Religion

Jerusalem highlights: January 30-February 5

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

Ginat Rice in Jerusalem.
Exclusive Interview with Bishop Thomas Paul Schirrmacher at  the Conference of European Rabbis.

'Jews are hated because of Abraham's God': Bishop Schirrmacher against antisemitism - interview

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold a press conference after meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, US, December 29, 2025.

From Hillel and Shamai to Trump and Netanyahu: Polarized, divided Jewry is dangerous - opinion

Rabbi Yaakov Medan speaks during a protest against the planned eviction of the outpost of Amona, in front of the Israeli parliament on January 30, 2017.

'Ritual sexual abuse' of minors: Senior religious Zionist rabbi warns of ‘social narcissism’


Indonesia mosque blast suspect inspired by neo-Nazi figures, white supremacist ideology

Explosions at a mosque in Indonesia's capital Jakarta that injured dozens of people during Friday prayers, with a 17-year-old student the suspected perpetrator.

Police officials carry out an on-site investigation following a blast at a mosque inside a school in Jakarta on November 7, 2025

Faith and sacrifice: The story of Itay Chen's return - opinion

After nearly two years, the body of Itay Chen returns home, a story of faith and sacrifice.

Ruby Chen, father of Itay, calls for his son’s release from Hamas captivity in Gaza outside the US Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv in July. This week, Staff-Sgt. Itay Chen’s body was finally returned home.

The Torah between Abraham and Herzl: Israel’s call to moral leadership - opinion

The Torah portions Lech Lecha, Vayera, and Hayei Sarah form a trilogy of leadership, from vision to continuity. Abraham and Herzl lived in different worlds but shared a mission.

An illustrative image of God calling on Abraham to leave his country to the Promised Land.

Kosher community fridge in Chicago’s Jewish suburbs arrives amid rising food insecurity

The community fridge offers free and fresh food that anyone can take anonymously.

Rabbi Hody Nemes stands in front of Hersh's Fridge, a community fridge that serves kosher-keeping Jews in Chicago.

Archaeologists uncover 5,000-year-old winepress, Canaanite folk worship evidence near Tel Megiddo

Discoveries near Tel Megiddo offer insight into ancient Canaanite life and urbanization. Finds include a 5,000-year-old winepress and ritual offerings positioned in sight of the city's main temple.

One of the oldest winemaking presses in the world, discovered in an excavation

No atheists in a foxhole: How Israelis embraced faith after October 7, 2023 - opinion

Even ardent atheists pray to be saved from the butchery and brutality of war.

FORMER HOSTAGE Omer Shem Tov speaks at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv last month. Since his return home, the entire Shem Tov family has embraced many Jewish traditions not only on Shabbat but also as part of their daily rituals, the writer notes.

Gov't proposal to expand rabbinate powers sparks alarm over ‘conditional Jewishness’

A new bill has been proposed to give the rabbinate new powers to investigate the 'Jewish status' of any Israeli citizen.

Chief rabbis of Jerusalem, Rabbi Shlomo Amar and Rabbi Arye Stern

Pope Leo canonizes former Satanic priest Bartolo Longo as one of seven new saints

In front of an estimated 70,000 people, Leo canonized Bartolo Longo, who had once been an occultist priest but later denounced Satan and embraced Christianity.

Remains of Blessed Longo

Caring as a Christian: Standing in solidarity and obedience - opinion

Though it may feel as though we are wandering in our own desert, we cling to the promises and steadfastness of God.

PASSAGES PARTICIPATES in the March for Israel on the National Mall in Washington, November 2023. Though it may feel as though we are wandering in our own desert, we cling to the promises and steadfastness of God, says the writer.

Tehran opens Virgin Mary metro station amid scrutiny over Iran's Christian rights

Iran opens a metro station named after the Virgin Mary, calling it a gesture of coexistence, while critics cite ongoing discrimination against minorities.

Tehran's new Virgin Mary metro station has drawn both praise and criticism for the treatment of Christians within Iran.