High holidays

Grapevine: Nahlaot journeys

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

Blowing shofar in Jerusalem's Nahlaot neighborhood
New Jewish children's books released for the High Holidays in 2026 include ones about awe, tashlich and apologizing for burping.

From fake burps to reverse tashlich, new children’s books bring the High Holidays to life

Margaret Island in Budapest.

Israelis return to booking vacations early: These are the destinations gaining popularity

The largest kosher slaughterhouse in the United States is located in Postville, Iowa and has been renamed AgriStar.

Fire at kosher meat processing plant in Iowa shuts down production ahead of High Holidays


No plans for Sukkot? A variety of free activities throughout the holiday offer family quality time

There are plenty of free activities to enjoy with your family this Chol Hamoed Sukkot all over Israel.

A sukkah

In this Jewish season of forgiveness, I’m asking for permission - opinion

In a year of hardship, can ancient rituals still resonate?

 "I want permission to pray for peace between nations, between peoples, between countries."

The sounds of the High Holidays in Ofakim

Shuki, a participant in JDC's "Meshiv HaRuach" programs in Ofakim, blows the shofar.

Year after the horror: Rekindling Jewish identity in the wake of tragedy

In the face of unspeakable violence and global hatred, the Jewish people confront their identity, mission, and resilience, guided by faith, history, and the promise of a brighter future in 5785.

 Rabbi Sholom Lipskar.

Rosh Hashanah: A time to recognize Israel's achievements amid challenges - opinion

A rabbi urges Jews to recognize Israel's military and diplomatic achievements this New Year, balancing acknowledgment of challenges with pride in recent successes.

 An illustrative photo of a man blowing a shofar, a ceremonial ram's horn, which is done repeatedly on Rosh Hashanah.

Shofar shortage? War impacts Jerusalem seller as shipping delays, costs spike

This year has been challenging for Refoua, who sells Judaica gifts and souvenirs in a shop in downtown Jerusalem. The war has decimated tourism and spiked shipping costs.

 Jan-Elazar Refoua in his shop in Jerusalem, in front of pictures of three of his sons who are serving in reserves (Marc Israel Sellem)

For a Jewish world in despair, we need High Holiday prayers that meet the moment - opinion

This new year demands that we never forget that mutual responsibility — the idea that all Jews everywhere belong to each other — isn’t a burden but a blessing.

 This year, writes Alex Weiser, the standard liturgy has to stand up against incredible sadness.

From Hostages Square, high holiday prayers aim to transcend Israel’s fractured politics

A musical Selichot service in Hostages Square united Israelis from across the political spectrum, focusing on prayers for hostages’ return while maintaining a neutral, non-political space

 Rabba Anat Sharbat leads Selichot services in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, Sept. 22, 2024.

The year after October 7 will be better – opinion

Our lessons from a year of disaster.

A resident clears debris following the October 7 attack by Hamas in Kibbutz Be’eri. For many generations to come, 5784 will be remembered as a year of catastrophe.

Grapevine: September 25, 2024: A symbol of light and loss

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

An apples-and-honey event for President Isaac Herzog and his wife, Michal.