Judaism

Judaism is the oldest monotheistic religion in the world, having originated in the Middle East more than 3,000 years ago with patriarch Abraham.

As the first Abrahamic religion, Judaism has played a major role in shaping the history of the world, having greatly influenced the development of Christianity and Islam, despite having always had a relatively small amount of adherents by comparison.

The religion itself is built off of the "written Torah" of the Bible, known in Judaism as the Tanach, and the "oral Torah" of the Mishna, Talmud and other great works of leading rabbis throughout history.

Judaism itself has no single leading figure, and is divided into multiple streams, such as the ultra-Orthodox (haredi), Orthodox, Conservative and Reform. Further differences also exist along the lines of historic Diasporic communities, such as Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jewry.

Today, the largest concentration of adherents of Judaism can be found in Israel, with the US having the second-largest.

Parashat Pinchas: What Joshua learned from Moses about true leadership

We often encounter people who seem to be pursuing the very same path on which we hope to succeed, and naturally, we may sometimes fear that their success will diminish our own opportunities.

JULY 3, 2026|ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ

Shining: Moon rises behind the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.

Jerusalem Day at the Western Wall.

Parashat Pinchas: A prophet for difficult times

The Three Weeks do not ask us to despair. They ask us to remember what we lost, why we lost it, and, above all, that God has never stopped remembering us.

JULY 3, 2026|ByMICHAEL FREUND

Shabbat candles

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

See Shabbat candle lighting times for your area.

JULY 3, 2026|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

A Tzohar kashrut sticker in a window

Chief Rabbinate Council disputes Tzohar kashrut approval hours after authorization

“The approval was granted unlawfully and did not go through the Chief Rabbinate Council as required,” Director General of the Ministry of Religious Services Yehuda Avidan said.

JULY 2, 2026|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Joshua's spies chose faith over fear - can Israel do the same?

Joshua’s spies returned with faith and confidence, teaching a timeless lesson about courage, purpose, and the Land of Israel.

JUNE 6, 2026ByMICHAEL FREUND

The Grapes of Canaan by James Tissot (circa 1900). Although the 12 spies brought back a cluster of grapes so large that it took two men to carry it, only two of the 12 brought back a good report of the land.

How a Jewish police chief's mezuzah captivated a Mississippi town

A Jewish police chief's mezuzah ceremony became the talk of a Mississippi town and drew a crowd no one expected.

JUNE 6, 2026ByARIEH O’SULLIVAN

The writer and daughter Noa O’Sullivan on roots visit to Mississippi, 2018. Background: Highway welcome sign upon entering to state, ‘the birthplace of America’s music.’

'I am a grateful American': Gary Sinise hopes to bring his mission of service to Israel - interview

From Hollywood to humanitarian work, Gary Sinise shares his journey of service, sacrifice, and resilience.

JUNE 5, 2026ByLANA MELMAN

Gary Sinise receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, surrounded by armed guard, 2017.

Jerusalem highlights: June 5-11

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

JUNE 5, 2026ByHAGAY HACOHEN

‘Sausages,’ Stav Rozental (see Saturday).

Parashat Shlah: The absolute truth

When fear overrides faith, even truth becomes distorted; this is the lesson of the spies in the desert.

JUNE 5, 2026ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ

Truth

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

See Shabbat candle lighting times for your area.

JUNE 5, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Shabbat candles

What does the kashrut reform repeal mean, and could it raise food prices? - explainer

The reform was designed to move Israel’s kashrut system away from one controlled almost entirely by the Chief Rabbinate and local rabbinates, and toward a regulated market.

JUNE 3, 2026BySARAH BEN-NUN

KASHRUT CERTIFICATION at a Jerusalem eatery – will the rabbinate’s monopoly be broken?

A different mind, a shared covenant - opinion

I often find myself drawn to the story of Moses, who, when called, responded: "Why me?" Any of Moses’ traits might be understood in the context of autism

JUNE 3, 2026ByDAVID GOLDFARB

THE PARTING of the Red Sea during the Jewish nation’s escape from Egypt, an illustration from a Bible card published 1907 by the Providence Lithograph Company

From Flatbush to Israel: How ignorance fuels the haredi draft crisis - opinion

What a Brooklyn protest reveals about Israel’s internal struggle over equality, service, and a divided society.

MAY 31, 2026ByYAAKOV GRODKA

A group of ultra-Orthodox Jews blocked traffic and the light rail in Jerusalem demonstrating against a Haredi draft into the IDF. February 26, 2024.

Meet the Israeli author making Jewish texts accessible for children

The first book I received of Dina’s series of three was her Scroll of Ruth, most appropriate since Shavuot was only a week away.

MAY 31, 2026ByDAVID GEFFEN

Dina Gavriely: ‘My task was clear – create vibrant and joyful texts.’