Jewish life

The enduring value of Zionism - opinion

It is worth reflecting on Zionism’s profound contributions, not as a replacement for Torah and mitzvahs, but as a practical movement that has let the Jewish people live out their eternal covenant

 NETZAH YEHUDA soldiers at the dedication of a Torah scroll at the Erez Crossing.
 Several haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews) are seen walking around Jerusalem's Geula neighborhood.

The cost of Jewish life is pushing families into debt - opinion

An Israel Independence Day celebration at a North American Jewish day school.

Meeting today’s urgent need for Jewish community and identity - opinion

The four finalists for the 2026 Sami Rohr Prize are, from left, Shaul Kelner, Amir Tibon, Jordan Salama and Laura Hobson Faure.

Sami Rohr Prize 2026 shortlist highlights family survival and Jewish history


Birthright Israel works: Alumni are more Jewishly active than their peers, study finds - exclusive

The study assessed that due to Birthright participants having an increased chance of having a Jewish spouse, there were consequent indirect increases in Jewish engagement.

Birthright Israel participants

Modern Zionism: Embracing complexity, building a shared future - opinion

Modern Zionism is gradually abandoning David Ben-Gurion’s “melting pot” approach, embracing instead a profound social transformation.

 A silhouette of Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism, is displayed near a flag of the state of Israel on a building in Jerusalem.

Poor, frustrated antisemites: Truth, history must take second place to outrage - review

The endless suffering of the Jew and the frustration of the pathetic antisemite make a hell of a world that is filled with much beauty and mostly decent people.

 A pro-Palestinian demonstrator holds a sign, as they take part in a protest against US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Turkey, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Istanbul, November 4, 2023.

It is time for a new vision of Zionism - opinion

After almost 77 years, it seems that Zionism has deviated from its path and needs to recalculate its course.

 Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the media while standing in front of a portrait of Theodore Herzl, the father of modern Zionism, during a visit to the Independence Hall in Tel Aviv October 14, 2010.

How are the dynamics of Jewish family life always shifting? - study

Jewish parents share common aspirations, including raising children with empathy, moral responsibility, and a strong sense of self.

A JEWISH FAMILY gathers after lighting Shabbat candles.

This week in Jewish history: When Egypt said all Jews are 'Zionists'

Below is an abridged weekly version of Dust & Stars.

 A religious Orthodox Israeli Jew in a prayer shawl (tallit) is seen praying while keeping a smartphone in front of him.

Zach Margs's viral comedy unites Jewish identity, Israeli culture

Margolin’s comedy has become a way to spread laughter and foster resilience and pride within the Jewish community.

 BRITISH MEDIA influencer Zach Margolin on a previous visit to Israel.

Antisemitic attacks, incidents spike around the world in year after October 7 - JPPI

2024 Assessment of the Jewish People covers surging antisemitism, geopolitical shifts, and social strife and how they are threatening the fabric of Jewish life and taking immediate action for change.

 Jewish Americans and supporters of Israel gather in solidarity with Israel and protest against antisemitism, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, during a rally on the National Mall in Washington, U.S, November 14, 2023

Jewish Life Stories: The Holocaust survivor who fell in love with jazz

Jewish luminaries remembered: Jazz scholar Morgenstern, 'Bible code' mathematician Rips, pandemic comedy star Geduldig, filmmaker Bikel, and autism advocate Silberman leave lasting legacies.

 Dan Morgenstern, seen in 2012, was director of the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University’s Newark campus.

Finding divine humanity amid Israel-Palestine rifts to navigate conflict with compassion - opinion

Amid familial and communal rifts over Israel and Palestine, an appeal for compassion and understanding seeks to preserve relationships through finding divine humanity in opposing views.

 The Israeli flag.