Rosh hashana

Freedom of worship demands both physical safety and sanctuary autonomy - editorial

On Yom Kippur, Jews across the world gather to recite the same confessions. That shared observance does not require Jews to agree about how Judaism should be practiced.

People walk and ride bicycles on empty streets in Jerusalem on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement and the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, September 21, 2026.
An ultra-Orthodox man blows a shofar ahead of Rosh Hashanah in Mea She’arim in Jerusalem in August

Beyond the echo of the shofar: Urgent action for Israel’s children in the new year

Defense Minister Israel Katz attends a plenum session and a vote on a bill to split the duties and powers currently held by the attorney general between two separate officeholders, at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, July 15, 2026.

When journalism crosses the line from reporting to mind reading - opinion

 A Jewish worshipper blows a Shofar as he takes part in Slichot at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, 2017

Rosh Hashanah 2026: What does ‘shana tova’ mean in an Israel divided by politics? - opinion


Wine talk: Eat well, drink well

From affordable bottles to prestige wines, this Rosh Hashanah guide offers Israeli wine recommendations for every budget, occasion, and level of wine enthusiasm.

YOU CAN make a toast for the New Year with a good sparkling wine, like Yarden Brut Rose.

The second year: Anticipating the Jewish High Holidays after experiencing grief and loss

Some days are easier than others, and thankfully, while occurring infrequently, there are times when I feel angry, sad, mad, frustrated, and a host of other less positive feelings.

EMOTIONAL SCARS remain. Illustration of a woman with a puzzle-piece shaped hole in her chest, with the corresponsing puzzle piece seen floating beside her.

In the kitchen with Henny: Sweetness in every course

FROM THE first bite to the last spoonful, these recipes let us enjoy the simanim throughout the meal, not just at the beginning.

Henny Shor.

Sweetening the new year: How Jewish food becomes family tradition - opinion

Jewish food is more than what Jews eat. It is what becomes woven into family life, memory, tradition, and the freedom to change what came before.

EMMER & CANE baked goods. Yum!

Chocolate-espresso and pistachio-kadaif honey cakes arrive for Rosh Hashanah

From pistachio-kadaif to chocolate-espresso, Maafe Ne’eman is expanding its holiday collection as honey cake demand jumps 15.5%.

Maafe Ne’eman reports a 15.5% rise in demand and responds with a larger classic cake, a lower price and new pistachio-kadaif flavors.

Deleted IDF video instructed haredi draft evaders how to avoid Ben-Gurion checks

It is unclear whether the IDF has a mechanism to prevent someone from reporting for the summons, avoiding a departure restriction, traveling to Uman, and then failing to complete enlistment.

In a video published in August 2026, the AI-generated figure dubbed "Dudi the Explainer" tells haredi draft dodgers that they can avoid arrest at the airport en route to Uman for Rosh Hashanah.

Jewish, Muslim, Christian Jerusalem Old City vendors say reduced tourism is harming businesses

Vendors pointed to a shortage of flights, high airfares, and lingering fears abroad about security as the main reasons traffic into Israel has suffered.

The market in the Arab Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City. August 24, 2026.

No politics. No divisions. Just Am Yisrael Chai

Colel Chabad planning to invest $18 million this High Holiday season

Rabbi Efraim Dochman of Colel Chabad embraces an IDF soldier during a visit to support troops serving on the front lines.

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

The 2026 High Holiday season brings a new set of Jewish children’s books, with new stories spanning Rosh Hashanah traditions, Yom Kippur apologies and Sukkot celebrations.

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

Your Investments: Time to start all the tasks that have been put off until ‘after the chagim’

In Israel, the ultimate definition of procrastination is the concept of “after the chagim,” where no one can focus or make a decision on anything until after the High Holy Days season is over.

Close up cropped image young woman calculating monthly expenses.