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.

Simchat Torah 5786: A joyful return and reflection on the hostages - opinion

This Simchat Torah, the release of hostages sparked joy and a shift in attitudes across Israel.

OCTOBER 15, 2025|BySIVAN RAHAV MEIR

REJOICING IN the Torah at Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square.

A Jewish person holds Tehillim, the book of Psalms, seeking solace in prayer on Memorial Day in Tel Aviv

Psalms in tunnels: How scripture steadied Israel’s hostages

As the 20 living hostages return, faith plays a pivotal role in their survival and reunion. From prayers in captivity to blessings on release, spirituality shaped their journey home.

OCTOBER 15, 2025|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump are recognized by President Donald Trump as he speaks to the Knesset, Israel's parliament, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, in Jerusalem, as Sara Netanyahu applauds.

Proud dad Trump praises Ivanka's love for Israel, conversion to Judaism in Knesset speech

Ivanka Trump, who accompanied her father and husband to Israel, converted to Judaism prior to marrying Jared Kushner in 2009.

OCTOBER 13, 2025|ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD

An illustrative image of King Solomon.

‘Kohelet’: Advantage vs purpose in Ecclesiastes - opinion

There is a clear connection between Kohelet and Sukkot.

OCTOBER 13, 2025|BySHAI FINKELSTEIN

Sarah Hurwitz wants Jews to stop apologizing and start learning

In a new book, the former White House speechwriter says it’s time for Jews to reclaim their story from the haters.

OCTOBER 12, 2025BySARA HURWITZ/JTA

In her new book, "As a Jew," Sarah Hurwitz argues how Jews can reclaim a tradition that has too often been shaped by others' prejudices and ignorance.

The X on My Back: Inheritance, Identity, and Choice

A poem, presented at the National Speech & Debate Association’s 100th Nationals

OCTOBER 12, 2025By AVA GREENWALD

Star of David

'Yes! I am Jewish’: How a Jewish Korean princess was ordained as a rabbi - review

In her book Heart of a Stranger, Buchdahl tells the story of her life. She ends each chapter with a homily applying a sacred text to contemporary faith, values, and behavior.

OCTOBER 11, 2025ByGLENN C. ALTSCHULER

ANGELA BUCHDAHL in 2013. She was ordained as a cantor in 1999 at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion before going on to become a rabbi.

Hol Hamoed Sukkot: A vision of redemption amid a world on fire

As we sit in our sukkot, exposed to the elements, let us remember Ezekiel’s message: Though the storm may rage, Israel’s destiny is secure.

OCTOBER 11, 2025ByMICHAEL FREUND

An illustrative image of the Earth on fire.

US Jews who revile Trump’s domestic policies say he must be praised for Gaza deal

Donald Trump has a low approval rating among American Jewish voters, leaving many liberal Jews grappling with praising Trump for his peacemaking efforts.

OCTOBER 11, 2025ByRON KAMPEAS/JTA

Jewish Democratic Council of America President Halie Soifer speaks at a 2023 event.

Simchat Torah: Divine fire and national legacy

Should Torah exist apart from society or be fully integrated within it?

OCTOBER 10, 2025ByMOSHE TARAGIN

SIMCHAT TORAH at the Gush Etzion junction.

Simchat Torah: From torn shoes to a crown of majesty

The great secret of the Jewish people has always been the ability to join tear to tear, soul to soul, until together they form a whole garment once again.

OCTOBER 10, 2025ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ

Soldiers dance with Torah scrolls during the celebrations of Simhat Torah in the Eshkol region in the Negev in September 2010.

Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

See Shabbat times for your area.

OCTOBER 10, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Shabbat candles

Rabbi Stav: Hostage deal a chance to heal rifts in Israel, bolster Diaspora ties - interview

The Tzohar chairman said that quiet time in the wake of the finalization of a Gaza peace plan will provide an opportunity for Jews across the globe to reconnect and strengthen.

OCTOBER 9, 2025ByMICHAEL STARR

Visitors at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, October 05, 2025.

Pikuach Nefesh - Preserving health and life for the generations to come

OCTOBER 8, 2025ByLADO OKHOTNIKOV

Blame the grandparents: Why young Jews align with antisemites - opinion

Parents and grandparents denied their offspring the necessary tools that would make being a proud Jew a priority in their lives.

OCTOBER 8, 2025ByMICAH HALPERN

NEW YORK CITY mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders attend a town hall gathering in Brooklyn last month. The writer asks: How can any Jew be so blind to Mamdani’s motivation and intentions?