Do Jewish Israelis Celebrate New Year’s Eve? It’s Complicated, New Survey Finds
Only 2 percent of Israeli Jews say they conduct any form of soul-searching or resolution-making on December 31, but about a third of young adults will be out celebrating
Jewish New Year
The History of Rosh Hashanah Which Wasn't Always the 'New Year'
Much of today's traditions originated with Babylonian worship, and you have to read this to believe how a calf's head morphed into gefilte fish.
Opinion In Israel of 2016, These Are Indeed the Awful Days
As far as the politicians are concerned, there really isn’t a place for anyone secular, free or — God forbid — atheist.
How an Obscure Holiday Created by Ezra the Scribe Became Rosh Hashanah
The rabbis had to reinvent Judaic practices after the Romans destroyed the Second Temple, and it seems they invented the Jewish New Year out of thin air.
Opinion Ahead of the High Holy Days, What's the Purpose of a Sermon?
A failed sermon is like a placid lake - pleasant, but static. A successful sermon is a ripple in still water, combining Jewish textual tradition with real-world issues.
Armed Oregon Militants Blow Shofars in Bid for Support
Facebook video calls for more recruits to the cause of militants armed with shofars, protesting prison sentences and the management of federal land.
Israel’s Population Hits 8.4 Million on Eve of Jewish New Year
Number of immigrants to Israel grew 35% in 5775.
It's Rosh Hashanah. Are We Ready to Be Judged?
For atheists and believers alike, the High Holy Days are a time to engage honestly with life.
Can We Ask 'What If' Without It Terrifying Us?
Sometimes, disaster is only averted by arbitrariness. On Rosh Hashanah, the story of Akeida lends insight into how we can cope with this realization.
The Turbulent History of Jews and Israel, Told in New Year's Greetings
From the emigration to America to Israeli satire, the faded tradition of Rosh Hashanah cards is more exciting than you think. Examples are on display at the Israel Museum.
Historically, Truth-telling Hasn't Paid, but Now It Seems to Be Working
While truth-tellers are often rejected in their lifetimes, only to be acknowledged posthumously, it seems that, this summer, Americans and Arab states alike have begun facing some of the ugliness we've been shunning.
The Obscure Origins of Yom Kippur
It is the holiest day in Judaism, yet its intent has markedly changed and its practice today is a far cry from the rites of ancient times.
The Science of Yom Kippur Fasting
Our bodies can handle 24 hours without food perfectly well, though our minds may find it taxing. There are ways to make it all easier.
How Diabetics, Too, Can Fast on Yom Kippur
A primer to help the different kinds of diabetes patients ring in a healthy Jewish New Year.
Liverpool FC Deletes Rosh Hashanah Tweet Amid anti-Semitic Backlash
A club spokesperson said the tweet and comments were removed from the club's official account after it was inundated with offensive responses.
The Hebrew Calendar: A Marvel of Ancient Astronomy and Math
The biggest marvel is how Iron Age Jews managed to adjust the lunar calendar to the solar one.
You're Welcome: Depressing (But Reliable) Predictions for 5775
How predictable is life in Israel? So predictable that we've already captured some of the leading stories from the next 12 months.
Ohio Synagogue, Dispensing With 'Pay to Pray,' Waives High Holy Day Fees for Nonmembers
Synagogue hopes that those who take up the offer will join or affiliate with another shul.
High Holy Hesitation: U.S. Rabbis Find Topic of Israel Is a Lightning Rod
Congregants are polarized about the Gaza conflict, and rabbis across the country are unsure whether and how to address Israel in their High Holy Day sermons, The N.Y. Times reports.
5774, the Year of Blaming the Jews
How much of what we saw and heard this summer on the streets of Paris or Berlin was really about Gaza anyway?
Video Vim and Vigor: Haaretz's Annual View of Rosh Hashanah Videos
They're produced by everyone from a shul worker in the U.S. Midwest to the wise guys (and women) at Israel's version of MIT. And they're all designed to push you into 5775 in good spirit.
We Are What We Eat: How to Use Shmita to Embody Holiness
A practical guide to elevating our souls throughout the sabbatical year.
Obama Talks Mideast Crises on Annual Rosh Hashanah Call With Rabbis
'He spoke about the complexities and dangers of the Middle East and the challenges facing the world,' said William Gershon, one of 900 rabbis who called in.
American Rabbis, These High Holidays, Talk About Jewish Texts, Not the Jewish State
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict isn't the biggest crisis in American Jewish life. Illiteracy about Judaism is.
The Top Opinion Articles From Haaretz in 5774
As the Jewish year comes to a close, Haaretz presents a selection of the outstanding writers and op-eds of the last 12 months, addressing issues from the Gaza conflict to debates within the Jewish world, from Israel to the future of Zionism.
Why I'm Grateful to Feel at Exile in Israel This Rosh Hashanah
I made aliyah this summer to an Israel that - like me - is somewhat disoriented and unclear of its future. This discordance is the perfect backdrop for both me and my new home to recreate ourselves in the new Jewish year.
What Is Shmita and Where Did It Come From?
Every seven years the land is supposed to rest. As this tended to be onerous, the rabbis came up with inventive ways to circumvent the command.
This Is How to Create Next-gen Synagogues
What would it take to make the synagogues of today appeal to the Jewish leaders of tomorrow?
Why as Jews, as Israelis, We Must Repent for Gaza’s Dead
We must all question how justified the massive death count was of innocents in Gaza, whatever the extenuating circumstances. We must investigate our actions, not to save face but so we can face ourselves.
We Are Most Heartily Sorry, Not That We Care Anymore
Our Father, we have sinned against you and against our own selves, not least by despising our fellow man.