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.

From Flatbush to Israel: How ignorance fuels the haredi draft crisis - opinion

What a Brooklyn protest reveals about Israel’s internal struggle over equality, service, and a divided society.

MAY 31, 2026|ByYAAKOV GRODKA

A group of ultra-Orthodox Jews blocked traffic and the light rail in Jerusalem demonstrating against a Haredi draft into the IDF. February 26, 2024.

Dina Gavriely: ‘My task was clear – create vibrant and joyful texts.’

Meet the Israeli author making Jewish texts accessible for children

The first book I received of Dina’s series of three was her Scroll of Ruth, most appropriate since Shavuot was only a week away.

MAY 31, 2026|ByDAVID GEFFEN

Reading a torah scroll

'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.

MAY 30, 2026|ByNOAH ROTHSTEIN

SCRIBES FINISH writing 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.

MAY 29, 2026|ByMOSHE TARAGIN

Jerusalem Day lacks ritual meaning and how to fix a neglected holiday - opinion

Jerusalem Day celebrates Jewish history and sovereignty, but needs rituals to become a truly unifying and widely observed holiday.

MAY 13, 2026ByGIL TROY

Jewish men dance with Israeli flags during Jerusalem Day celebrations at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, May 26, 2025.

Jerusalem Day: The Israeli capital's eternal bond with the Jewish people - opinion

As Jerusalem Day approaches, the Western Wall stands once again as a symbol of Jewish longing, prayer, and togetherness.

MAY 13, 2026ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ

A general view of Jerusalem's Old City shows the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site, in the foreground as the Dome of the Rock, located on the compound known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount, is seen in the background.

The New Jewish Question - opinion

Zionism secured Jewish survival. Survival is no longer the crisis. Legitimacy is. The future of Jewish sovereignty will not be decided by armies alone, but by whether Jews know who they are.

MAY 12, 2026ByADAM SCOTT BELLOS

‘HERZL UNDERSTOOD the value of a great photo’: Theodor Herzl in Basel, 1897.

Law of return reform reignites debate over Jewish identity in Israel - opinion

A controversial bill challenges the inclusivity of Israel’s Law of Return and sparks Diaspora tensions.

MAY 12, 2026ByYONI MICHANIE

Religious Zionist Party leader Bezalel Smotrich discusses the Law of Return

From Nicholas Donin to today: Jewish critics of Zionism, identity - opinion

From medieval disputations to today, a look at Jewish converts and their role in shaping criticism of Judaism and Zionism.

MAY 12, 2026ByALAN FELD

Leader of the Green Party, Zack Polanski, takes part in a march against far-right extremism from Park Lane to Trafalgar Square, organised by the Together Alliance, a coalition of unions and civil society groups, in London, Britain, March 28, 2026.

Proposed Law of Return amendment sparks debate over conversion standards in Israel

Religious coalition lawmakers frame the bill as a return to halachic conversion standards, while opponents say it would hand the religious establishment greater control over Jewish identity

MAY 12, 2026ByGABRIEL COLODRO/THE MEDIA LINE

THE EXPECTATION that citizens should roam the length and breadth of the country in order to find an appointment slot somewhere to renew a passport is preposterous.

'From Alienation to Monarchy': Ruth and the architecture of loving-kindness - book review

Yael Ziegler’s 'Ruth: From Alienation to Monarchy' is a 534-page book on a four-chapter megillah.

MAY 10, 2026ByNOAH ROTHSTEIN

RUTH JOINS her mother-in-law, Naomi, in traveling to the Land of Israel, while Orpah turns back to Moab after accompanying them for a stretch. King David will descend from Ruth, and Goliath from her sister-in-law.

What's Israel’s role in Judaism? Zionists' duty is to know - opinion

People, leadership, and land are the three foundations of the Jewish nation; understanding how each of these pillars interacts with the others is key to understanding Israel's role for Jews

MAY 10, 2026ByURI PILICHOWSKI

A view shows a town nestled in a valley seen near Jerusalem in April in 2026.

Why so many politicians hesitate to defend Jews against antisemitism - opinion

Leaders increasingly weigh tragedy through political cost, turning compassion into a calculated act.

MAY 10, 2026ByCOOKIE SCHWEBER-ISSAN

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer gives a media statement at 10 Downing Street in London, April 30, 2026.

How Shabbat became part of Trump's 250th US anniversary celebration - opinion

The elevation of Shabbat in America 250 prompts reflection on whether modern Jewish identity can survive without its traditional foundations.

MAY 10, 2026ByLINDA ARGALGI SADACKA

Shabbat (Illustrative).