High holidays

American Jewish community security spending surpasses $1 billion, new data shows

The new study finds that the average spend across over 4,500 Jewish communal institutions amounts to roughly $225,000 per institution which represents a 33% increase compared to 2024.

|ByMATHILDA HELLER
New York police officers stand guard at the door of the Union Temple of Brooklyn, in 2018.
Family vacation at a hotel, illustration.

Tishrei Holidays 2026: Is it really more cost-effective for families to fly abroad?

A holiday price comparison shows gaps between Israel and abroad, as families factor in high hotel costs, traffic, and weather to save money.

|ByMEITAL SHARABI
Passengers scramble at Ben-Gurion Airport after a staff strike halted Israeli air travel, August 20, 2026

Vacation starts in traffic jams: Ben Gurion Airport prepares for an exceptionally busy month

After 2.65 million travelers in August, 3 million are set to pass through Israel Airports Authority sites in September. Top spots: Greece and Cyprus.

|ByMEITAL SHARABI
A protester holds a sign that reads ‘Anti-Semitism Kills!’ during the ‘Britain Stands With British Jews’ rally at Downing Street in May in London, England. Antisemitic incidents have risen dramatically against Jews globally and in the United States and violence has become once again part of Jewish l

US calls on international governments to protect Jewish communities ahead of High Holy Days

In recent days, the State Department sent instructions to US diplomatic missions around the world to contact local governments and request that they increase security around synagogues.

|ByIDAN KWELLER

Reflecting on 700 days of war in Gaza during Elul means asking ourselves tough questions - opinion

Elul demands that we not shy away from the difficult questions that cannot be avoided in any war, no matter how justified it may be.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2025ByMICHAEL M. COHEN
THE UN General Assembly votes on a draft resolution demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in June. The world must hold Israel’s enemies accountable for incitement, glorification of violence, and the blood on their hands, says the writer.

New crop of High Holidays children’s books take place in Uganda, Hong Kong and a Sephardic home

A delightful array of new children's books to highlight the depth and the joy of the upcoming High Holidays.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2025ByJTA/PENNY SCHWARTZ
New books out for the High Holidays in 2025 include TK and TK. (Collage by Ilana Zahavy)

Don’t break walls, refresh your routine: How to revitalize your home for the high holidays

Tola Studio designers share tips to refresh your home for Rosh Hashanah with colors, lighting, mirrors, and textiles for a new look without major investment.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2025ByMEITAL SHARABI/MAARIV
Design – Tola Studio

'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.

NOVEMBER 25, 2024ByMOSHE DANN
Author Meir Y. Soloveichik

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

History and Sukkot teach us that we are a resilient people and that by remaining united and by focusing our energies against our enemies, we will come out of this stronger.

NOVEMBER 3, 2024ByFRED NAIDER
The writer and his wife, along with some of their children and grandchildren, mark the holiday in the sukkah.

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

Encountering a transformative Yom Kippur, and finding meaning in prayer amid war and grief.

NOVEMBER 3, 2024ByHAYIM LEITER
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.

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

A week of festivity was quickly turned into a week of funerals, and joy was turned into sadness.

NOVEMBER 3, 2024ByALIZA PILICHOWSKI
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.

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.

OCTOBER 14, 2024ByWALLA!
A sukkah

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

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

OCTOBER 11, 2024ByRABBI AVI KILLIP/JTA
"I want permission to pray for peace between nations, between peoples, between countries."

The sounds of the High Holidays in Ofakim

OCTOBER 10, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Shuki, a participant in JDC's "Meshiv HaRuach" programs in Ofakim, blows the shofar.