Judaism

People watch the Purim parade in Jerusalem, Monday, March 25, 2024. For the first time after 42 years and amid the Israel-Hamas war, Jerusalem holds a Purim parade on Monday. 

‘Our joy is limited’: A subdued Purim in Israel during wartime 

Israel-Hamas war

Jews around the world just celebrated the holiday of Purim, which is said to mark the survival of Jews in ancient Persia. In Israel, it is known for being a raucous holiday with parties, costumes, sweets and drinking. But for many Israelis, the war meant this year’s holiday felt different.

A main street on the edge of Mea She'arim, a Haredi (religious) neighborhood in Jerusalem.

Neturei Karta: an Orthodox Jewish sect that doesn’t believe in the concept of a Jewish state of Israel

Israel-Hamas war
A Virgin Mary statue in a public square in France

The state of religion in France

Sacred Nation
Benjamin Netanyahu sits with his hand covering his mouth.

What Israel’s new election reveals about the struggle over Jewishness

Identity
A close up of image of ancient Dead Sea scroll texts.

The Dead Sea Scrolls are a priceless link to the Bible’s past

Religion
Frimet Goldberger grew up in a Hasidic community in New York where women are forbidden to drive. She got her license at age 23, when she left the community.

I’m a woman in America, and I wasn’t allowed to drive

Belief

Saudi Arabia may be the only country where women aren’t allowed to drive, but it’s not the only place where woman are forbidden from getting behind the wheel. It even happens in some communities in the US.

A sign at the entrance to Giv’at Oz veGa’on, a new outpost established by Israeli settlers in the West Bank in the name of three teenagers killed in June.

Jewish settlers establish a new West Bank outpost in the name of the murdered Israeli teens

Conflict

In the heart of the West Bank, Israelis have started building a settlement. The area is where three Israeli teenagers were killed — allegedly by Hamas — back in June. While the settlers say this is a peaceful occupation, it may prove to be a roadblock during peace talks.In the heart of the West Bank, Israelis have started building a settlement. The area is where three Israeli teenagers were killed — allegedly by Hamas — back in June. While the settlers say this is a peaceful occupation, it may prove to be a roadblock during peace talks.

Merima Ključo

This Bosnian War survivor has a musical interpretation of the Sarajevo Haggadah

Lifestyle & Belief

The Sarajevo Haggadah was written in the 14th century as an illustrated guide to the Passover seder. Bosnian-born composer and concert accordionist Merima Kljuco was inspired to turn the book, and its story, into a piece of music.

Merima Ključo

This Bosnian War survivor has a musical interpretation of the Sarajevo Haggadah

Lifestyle & Belief

The Sarajevo Haggadah was written in the 14th century as an illustrated guide to the Passover seder. Bosnian-born composer and concert accordionist Merima Kljuco was inspired to turn the book, and its story, into a piece of music.

Members of the Women of the Wall group take part in their monthly prayer session at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City.

‘Separate but equal’ will work for Jewish women who want to pray at the Western Wall

Lifestyle & Belief

The Israeli activist group Women of the Wall has been demanding the chance to pray alongside men at Judaism’s holiest place. Now they are ready for a compromise that would give them an area at the Western Wall where they can call the shots.