Elul

Before Rosh Hashanah, Elul asks us to practice, persevere, and rise a little each day

A shofar that would not sound and Shahar Pe'er's refusal to quit offer an Elul lesson in perseverance, inner strength and preparing for the Jewish New Year one day at a time.

Film strip frame: Soldier blows a shofar (1948-era).
National Missions Minister Orit Strock seen at a faction meeting at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, February 17, 2025

Netanyahu denies request that annual Elul prayer be held in Gaza Strip, Minister Strock says

‘NO MAN is an island, entire of itself...’

Parashat Ki Tetze: Set adrift on the island of Elul

UNDER THE HUPPA.

Parashat Ki Tetze: Creating a deep bond and the secret of marriage


Beyond the headlines: Taking care of yourself

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

 An illustrative AI-generated image of a Torah scroll opened in an undisclosed location in outer space.

The Hebrew month of Elul should be a period of healing - opinion

The hatred of Jews in America’s universities and our streets, the harassment of Jews, and the boycott of Jewish businesses take us back to Germany and Austria 90 years ago.

Mental health first aid, illustrative

This year's Selichot are going to be tough. Get ready - opinion

With Selichot drawing near, crowds are swelling at the Western Wall, signaling a profound yearning for connection and awakening to the upcoming High Holy Days.

 Jewish men pray during Tisha B'Av, at the Wall Western, in the Old City of Jerusalem, August 13, 2024

Empty yeshiva seats are reflective of Israel's need to rebuild - opinion

This past year has proven how fragile and precious life can be. I owe it to the students who perished to give everything I can to those who now sit in their seats.

 An illustrative image of empty seats.

Rabbi Akiva's wisdom may hold the key to post-Oct 7 healing - opinion

Amid Israel's struggle with recent tragedies, ancient Jewish wisdom offers surprising comfort.

 THE SITE of the Nova music festival massacre.

Israel's youths are moved to prayer, and it is coming from deep within - opinion

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

Prayer service for missing teens at Makor Chaim Yeshiva, June 15, 2014.

Rabbi Pinto: "Stop everything, it’s time for self-reflection"


Beyond the headlines: A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news - opinion

Rosh Chodesh Elul marks a time for renewal and self-improvement, offering a chance for introspection and new beginnings before the new year.

 The Gore family from Nir Oz.

Slihot tours all around Israel

Slihot tours have become so popular because they provide empowering and spiritual experiences.

 Slihot tours in Haifa

Corrupt, amoral religious Jews in US, Israel – repent for political sins - opinion

So many religious politicians have behaved so irreligiously for so long that it often seems easier to believe that the more religiously Jewish you are – the less politically ethical you are. 

 US REPUBLICAN presidential candidate Chris Christie attends a conservative political conference, earlier this month. ‘Someone’s got to stop normalizing this conduct,’ he says.