Torah

What the ma'apilim teach us about faith and judgment

The story of the spies shows how belief in destiny can falter in fear or slip into reckless overconfidence.

JUNE 6, 2026|ByMOSHE TARAGIN

Overconfidence, underconfidence –both negative.

The Grapes of Canaan by James Tissot (circa 1900). Although the 12 spies brought back a cluster of grapes so large that it took two men to carry it, only two of the 12 brought back a good report of the land.

Joshua's spies chose faith over fear - can Israel do the same?

Joshua’s spies returned with faith and confidence, teaching a timeless lesson about courage, purpose, and the Land of Israel.

JUNE 6, 2026|ByMICHAEL FREUND

An illustrative image of New Israeli Shekels in a wallet.

Your Investments: The spies and fear of financial success

Winston Churchill said, "Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm."

JUNE 5, 2026|ByAARON KATSMAN

Parashat Shlah: The absolute truth

When fear overrides faith, even truth becomes distorted; this is the lesson of the spies in the desert.

JUNE 5, 2026|ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ

When Jewish law fails: Decades-long struggle of Jewish women seeking freedom - opinion

Even with legal tools, Jewish women who are trapped in bad marriages wait years for divorce.

MARCH 1, 2026ByPNINA OMER

A WOMAN seeking divorce in a ‘beit din’ was the sole female in the room until the advent of ‘toanot.’ (Illustrative)

Parashat Zachor: Remembering Amalek in every generation

Amalek exploits spiritual weakness; Parashat Zachor calls on us to strengthen our identity and faith in every generation.

FEBRUARY 27, 2026ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ

Beyond the headlines: A mindset of joy - opinion

A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news.

FEBRUARY 23, 2026BySIVAN RAHAV MEIR

Israelis are seen in costume for the holiday of Purim, in Jerusalem.

It's time for the Western Wall to be a home for every Jew - opinion

The Western Wall belongs to every Jew, and it’s time Israel honors equality, pluralism, and shared heritage.

FEBRUARY 22, 2026ByYOCHI RAPPEPORT

A general view of Jerusalem's Old City shows the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in the foreground and the Dome of the Rock, located on the compound known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount, in the background June 24, 2019

Jewish return to Temple Mount brings renewed memory and hope - opinion

Jews are returning to the Temple Mount, reconnecting prayer, memory, and faith in the place their hearts have longed for.

FEBRUARY 21, 2026ByMICHAEL FREUND

At first glance, it reads like an architectural blueprint rather than sacred literature.

Parashat Teruma: Sanctifying the heart

Each person is a walking Temple; each has the power to build a dwelling place for the Creator of the world within his or her heart.

FEBRUARY 20, 2026ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ

Stars bursting above the triangular peak of the mountain that may be Mount Sinai in the middle of the night, in Saudi Arabia.

Parashat Teruma: Religion in partial measures

Even the ark’s imperfect measurements teach a profound lesson: living God’s will is a human endeavor, full of effort, devotion, and partial success.

FEBRUARY 20, 2026ByMOSHE TARAGIN

Beyond the Headlines: What do people say after keeping Shabbat for the first time? - opinion

A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news.

FEBRUARY 16, 2026BySIVAN RAHAV MEIR

Over 100 Jewish-Israelis participate in the Kesher Yehudi Shabbaton in Jerusalem, Israel

The 11th commandment: Choose it or lose it - opinion

Embracing life in Israel is a spiritual mitzvah that connects Jews to God, their history, and religion.

FEBRUARY 15, 2026BySTEWART WEISS

‘I want to suggest an unwritten 11th commandment: To live in the Land of Israel.’

Canvas for a cause: Art, music, and tzedakah in Jerusalem

Canvas for a Cause, an art auction benefiting the synagogue’s charitable fund, Keren Tzedakah, drew community members, art lovers, and supporters of social justice.

FEBRUARY 15, 2026ByPENINA HOROWITZ