Torah

Fair is not always equal: Adapting bar, bat mitzvahs to developmental challenges - review

The goal of "A Different Spirit" is to offer practical guidance to those planning Jewish rite of passage ceremonies for youth with autism, anxiety, or other mental/physical health issues.

GIRLS CELEBRATE their bat mitzvah in Alexandria, Egypt, 1967.
 IDF soldiers from the 146th Reserves Division begin operations in southern Lebanon.

Parashat Hukat haftarah: The argument that persists

OUR CULTURE celebrates those who can juggle multiple tasks at once.

Parashat Hukat: The red heifer's lesson in an age of multitasking and fragmentation

‘MESIRUT NEFESH’: Willingness to give up comfort, time, money, and personal interests for a greater value.

Parashat Hukat: A life of meaning


The real secret to Chabad’s success, 32 years after the Rebbe’s passing - opinion

After October 7, Jewish communities across the world held challah bakes dedicated to the hostages. Women gathered in synagogue halls and community centers, with flour on their hands, saying prayers.

RABBI MENACHEM MENDEL SCHNEERSON of Lubavitch at a Lag Ba’omer parade in Brooklyn, 1987.

David Hofstedter and his family foundation: From Toronto real estate to global Jewish learning

A builder in business and Jewish life.

Dovid “David” Hofstedter with Mark Walker at the U.S. State Department in Washington, during the presentation of a report on antisemitism and religious freedom.

Derech eretz lost - Why the proposed Basic Law betrays our sacred covenant - opinion

When this war began, there was a brief, powerful moment of unity. We believed that the existential threat would finally force a consensus: every capable citizen must contribute to the state's defense

A haredi (ultra-Orthodox) anti-draft protester holds a banner reading "Even those who do not learn in Yeshiva need to stay Jewish. It's forbidden to commit spiritual suicide in the IDF's crematoriums," during an anti-draft protest at the IDF's Jerusalem recruitment center, April 12, 2026.

Torah study and Israeli military service are both sacred, but not the same - opinion

Public backlash over proposed legislation reflects a broader struggle over how Israel defines service, sacrifice and equality.

Haredim block a road and clash with police to protest the jailing of seminary students who fail to comply with IDF recruitment orders, June 1.

Israel's police, security forces support and enable West Bank settler violence - opinion

“Should I have just stood there and allowed the settler sheep and donkeys to steal fodder?” I asked. The expression on her face said yes.

 A Palestinian man stands next to a burnt car after an attack by Israeli settlers in Kafr Malik, in the West Bank, June 26, 2025.

Exploring Vilnius: the Jerusalem of Lithuania and its Jewish past

A walk through Vilnius reveals a city of cobbled streets and cafés layered over Jewish heritage, from the Vilna Gaon’s legacy to the ruins of the Great Synagogue.

THE FORMER Romm Widow printing house, where the famed Vilna Shas edition of the Talmud was printed.

Parashat Korah: Misreading intentions

Korah's rebellion shows how mistrust and competing narratives destroy dialogue, as reflected today in Israel’s haredi draft divide.

Meira Sohlberg, wife of Supreme Court Deputy President Noam Sohlberg, reacts to the attack by haredi protesters on their Alon Shvut home, June 3.

Parashat Korah: The story of the almond – and of diligence

When Korach questions Moses’ authority, a simple staff becomes a powerful symbol of divine choice and enduring leadership.

Almond trees bloom near the border with Lebanon.

By passing Torah Study law, Israel risks turning holiness into a bargaining chip - editorial

A government that truly cared about Torah would not use it to divide soldiers from students, mourners from politicians, and Jews from one another.

Ultra orthoodx jewish men block a road and clash with police during a protest against the jailing of yeshiva students who failed to comply with an army recruitment order, on road 6 near the Ben Shemen junction, June 11, 2026.

Knesset advances bill to enshrine Torah study into Basic Law, supporting haredi draft evaders

It proposes that the State of Israel "recognize those who commit themselves to long-term dedication to Torah study as performing significant service to the state and the Jewish people."

MK Tally Gotliv and and MK Ofir Katz attend a House committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on, June 9, 2026.