his memory in Beitar Illit. The moving ceremony combined commemoration, a 'halake' ceremony, and the donation of tefillin by Border Police soldiers.

The Jewish community in Iran lives in constant tension. The intensifying war between Iran, Israel, and the United States only complicates an already delicate situation.

The court determined that although the policewoman's testimony was reliable, it was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt that she identified the correct person. The judge criticized the identification performed in retrospect using a photo in the police system and the investigation's shortcomings.

Security cameras recorded the suspect throwing a brick at the front of the synagogue in downtown Sarasota. An indictment was filed against him for damaging a religious building, which was classified as a hate crime.

A serious incident in Germany: A senior member of the Jewish community was attacked on Saturday. The community is outraged: "Antisemitism is not a memory from the past - but a reality. It is painful that Jews in Germany are again fearing for their safety."

Unknown individuals vandalized a mural at the Jewish Center and Synagogue of Pasadena, which was created as a symbol of hope following a massive fire. Police have opened a hate crime investigation.

Between 10 and 12 Torah scrolls were stolen overnight from a Jewish community center in Levallois-Perret, France. The theft was discovered this morning during a Bar Mitzvah ceremony when the Holy Ark was found empty.

A massive fire caused extensive destruction at the grave complex of the Baal HaTanya in Hadiach, Ukraine. Miraculously, there were no casualties, as guests managed to rescue four Torah scrolls from the synagogue before it was destroyed. The local rabbi vows to rebuild an even larger complex.