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.

One people cannot survive under two laws: What pushed Israel's deputy FM to resign - opinion

What I taught my daughter on Tisha B’Av – and why I resigned from the government.

JULY 27, 2026|BySHARREN HASKEL

Sharren Haskel speaks to the media as she announces her resignation as deputy foreign minister, at the Knesset, on July 14, 2026.

Every generation has its super powers.

On Shabbat Nachamu, Isaiah reminds us that human power is just an illusion

Isaiah declares, “Behold, the nations are as a drop from a bucket, and are regarded as the dust on the scales... All the nations are as nothing before Him” (Isaiah 40:15,17).

JULY 25, 2026|ByMICHAEL FREUND

Taking in a Tanach lecture, Alon Shvut.

At Israel's biggest Bible study gathering, thousands turn to Tanakh for answers on politics

The event, founded initially 33 years ago by Rabbi Yoel Bin-Nun as a summer professional development program for teachers, has grown into a major annual gathering that is open to the public.

JULY 24, 2026|ByALAN ROSENBAUM

JEWISH IMMIGRANTS from Europe arrive in Haifa in 1929. Drawing on Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of ‘The Odyssey,’ the writer explores why the Jewish return to Zion remains one of history’s enduring homecoming narratives.

Middle Israel: How 'The Odyssey' echoes the Jewish story of homecoming - opinion

Written roughly in the time of Isaiah, The Odyssey had nothing to do with the Jews. Its narrative, however, sure is relevant to the Jews, as their own narrative comes under assault.

JULY 24, 2026|ByAMOTZ ASA-EL

Jew vs Jew: New York, Israel, and the crisis of Jewish solidarity - opinion

As antisemitism rises, the widening rift among Jews over Israel raises urgent questions about Jewish unity.

JUNE 7, 2026BySTEWART WEISS

Chai Riders line up in this year’s Salute to Israel parade in Manhattan, May 31.

'I show up for my Jewish friends': Jerry O’Connell on antisemitism, Israel, and a childhood promise

Jerry O’Connell: "Jewish people have been showing up for me and my family for my entire life, and [it’s] time for me to show up for my Jewish friends."

JUNE 6, 2026ByLANA MELMAN

Jerry O’Connell: Connection to Israel started young.

In the kitchen with Henny: Sheet pan magic

Simple one-pan dinners and a decadent dessert help busy families get delicious meals on the table with minimal effort.

JUNE 6, 2026ByHENNY SHOR

Sheet-pan gnocchi and veggies.

What the ma'apilim teach us about faith and judgment

The story of the spies shows how belief in destiny can falter in fear or slip into reckless overconfidence.

JUNE 6, 2026ByMOSHE TARAGIN

Overconfidence, underconfidence –both negative.

Joshua's spies chose faith over fear - can Israel do the same?

Joshua’s spies returned with faith and confidence, teaching a timeless lesson about courage, purpose, and the Land of Israel.

JUNE 6, 2026ByMICHAEL FREUND

The Grapes of Canaan by James Tissot (circa 1900). Although the 12 spies brought back a cluster of grapes so large that it took two men to carry it, only two of the 12 brought back a good report of the land.

How a Jewish police chief's mezuzah captivated a Mississippi town

A Jewish police chief's mezuzah ceremony became the talk of a Mississippi town and drew a crowd no one expected.

JUNE 6, 2026ByARIEH O’SULLIVAN

The writer and daughter Noa O’Sullivan on roots visit to Mississippi, 2018. Background: Highway welcome sign upon entering to state, ‘the birthplace of America’s music.’

'I am a grateful American': Gary Sinise hopes to bring his mission of service to Israel - interview

From Hollywood to humanitarian work, Gary Sinise shares his journey of service, sacrifice, and resilience.

JUNE 5, 2026ByLANA MELMAN

Gary Sinise receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, surrounded by armed guard, 2017.

Jerusalem highlights: June 5-11

What's new to do in Israel's capital?

JUNE 5, 2026ByHAGAY HACOHEN

‘Sausages,’ Stav Rozental (see Saturday).

Parashat Shlah: The absolute truth

When fear overrides faith, even truth becomes distorted; this is the lesson of the spies in the desert.

JUNE 5, 2026ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ

Truth

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

See Shabbat candle lighting times for your area.

JUNE 5, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Shabbat candles