The new release, “Esther in America” is divided into seven sections containing 26 essays by scholars, rabbis, communal leaders, and writers who demonstrate how the Book of Esther has … more

The Israelites had crossed the Red Sea and were now free. The mightiest army in the ancient world — the Egyptians with their cutting-edge, horse-drawn chariots — had been defeated and drowned. … more

For several weeks now, we have attempted to define geulah, the nature of redemption. We have struggled with the challenge posed by the Passover Haggadah: “In every generation, each one of … more

The protagonist of the haftorah for this week’s parashat, Beshalach, is the prophetess and judge Devorah: “Now Deborah was a woman prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth; she judged Israel … more

This doesn’t look like such a good idea, said Benjy, commander of an elite company in Golani’s Egoz unit, in the summer of 2006. “I know,” responded his commander, … more

The approaching Adar and Purim represent the sobering milestone of a year since the arrival of the pandemic on these … more

They stand with hands clasped, eyes raised heavenward in silent devotion. The leader appears to hold a small siddur, perhaps guiding her sisters in prayer as their husbands (recognized as Jews … more

In a groundbreaking discovery, Israeli archaeologists have recovered scraps of fabric dyed in royal purple, also known as true purple, dating back to the era of the biblical King David. The … more

Amid the whirlwind of anger, violence and recrimination that followed the November 2020 presidential election was the singular concern over where … more

Israel’s war on COVID-19 is changing shape. Lockdowns that in previous waves of the outbreak proved effective at quickly lowering morbidity are now having a much slower, more moderate effect. … more