Hassidim

IDF, Shin Bet arrest eight Palestinians suspected of assaulting Israelis in West Bank village

Separately, Israel Police on Thursday arrested a resident of the West Bank town of Tarqumiyah suspected of being involved in the criminally motivated kidnapping of an IDF soldier.

The IDF arrests eight Palestinians in Mukhmas suspected of attacking Israelis, July 3, 2026.
Ultra-Orthodox (haredi) Jewish men rally against the imprisonment of yeshiva students who failed to comply with IDF draft orders, on June 18, 2026; Illustrative.

Arad residents protest alleged Gur Hassidic ‘takeover’ of city amid rising violence

MENTEE & MENTOR: Israeli logotherapists Batya Yaniger (L) and Teria Shantall.

Silence before speaking: Logotherapy helps process trauma, evil after October 7

Thousands of haredim protest against draft law in Jerusalem, January 6, 2026.

New Israeli drama Ambiguity explores secret lives of disbelieving haredim in Jerusalem - interview


Intense ‘devekut’: The goal of the Jewish mystic

The term devekut is often rendered in English as “cleaving.” Alas, using an English term that is not part of common speech hardly clarifies the experience being described.

 ABSORBED BY their ‘devekut’-filled prayer, they did not see the mayor and his party approach the ark. (Pictured: an ark in an Efrat synagogue)

New York Governor Kathy Hochul vetoes anti-Hasidic bill

The recently re-elected New York State official vetoed a bill that was designed to keep ultra-Orthodox Jews out of specific communities.

Jewish Hassidic men walking in Eastern Europe

Hanukkah: World's largest menorah set up in New York City by Chabad

The world's largest Hanukkah menorah has been set up by Chabad in New York City and will be lit by Mayor Eric Adams and Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan.

 The World's Largest Menorah is set up by Chabad-Lubavitch in New York City ahead of Hanukkah, on December 15, 2022.

Jerusalem highlights December 16-22

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

 'TSABAR,' SALAH ALKARA.

What is the status of Jewish languages in Canada?

It seems still worthwhile to use Canada census data to find out how these languages are doing in regard to being used and studied vs. just being abandoned and therefore shrinking from view.

Canadian flag

How can you make yourself a pious Jew?

When 18th-century writers railed against emerging trends of piety which they saw as misguided, they could not refer to these whippersnappers by the lofty appellation “hassidim.”

 CLOAKING ONE’S self in piety: Not desired in the hassidic milieu.

Satmar Rebbe: Trumpism has infiltrated Judaism, twisted many minds

The Grand Rebbe's words came two days after the US midterm elections, during which Democrat Kathy Hochul became the governor of New York state, beating out Jewish Republican Trump ally Lee Zeldin.

Rabbi Aaron Teitelbaum, Satmar rebbe in Kiryas Joel

New York midterm elections: Ultra-Orthodox Jews get out vote for Zeldin

Appealing to the ultra-Orthodox electorate has boiled down to two fundamental issues: frustration with New York City’s increased crimes and ongoing state attempts to regulate yeshiva schools. 

 NEW YORK Congressman and Republican New York gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin shakes hands with people during the annual Columbus Day parade in New York City, earlier this month

Haredi rebbetzin tells women to wear makeup, heels to bring in votes

In a screenshot circulating online, a haredi woman calls on women to wear Shabbat clothing when going to vote to bring in more male votes for UTJ.

 Ultra orthodox Jews seen at the Torah Judaism party headquarters in Bnei Brak, during the Knesset Elections, on November 1, 2022.

Senior Russian official: Chabad Lubavitch is a neo-pagan cult

Chabad is the most dominant Jewish group in Russia and Ukraine and this was therefore a shocking statement that was perceived by the rabbis and emissaries negatively.

Chabad rabbis sing ‘Ani Ma’amin’ in front of the movement’s world headquarters in Brooklyn