Judaism

Judaism is the oldest monotheistic religion in the world, having originated in the Middle East more than 3,000 years ago with patriarch Abraham.

As the first Abrahamic religion, Judaism has played a major role in shaping the history of the world, having greatly influenced the development of Christianity and Islam, despite having always had a relatively small amount of adherents by comparison.

The religion itself is built off of the "written Torah" of the Bible, known in Judaism as the Tanach, and the "oral Torah" of the Mishna, Talmud and other great works of leading rabbis throughout history.

Judaism itself has no single leading figure, and is divided into multiple streams, such as the ultra-Orthodox (haredi), Orthodox, Conservative and Reform. Further differences also exist along the lines of historic Diasporic communities, such as Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jewry.

Today, the largest concentration of adherents of Judaism can be found in Israel, with the US having the second-largest.

Perpetual Jewish family traits: Jewish genealogy, history explored by Am haZikaron Institute

Using an exact-sciences approach endorsed by a committee of 55 Nobel laureates, Am haZikaron can reveal the unique characteristics of one’s clan that have been preserved for centuries.

APRIL 12, 2026|ByABIGAIL KLEIN LEICHMAN

A SECTION of Jonathan Vidgop’s family tree on the walls of the Am haZikaron office in Tel Aviv.

SIMON BETUEL in his home studio.

Simon Betuel: Cosmetics producer by day, artist by night

Influenced by the palettes of Rubens, Klimt, Vrubel, and especially El Greco, Betuel executes deeply Jewish paintings in both figurative and abstract styles.

APRIL 11, 2026|ByABIGAIL KLEIN LEICHMAN

FOR ISRAEL in the here and now, these ideas are playing out in real time

A deeper reflection: Why the Passover story still matters today - opinion

The lesson that lingers is that freedom is not just about leaving a place of hardship; it is about creating a reality where that hardship does not repeat itself.

APRIL 11, 2026|BySTEWART WEISS

THEODOR HERZL, the solution appeared straightforward. Pictured: Theodor Herzl’s portrait on the 100-lira note (preceding the shekel), 1965

The sky is no longer silent: Antisemitism persists, but Jews are no longer defenseless - opinion

For the first time in centuries, Jews are not merely subjects of history but active participants within it.

APRIL 11, 2026|ByMOSHE TARAGIN

Jewish day schools’ macro and micro impact - opinion

Day schools function as an anchor institution, attracting parents and communal professionals who seek robust educational options for their own children.

MARCH 22, 2026ByPAUL BERNSTEIN

Seattle Jewish Community Day School

The Great Mifgash: Building global Jewish connections amid crisis

The Great Mifgash used AI-powered speed conversations to unite Jewish leaders across continents in just one evening.

MARCH 22, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

The Great Mifgash. Pictured: Tracy Frydberg, director, Tisch Center for Jewish Dialogue at ANU – Museum of the Jewish People; Yoni Alon, Israeli Jewish Peoplehood Coalition and found er of David Cards.

Passover Haggadah Graphic Novel: Bringing the Exodus to life, visually - review

Experience the Exodus like never before with this graphic novel Haggadah, which makes the story immediate, visual, and unforgettable.

MARCH 22, 2026ByNOAH ROTHSTEIN

Haggadah

Az Nashir Haggadah: Women’s voices on the path to redemption - review

A Haggadah that blends tradition, contemporary Israeli reality, and women’s voices for a living redemption.

MARCH 22, 2026ByRIVKAH LAMBERT ADLER

Prophet Miriam plays the tambourine as she dances and sings with the women as they leave Egypt. A Camden Press poster of a wood carving by the Brothers Dalziel after a mid-19th-century illustration by Edward Poynter.

Eid, Nowruz, Nisan converge in 2026, blending faith, culture, renewal across the region

The convergence creates a layered period of celebration that reflects the region’s complex identity, where religious practice and ancient cultural traditions coexist and often reinforce one another.

MARCH 22, 2026BySTEVEN GANOT/THE MEDIA LINE

Iranians watch fireworks during the Wednesday Fire feast, or Chaharshanbe Suri, held annually on the last Wednesday eve before the Spring holiday of Nowruz, in Tehran, on March 18, 2025.

American Jewish groups must rethink their West Bank policy - opinion

American Jewish leaders risk losing influence unless they align with Israeli realities on settlements, security, and the future of Judea and Samaria.

MARCH 22, 2026ByALIZA PILICHOWSKI

An Israeli flag flutters, with Ma'aleh Adumim is visible in the background, in the West Bank, August 14, 2025.

This month in Jewish history: From Exodus to modern Israel, and many birthdays

A highly abridged monthly version of Dust & Stars.

MARCH 21, 2026BySTEVEN DRUCKER

Happy Birthday to: Yigael Yadin (3rd R), Israeli delegation member to armistice talks in Rhodes, 1949, with Yitzhak Rabin {R);

From exile to nationhood: The enduring story of Am Yisrael

Passover marks more than freedom; it forged Jewish nationhood and a lasting identity that endured exile and returned as a living people in its land.

MARCH 21, 2026ByMOSHE TARAGIN

Millions of Jews who do not live in Israel shape their Jewish identity through their connection to this land.

Beyond buffer zones: Southern Lebanon may need a permanent Israeli presence - opinion

After decades of temporary buffer zones, Israel may need civilian presence in southern Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah’s return.

MARCH 20, 2026ByMICHAEL FREUND

Litani river, Bekaa Valley.

Israeli artist Idan Raichel blends music, art and desert magic in 'Fata Morgana'

Idan Raichel’s desert festival “Fata Morgana” blends music, art and resilience amid a time of war and uncertainty.

MARCH 20, 2026ByDAVID BRINN

Idan Raichel: Taking it all in stride.