Hassidim

Utterly forbidden or a glowing husk? How hassidic Jews view AI

It is not entirely clear whether there is rabbinic oversight and by what standard these large language models are 'kosher.'

 An illustrative image of a robot dressed in the clothing of an ultra-Orthodox Jew.
 POPE JOAN with the papal tiara, illustrated manuscript, c. 1560, Bibliothèque nationale de France.

Jewish mysticism: Did hassidic masters use the Pope Joan legend to heal?

 An illustrative image of online messenger icons.

Prayers of silence: Why Passover's seventh day is so unique in its quietness

  Ultra-Orthodox Jews pray at the tomb of Rav Ashi,on the Israeli border with Lebanon, March 7, 2025

Israeli troops escort hundreds of hassidic pilgrims to rabbi's tomb inside Lebanon


This week in Jewish history: Herzl writes Der Judenstaat, Byzantines betray the Jews

A highly abridged weekly version of Dust & Stars.

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

A new chapter for hassidim and the IDF - opinion

As we support these pioneering souls, we must also pave the way for more integration, more understanding, and more shared responsibility. The future of our nation depends on it.

 NETZACH EDUCATIONAL Network graduates join the IDF. Hasidim from the Belz, Karlin-Stolin, and Sanz communities are preparing to enlist in the IDF, under the guidance and blessing of their rebbes, says the writer.

Prepare it or wing it? Inspiration and guidance for Torah teachers

While being lax about preparation could reflect a lack of respect for the forum and a disdain for the audience, we can also discern positive spiritual aspects of such an approach.

 IDF reserve soldiers and Orthodox Jews reading from a Torah scroll at dawn.

Terrorists fire at Israeli bus exiting Nablus, driver lightly wounded

The bus was reportedly en route to its destination without prior coordination with the military.

Gunmen attend the funeral of Palestinian teen Hamzeh Al-Ashqar, who was killed in clashes during an Israeli military raid, in Askar camp near Nablus, in the West Bank February 7, 2023.

How 'Tamid Ohev Oti' became an unlikely Israeli anthem of 2024

“Tamid Ohev Oti” is more than a song; it’s a phenomenon uniting Israel through faith, rhythm, and hope.

 SASSON SHAULOV’S YouTube cover page for ‘Tamid Ohev Oti,’ translated from the Hebrew as ‘Always Loves Me.’

A meeting of minds and hearts: What lessons righteous figures learn from each other

Each person saw the value in the other person’s path, and adopted elements of the other’s ethos.

 An illustrative image of two chairs.

Rabbi Pinto: Most problems arise because people don’t know how to make decisions

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Two methods to capture a thief

 A religious Orthodox Israeli Jew in a prayer shawl (tallit) is seen praying while keeping a smartphone in front of him.

The cup of blessing: The sacred Kiddush cup of a legendary hassidic master - opinion

Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev passed away in 1809, and his Kiddush cup has been passed down through the generations for more than two centuries.

 KEDUSHAT LEVI Kiddush cup.

How to increase your reward for performing a commandment

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Nigun Quartet: Reviving the soul of jazz with hassidic melodies

Experience the Nigun Quartet's unique blend of jazz and Hassidic melodies at HaEzor, Tel Aviv, on August 21.

 THE NIGUN Quartet – jazz and hassidut.