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You don’t need to be religious to enjoy the weekly Torah portion

Even atheists can enjoy these secular Yiddish poems and their English translations, related to the Torah reading.
Opinion

American Jews feel joy that comes with surviving hostages’ freedom

Simchat Torah itself became a scar. The holiday, whose name means “Rejoicing with the Torah,” marks the Torah reading’s annual completion and restart — a cycle of renewal, celebrated with exuberant ...
Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Simchat Torah in Hostages Square lays bare divide over just how much to celebrate yet

Rabba Anat Sharbat, the unofficial “rabbi of Hostages Square,” wept as she recited the Shehechiyanu blessing after lighting ...
The Forward

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks died 5 years ago. His new Torah commentary is making waves in Israel.

Sign up for Forwarding the News, our essential morning briefing with trusted, nonpartisan news and analysis, curated by senior writer Benyamin Cohen. (JTA) — TEL ...

What is Simchat Torah? Hostage release transforms Jewish holiday forever linked to terror

American Jews prepared to celebrate one of their faith's most joyous holidays after the release of 20 Israeli hostages.
Commercial Appeal

Shanah Tovah! What is Rosh Hashanah and what to know about the Jewish holiday

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, marks the start period of repentance culminating in Yom Kippur. The holiday is celebrated with special prayers, festive meals, and the blowing of a shofar, or ram's ...