Torah

Simchat Torah 2026: What exactly are we so joyous about?

The joy of Simchat Torah is not merely an individual’s personal joy. It is joy about the Torah that exists within the people of Israel.

SIMCHAT TORAH at a base on the border with Gaza, last Oct.
MK Uriel Buso attends a National Security committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament on December 14, 2025.

MK Busso criticizes haredi draft march, says Shas, Likud will continue collaboration after election

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wore a gold pin of a noose, December 8, 2025.

Ben-Gvir’s gallows betray the Jewish values at the heart of Zionism - opinion

A succa in Western Wall

Sukkot 2026: Yom Kippur reminds us life is short - Sukkot asks what we do with it - opinion


Sukkot 2026: What the sukkah and Four Species teach us about Israeli unity

The sukkah is where we spend much of our time over the holiday, eating our meals, and many sleep in the sukkah when conditions and weather allow. 

(Illustrative) A woman stands inside a Sukkah, holding a Lulav and Etrog.

An unimaginable idea: When does God ignore idolatry by Jews?

Rabbi Hayyim urges us to remain a unified nation; a people that does not block highways or burn tires, engage in vandalism against those with whom we may differ, or delegitimize other Jews.

OUR CHILDREN deserve a unified nation.

Rosh Hashanah 2026: The Jewish people must answer the shofar’s call to unity - opinion

In a year marked by antisemitism and uncertainty, the Jewish community has shown the strength that comes from standing together as one people.

 An illustrative photo of a man blowing a shofar, a ceremonial ram's horn, which is done repeatedly on Rosh Hashanah.

From Saul's failure to David's reckoning, 'Human Kingship' examines the dangers of power - review

Rabbi David Silber's Human Kingship rereads the Book of Samuel to ask what restrains a ruler when no tribunal can remove him, and whether justice can survive unchecked power.

KING DAVID, a detail of the early 16th-century marble statue by Michelangelo,   kept at the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, Italy.

‘You are standing today’: A Jewish lesson for America, 25 years after 9/11

As we approach the 25th anniversary of that terrible day, this week’s haftarah (Isaiah 61:10-63:9) offers a powerful perspective on destruction, rebuilding, and memory.

 THE TWIN Towers burn

Israel after Oct. 7: What Moses teaches us about survival and responsibility

As Israel emerges from three years of war, Moshe’s ancient message offers a powerful reminder: surviving tragedy is only the beginning. We must also decide what we stand for.

WOMEN STAND in prayer at the Kotel.

Parashat Nitzavim: Why we are all responsible for one another

In a world increasingly focused on personal success, Parashat Nitzavim reminds us that no one stands alone. Our fate is bound together, and we are responsible for one another.

MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY: Young Israelis who completed military service help farmers like Giora Isar from Moshav Maaleh Gamla at the height of the mango-picking season, near the Sea of Galilee, Aug. 4.

From midrasha to the IDF: A journey toward serving Israel - opinion

For religious young women, a year of learning and volunteering in Israel can become a foundation for meaningful army service.

 Over 300 lone soldiers join the IDF through Garin Tzabar Scouts program.

Parashat Ki Tavo: The finest generation

Elul's call to confession requires more than admitting failure. Authentic teshuva also means recognizing personal growth and the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of this generation.

HONEST ACCOUNTING cannot be selective

Parashat Ki Tavo: The power of joy

Parashat Ki Tavo teaches that joy is not a luxury but a religious obligation, revealed through gratitude, generosity and serving God with a sincere and joyful heart.

REJOICING UPON the release of Hamas hostage Bar Kupershtein, Nov. 2, 2025.