Tradition

The little object that traveled the world: A story of trade, culture, and tradition

A journey through the remarkable history of playing cards, from ancient trade routes and coffeehouses to the digital age, revealing how a simple deck became a global cultural icon.

A centuries-long journey of cultural exchange, where traditions, ideas, and human connections traveled across borders and generations.
The tradition of “Mazel Tov” and the belief in luck and fate continue to accompany Jewish life from its ancient roots to the modern world.

Why "Mazel Tov" endures as the Jewish World's Favorite Blessing

A historical look at how chance-based games shaped culture, law, and society in the Middle East.

Games of chance and society in the Middle East

The Empire State Building, JPMorgan Chase Building, and One Vanderbilt in New York City are illuminated in the colors of the New York Knicks during Game 5 of the NBA Finals on June 13, 2026, as seen from Bayonne, New Jersey.

The Knicks won on June 13, some Jewish fans think that’s more than a coincidence


Finding purpose in cheesecake on Shavuot - opinion

As we once again accept the Torah, let us take it upon ourselves to find new ways to infuse holiness into our routines, to feel the presence and the relevance of the Torah in everything we do.

 CUSTOMERS SHOP in the dairy section of a supermarket ahead of Shavuot. The Torah calls on us to find holiness in our every action – our meals, our work, our everyday interactions with others, and beyond, says the writer.

Jewish traditions shine on 'Sesame Street' through authentic representation

Jewish traditions are authentically represented in new "Sesame Street" episodes, thanks to Amanda Pogany's consultation, showcasing diverse cultures and fostering belonging.

 The Sesame Street Experience for Military Families took USAG-Humphreys by storm as several hundred Humphreys community members flocked to the Community Activity Center. Uploaded on 22/5/2024

Passover 2024: The different Jewish traditions for the Seder night

A look at some of the diverse traditions Jews of different backgrounds have for the Passover Seder.

 NO MATTER what traditions people bring to the Seder, the constant is the Haggadah.

Opting for tradition and inspiration when looking for wines for the Seder

It is time to drink the four cups of freedom and pray for those still in captivity.

 SINGLE VINEYARDS series by Carmel Wineries

Grapevine April 14, 2024: When crisis looms

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

 Nataliya Dimitriev, mother of 11-year-old Naster, who, since arriving in Israel from war-torn Ukraine, has been treated at Schneider Children’s Medical Center for Israel; IFCJ president Yael Eckstein with three-year-old Avigail Chashashvili, who has been receiving dialysis and follow-up treatments

Jewish tradition sees eclipses as bad omens. Many American Jews are seeking totality anyway

An eclipse can take place only around the time of a new moon, they are always adjacent to the start of a new Jewish month.

A total solar eclipse is seen in Dallas, Texas, U.S., April 8, 2024.

In the Spanish town of León, locals toast Easter with a ‘Kill Jews’ cocktail

In León, Spain, locals enjoy "limonada" during Holy Week, uttering "Kill Jews" cheerfully - a tradition rooted in historical events.

 The Alcazar of Segovia, Segovia, in Castile and Leon, Spain

Días de Flamenco Festival in Tel Aviv will keep the Spanish beat going

This year’s Días de Flamenco (Flamenco Days) Festival, 30 years after its founding, will take place at the Suzanne Dellal Center in Tel Aviv (March 28-30). 

 TWO SIDES of flamenco.

Berlin-based Israeli musician Bar Zemach plays shofar in latest performance

While the ram’s horn has popped up in quite a few jazz gigs over the years, there has been precious little seen of the instrument in classical climes.

 BAR ZEMACH: ‘There was this old horn on the wall, and my dad would take it down and let me blow into it.’

Israeli haredi education balances between tradition, change - opinion

RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS: Education, a sphere as deeply embedded in values and identity as any other, is undergoing a subtle yet significant evolution.

 THE HAREDI COMMUNITY’S experience illustrates that change, when introduced carefully and respectfully, can be integrated into the fabric of tradition without compromising its essence.