Jewish history

What honoring our parents teaches us about faith, logic, and Judaism

The mitzvah of honoring one's parents is not a narrow religious demand but a foundational moral duty.

RED HEIFER
A STATUE of Deborah dated 1792 stands in Aix-en-Provence, France.

Parashat Beshalach's lessons on unity, shared risk, and IDF service

JOSEPH’S TOMB in Nablus.

Parashat Beshalach: The joy of ‘mitzvot’

 A pro-Palestinian demonstrator holds a sign, as they take part in a protest against US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Turkey, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Istanbul, November 4, 2023.

Does history repeat itself? Recognizing the potential danger of modern antisemitism - opinion


For the greater good: The sacrifices made by Esther and other women for the Jewish people - opinion

Esther secured her place in history, joining a long, celebrated line of women who give of themselves selflessly for the good of the nation.

 An illustrative image of female IDF soldiers.

Purim during wartime: Remembering Amalek and a day of miraculous survival - opinion

The Jews have been confronted by Amalek throughout history, this hereditary enemy of Israel from wilderness times.

 Israelis are seen laughing at the Mahaneh Yehuda market in Jerusalem.

This week in Jewish history: The births of Moses and Barbie

A highly abridged version of Dust & Stars.

A fan takes a photo of a Barbie doll at the world premiere of the film "Barbie" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., July 9, 2023

Jewish learning forced underground, again - opinion

Repetition of history as Jewish studies are suppressed and Jews are in hiding, once again

 Protesters gather at a main entrance in front of Columbia University during convocation, in New York City, US, August 25, 2024

A profound holy distinction: Shiloh vs Jerusalem - opinion

Shiloh and Jerusalem represent two complementary forces – engagement with the world and preservation of identity – that drive our journey toward redemption.

THE JERUSALEM skyline as viewed from the Mount of Olives.

This week in Jewish history: Birthday of Frank Gehry, Yahrzeit of Avraham Ibn Ezra

A highly abridged version of Dust & Stars.

 MONUMENT TO Shalom Aleichem in Bohuslav, Ukraine.

Faith in dark times: How did God allow the hostages to suffer so much in Gaza? - opinion

How can we explain the relentless horror and violence inflicted upon our people? How is God allowing this to happen – yet again? Are we not promised this land through prophecy?

 Released hostages Or Levy (left), Eli (Eliyahu) Sharabi (center), and Ohad Ben Ami (right), before (top) and after (bottom) Hamas captivity, February 8, 2025.

This week in Jewish history: Tu Bishvat and so many accomplishments

A highly abridged weekly version of Dust & Stars.

 Martin Buber is seen in Israel in 1962.

Grave of Kfar Etzion pioneer rediscovered 80 years after her death

The grave of Tziporah Eliash, a Kfar Etzion pioneer, was buried with her daughter in the cemetery that saw many heart-wrenching funerals, including the Convoy of 10 and the Convoy of 35.

Grave of Tziporah Eliash in Kfar Etzion cemetery.

Rabbi Hirsch: Reform movement wants to be present in rebuilding of Israel

I'm convinced that what we're living through 100 years from now will be seen as a major chapter for the Jewish people and Israel," said Senior Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch.

 Naot owners Steve and Susan Lax, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue Senior Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch, Naot CEO Moshe Marie.