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


The rabbis attacking Israel’s courts are attacking Religious Zionism - opinion

The very ethos of Religious Zionism is integration: to bridge the sacred and the worldly, and to play an integral role in building the State of Israel.

Ultra orthodox jewish men protest against the jailing of yeshiva students who failed to comply with an army recruitment order, at the home of Supreme Court Deputy President Noam Sohlberg in the settlement of Alon Shvut, June 3, 2026.

What the ma'apilim teach us about faith and judgment

The story of the spies shows how belief in destiny can falter in fear or slip into reckless overconfidence.

Overconfidence, underconfidence –both negative.

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.

 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.

Your Investments: The spies and fear of financial success

Winston Churchill said, "Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm."

An illustrative image of New Israeli Shekels in a wallet.

Parashat Shlah: The absolute truth

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

Truth

Two parades, one people - opinion

In New York City, thousands marched up Fifth Avenue to celebrate the Israel Day Parade. At the very same time, in Philadelphia, thousands gathered for the Adirei HaTorah celebration.

Israeli politicians, government ministers, public officials and supporters take part in the Israel Day Parade in New York City, May 31, 2026

'The Sacrificial Service': Leviticus has been mistranslated for centuries - review

The book grew out of courses the author taught, and covers Leviticus’ chapters 1 through 10. 

Reading a torah scroll

What the Israelites' greatest failure can teach us about today's uncertainty - opinion

Dreams are perfect. Reality is not. Reality demands sacrifice, perseverance, and the courage to confront uncertainty.

 SCRIBES FINISH writing a Torah scroll.

Your Investments: Aaron’s menorah teaches us patience is key to long-term wealth

Aaron’s menorah offers a timeless lesson in patience, showing how lasting financial success is built through discipline, consistency, and time.

The menorah-inscribed stone door discovered in Tiberias, December 2017

Parashat Beha'alotcha: The courage to see beyond

The Menorah in Zechariah’s vision still burns. Its message still endures. And it still calls to each of us: light the flame. Raise it high.

The menorah-inscribed stone door discovered in Tiberias, December 2017