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.

How Mikhael Mirilashvili sees Netanyahu, Trump, and Israel’s national priorities - interview

From legal battles to Channel 14, Mirilashvili shares his perspective on politics and public life.

MARCH 7, 2026|ByZVIKA KLEIN

Working in his Petah Tikva office, 2024: Watergen’s water-from-air technology is a priority.

People celebrate Purim in Mea Shearim, Jerusalem.

From Shushan to Tehran: Purim’s story repeats itself - opinion

Again and again, the pattern returns: a decree of destruction, a sudden fall, a people still standing.

MARCH 7, 2026|ByJONATHAN LIEBERMAN

Henny Shor

In the kitchen with Henny: Easy Purim, Passover dinners using what’s already in your kitchen

From Purim treats to Passover prep, turn leftovers and pantry staples into nourishing, stress-free dinners.

MARCH 7, 2026|ByHENNY SHOR

Close-up of the Merenptah Stele, mentioning Israel on line 27.

Echoes of Egypt: Haggadah that brings ancient Egypt to your seder

Experience a Haggadah that brings 3,000 years of Egyptian imagery to life.

MARCH 7, 2026|ByMICHAEL BERNSTEIN

Parashat Ki Tisa: Fear and the choice of courage

From the golden calf to today, fear tests us, but faith and courage show the way forward.

MARCH 6, 2026ByMOSHE TARAGIN

Taking cover in Tel Aviv, March 1.

Parashat Ki Tisa: Sin of the golden calf and the test of patience

Impatience at Sinai led to the golden calf, teaching that true faith and redemption demand patience, not glittering shortcuts.

MARCH 6, 2026ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ

Impatience has led to many people losing their own private Garden of Eden.

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

See Shabbat times for your area.

MARCH 6, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Shabbat candles

A war-weary Jerusalem marks Purim one day after the rest of the world

Early morning sirens coincided with the morning of Shushan Purim, as thousands of Israelis gathered, despite a prohibition on public gatherings, to fulfill the mitzvah of hosting a Megillah reading.

MARCH 5, 2026ByTHEIA CHATELLE/JTA

A man wearing a wolf costume with his daughter dressed as Little Red Riding Hood shops at a stall in the Machane Yeduda market in Jerusalem, which was operating at limited capacity because of the war with Iran, during Purim in Jerusalem, March 4, 2026.

From Hollywood to aliyah and wartime: Diane Neal’s leap of faith

The former television star opens up about loss, Israel and why she chose to begin again during war.

MARCH 3, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST PODCASTS

Diane Neal sits down with The Post to disucss her aliyah story.

Purim 2026: The hidden miracle of Jewish survival across generations - opinion

Purim reminds us that Jewish continuity is a miracle, sustained by belief, identity, and unwavering strength.

MARCH 3, 2026ByMENACHEM SPIEGEL

19th-century Megillat Esther linked to Gaza's Jewish community up for auction in Jerusalem.

Purim 2026: It’s not over until it’s good - opinion

Living in Israel during these past years of war has made the message of Purim painfully real.

MARCH 3, 2026ByYAEL ECKSTEIN

Israelis celebrate Purim on the streets of Jerusalem amid war with Iran, March 3, 2026

The Book of Esther: How letters preserved Jewish identity across empires and exile - opinion

How the Book of Esther uses letters to safeguard Jewish identity and language during exile and empire.

MARCH 3, 2026ByMOSHE TARAGIN

Reading ‘Megillat Esther’ in Safed: Hebrew returned because the people it spoke for had returned.

Purim 2026: Celebrating with faith, fun, and resilience through the years

From childhood groggers to Israel today, Purim reminds us of courage, joy, and the enduring fight against life’s Hamans.

MARCH 3, 2026ByDAVID GEFFEN

Purim.

Purim 2026: Ancient Persia offers lessons of prayer, unity, and courage

From ancient Persia to today, Purim shows how prayer, unity, and courage shape Jewish history and identity.

MARCH 3, 2026BySTEWART WEISS

Let us see what is behind the masquerade.