Jews in Israel

From pop stars to tefillin pop-ups, Oct. 7 changed how some Israelis practice Judaism

The spiritual jolt of those first weeks has not fully faded, and increased religious practice has become part of the country’s daily rhythm.

The Israeli TV host Ofira Asayag is secular but lit Shabbat candles on air in 2024, during the Israel Hamas war reflecting a trend among Israelis.
OSCAR THE GROUCH was the funny creature who lived in a trash can on ‘Sesame Street.’ In Israel, he was replaced by Moishe Oofnik, a similarly grumpy character but distinctly Israeli and living in a different kind of can.

Editor's Notes: Israel, Diaspora Jews need to be on same page

An illustrative image of Jews making aliyah to Israel.

Netanyahu says Israel is safer than Diaspora for Jews, but what do the numbers say? - opinion

Israeli educator and lecturer in the IDF, Rami Glickstein, 59, suffered a vicious antisemitic attack while in New York.

'It's like 1939': Israeli Jewish tourist suffers brain bleed after NY attack - interview


Tensions with ultra-Orthodox are second most divisive conflict in Israeli society, poll finds

The poll also shows how 83% of Israeli Jews support ensuring freedom of religion, namely, the freedom for both secular and religious citizens to live according to their own worldview. 

 An illustrative image of haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Israeli Jews near a sign for an IDF recruiting office.

Israeli Jews need to see people as individuals, not labels, to fight internal division - opinion

In a wide-ranging discussion on the Inspiration from Zion podcast, speakers unpacked how to fight current trends such as Jewish division in Israel.

Worshipers sit on low surfaces in mourning on Tisha B’Av at the Western Wall last year. The understanding that baseless hatred was the cause of the Temples’ destruction underscores how our enemies can defeat us only when we are disunited.

Living in the present: Counting the Omer with meaning

Albert Einstein wrote: 'There are only two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle; the other is as though everything is a miracle.'

 ‘Sefer HaMinhagim,’ or ‘Book of Customs’ was printed in Yiddish in Venice, 1601.

Zionism must evolve to serve all Jews, face new threats - opinion

The pogrom of October 7 shook our world in Israel, but the waves of hatred and antisemitism are being felt even more strongly by our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora.

 Jonathan Menuhin meets with representatives from the innovation ministries of various countries, last month in Brazil.

The Jewish community should reevaluate its priorities and reconnect with its mission - opinion

This is a moment of catharsis. It is a time to instill in younger generations a sense of purpose, resilience, and pride in their heritage.

A GALA celebration of the 125th anniversary of the First Zionist Congress takes place at the original venue, the Stadtcasino Basel, Switzerland, in 2022.

Grapevine September 11, 2024: News headliners

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

 Matisyahu

'Extreme measures' needed to reform education as ultra-Orthodox growth threatens stability

Prof. Ben-David warns of Israel's unsustainable future due to rapid Haredi growth, calls for drastic educational reforms to maintain national development.

 The rabbi of the Biala Hasidic dynasty dances the mitzvah tanz at the wedding of his son in the central Israeli city of Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv, on May 28, 2013.

Israeli public swings back to Trump as Republican convention set to give him nomination - analysis

As Republicans prepare to nominate Donald Trump in Milwaukee, Israeli polls show a preference for Trump over Biden, shifting amid geopolitical events.

 Democratic Party presidential candidate US President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate former US President Donald Trump speak during a presidential debate in Atlanta, Georgia, US, June 27, 2024 in a combination photo.

Israel must become cohesive again, what can each of us do? - opinion

There is a broad consensus for the need to look critically at the ideas and the people who have been steering our ship, and to hold them accountable for their misunderstandings and errors.

 YELLOW RUBBER ducks are on display, symbolizing the call for the release of the hostages held in Gaza, at Habima Square in Tel Aviv. Hindsight was thrust upon us by the subhuman attacks of Hamas.

Jerusalem's population reaches one million residents in 2024

The data showed that the city had surpassed a population of one million residents information and broke down the different sectors of the population. 

 Jewish men hold Israeli flags as they dance at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, during Jerusalem Day celebrations, June 5, 2024.

Jews and Arabs suffering from emotional distress since October 7 - study

A joint study by the University of Haifa and Shalvata Mental Health Center shows that although Jews and Arabs are suffering from emotional distress, many cannot access psychological help

 THE FUNERAL of Sgt.-Maj. (res.) Eliraz Gabai, killed in Gaza, takes place in Tiberias, last week. Busy with fighting a war, attending funerals, and visiting the bereaved, we are suppressing a great deal of grief, the writer notes.