Religion

Yom Kippur 2026: The Jewish people are chosen - but not because they are better - opinion

As we recite Ata Behartanu many times during the High Holy Days, let us remember that we were chosen out of God’s love, not because of our own special characteristics.

Jews praying for forgiveness (selichot), at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem, on the eve of Yom Kippur, October 1, 2025
The Orthodox Jewish group of Rosh Yehudi sets up a gender partition during a public prayer for Yom Kippur, on Dizengoff Square, Tel Aviv, September 24, 2023

Israel tore itself apart on Yom Kippur - then October 7 reminded us of our collective 'we'

IN THE early morning before Yom Kippur, 2024, prayers for forgiveness are recited at the Western Wall and elsewhere in the Jewish world.

The other confession: Yom Kippur as the night journey of the soul

A person holds two Palestinian flags as supporters of the pro-Palestinian campaign group Palestine Action gather outside the High Court in London, Britain, July 4, 2025.

Would Jews really be more accepted if the State of Israel did not exist? - opinion


Rosh Hashanah 2026: October 7 awakened Jewish connection - now we must make it last - opinion

Rosh Hashanah offers a moment to turn the Jewish awakening of recent years into lasting community, connection, and belonging.

Visitors at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, October 05, 2025.

Religious Zionism has lost sight of Rav Kook’s ethics - opinion

Rav Kook united Zionism, holiness, and universal justice. Today’s Religious Zionism too often puts settling the land above ethical values.

RABBI ABRAHAM ISAAC KOOK, 1924

Who owns Judaism? Israel must take it back from the religious establishment - opinion

Israelis have not abandoned Judaism. They are abandoning those who claim ownership over it.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish protesters demonstrate against a cafe operating on Shabbat, while secular protesters hold a counter-demonstration, in central Jerusalem, August 29, 2026

Parashat Ki Tavo: The finest generation

Elul's call to confession requires more than admitting failure. Authentic teshuva also means recognizing personal growth and the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of this generation.

HONEST ACCOUNTING cannot be selective

Parashat Ki Tavo: The power of joy

Parashat Ki Tavo teaches that joy is not a luxury but a religious obligation, revealed through gratitude, generosity and serving God with a sincere and joyful heart.

REJOICING UPON the release of Hamas hostage Bar Kupershtein, Nov. 2, 2025.

The E1 area: The strategic link between Jerusalem and Israel’s eastern border - opinion

The E1 area is vital to Jerusalem’s political future, and its importance is equally decisive for Israel’s ability to maintain a defensible border in the east.

Israeli minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich attends a press conference announcing his plans to approve more than 3,000 housing units in the E1 settlement project between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim, August 14, 2025.

National-religious men overrepresented in IDF reserves as haredim stay absent, IDI analysis finds

National-Religious men were found to have increased in service substantially from the start of the war until 2025, while the participation of secular men decreased the most of any group.

 THE ZIONIST identity didn’t overcome the Jewish identity, nor did the opposite occur: An IDF soldier puts on tefillin.

Being religious is better for your mental health, Israeli rabbi scientist-led study reveals

Study shows strong sense of purpose, healthier digital habits lower risks for addiction, depression.

VISITORS PARTICIPATE in the capital’s Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem march last month. The encouraging implication of the study is that these are factors anyone can strengthen, regardless of whether they are religious, according to the researcher.

‘I’m fine with Jews, just not Zionists’: Time to rip off the anti-Zionist mask - opinion

Those who believe that they are still supporting their Jewish acquaintances while chanting slogans against Zionism are self-righteous hypocrites

A view shows the stone ruins of the fortress at Masada National Park near Arad in April.

As I turn 80, I hope my life is and continues to be a journey that inspires others - opinion

Will I ever be religious? I do not know. But, as Baruch ben Michael said in his Ethics, “All things perfect are as difficult as they are rare.”

RABBI ABRAHAM Joshua Heschel presents the Judaism and World Peace Award to Martin Luther King Jr., 1965.