High holidays

'Sacred Time': Jewish sovereignty, an essential part of our identity

In contrast to religions that emphasize moral degradation, Judaism encourages admitting guilt and regret as a way of self-improvement.

 Author Meir Y. Soloveichik
 The writer and his wife, along with some of their children and grandchildren, mark the holiday in the sukkah.

It's time for the self-interest to be subjugated for the common good - opinion

 ON A STREET in Jerusalem, Hersh Goldberg-Polin is depicted in a mural created by friends. When we learned of Yahya Sinwar’s demise mere days after Yom Kippur, I couldn’t help but think that our prayers had something to do with it; maybe it was even thanks to Hersh, says the writer.

This Yom Kippur, I prayed with all my might - opinion

 AVIAD NEIMAN, a father of four little children and husband to a young wife, fell a few hours before Simchat Torah this year in Lebanon.

The intangibles of the war can’t be measured - opinion


No plans for Sukkot? A variety of free activities throughout the holiday offer family quality time

There are plenty of free activities to enjoy with your family this Chol Hamoed Sukkot all over Israel.

A sukkah

In this Jewish season of forgiveness, I’m asking for permission - opinion

In a year of hardship, can ancient rituals still resonate?

 "I want permission to pray for peace between nations, between peoples, between countries."

The sounds of the High Holidays in Ofakim

Shuki, a participant in JDC's "Meshiv HaRuach" programs in Ofakim, blows the shofar.

Year after the horror: Rekindling Jewish identity in the wake of tragedy

In the face of unspeakable violence and global hatred, the Jewish people confront their identity, mission, and resilience, guided by faith, history, and the promise of a brighter future in 5785.

 Rabbi Sholom Lipskar.

Rosh Hashanah: A time to recognize Israel's achievements amid challenges - opinion

A rabbi urges Jews to recognize Israel's military and diplomatic achievements this New Year, balancing acknowledgment of challenges with pride in recent successes.

 An illustrative photo of a man blowing a shofar, a ceremonial ram's horn, which is done repeatedly on Rosh Hashanah.

Shofar shortage? War impacts Jerusalem seller as shipping delays, costs spike

This year has been challenging for Refoua, who sells Judaica gifts and souvenirs in a shop in downtown Jerusalem. The war has decimated tourism and spiked shipping costs.

 Jan-Elazar Refoua in his shop in Jerusalem, in front of pictures of three of his sons who are serving in reserves (Marc Israel Sellem)

For a Jewish world in despair, we need High Holiday prayers that meet the moment - opinion

This new year demands that we never forget that mutual responsibility — the idea that all Jews everywhere belong to each other — isn’t a burden but a blessing.

 This year, writes Alex Weiser, the standard liturgy has to stand up against incredible sadness.

From Hostages Square, high holiday prayers aim to transcend Israel’s fractured politics

A musical Selichot service in Hostages Square united Israelis from across the political spectrum, focusing on prayers for hostages’ return while maintaining a neutral, non-political space

 Rabba Anat Sharbat leads Selichot services in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, Sept. 22, 2024.

The year after October 7 will be better – opinion

Our lessons from a year of disaster.

A resident clears debris following the October 7 attack by Hamas in Kibbutz Be’eri. For many generations to come, 5784 will be remembered as a year of catastrophe.

Grapevine: September 25, 2024: A symbol of light and loss

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

An apples-and-honey event for President Isaac Herzog and his wife, Michal.

Rosh Hashanah: Your guide to the Jewish new year holiday - explainer

Rosh Hashanah kicks off the Jewish calendar year and starts the High Holy Days and the Days of Repentance. Here is everything you need to know about it.

 An illustrative photo of a man blowing a shofar, a ceremonial ram's horn, which is done repeatedly on Rosh Hashanah.