Culture and Society
Original reporting, features and analysis on culture and society.
The cultural gem in Jerusalem seeks to keep S.Y. Agnon’s literary world relevant for new generations.
The law may begin by treating different movements similarly, but it’s not designed to anticipate or manage how protests actually unfold in real time.
It is a national event, something close to a civic ritual. And in cultural terms, it offers a way of belonging to a larger endeavor.
Middle school pupils from 33 schools tested their knowledge of the Israeli capital’s history, culture and landmarks at Tower of David.
Demonstrations outside the Israeli pavilion came after Italy’s government opposed efforts by Biennale organizers and jurors to exclude the Jewish state.
Israel’s official account honored mothers in Israel and worldwide, noting the observance marked in over 40 countries and thanking them for daily contributions.
The missing person wasn’t identified until a hospital staffer recognized her from a post on Facebook.
“Think Twice” with Jonathan Tobin with guest Jonah Platt, Ep. 221
Dressing ideology in the language of art doesn’t make it less ideological. It merely makes it more socially acceptable.
The crowdsourced encyclopedia hasn’t repaired the “content contamination” that the banned editors left behind, according to Shlomit Lir, of University of Haifa.
Brooklyn Jewish book dealer asking almost $25,000 for three of first prayer books printed in America
Dan Wyman declined to predict how much a 1947 photo album produced in a Jewish displaced-persons camp after the Holocaust might fetch.
The primary domestic tensions are directed toward the regime itself, rather than between completely fractured armed population groups.
The cultural gem in Jerusalem seeks to keep S.Y. Agnon’s literary world relevant for new generations.
The creator of Captain America, the Avengers and the Hulk is “widely recognized as the most prolific and arguably most important creator in the history of the comic book,” a Center for Jewish History exhibit says.
A new documentary by Abner Benaim is a personal project that takes viewers to the terrorist attack against Alas Chiricanas Flight #901 and explores the aftermath on the families of the victims, including Benaim himself.
It is a national event, something close to a civic ritual. And in cultural terms, it offers a way of belonging to a larger endeavor.
Demonstrations outside the Israeli pavilion came after Italy’s government opposed efforts by Biennale organizers and jurors to exclude the Jewish state.
“Think Twice” with Jonathan Tobin with guest Jonah Platt, Ep. 221
Dressing ideology in the language of art doesn’t make it less ideological. It merely makes it more socially acceptable.
City says food fair reflects the metropolis’s spirit, offering public space for culture, connection and celebration amid challenging times.
Online critics accused the bestselling author, who is a supporter of the BDS movement, of “normalizing” Israelis over a brief reference in her book, Taipei Story.
An exhibition in Tel Aviv supports thousands of IDF troops from abroad serving in Israel.
The Kan broadcaster described the structure as the largest prop of this year’s event.
“I am very happy and excited to represent our beautiful country,” contestant Noam Bettan said.
Its unprecedented accomplishments—economic prosperity, a robust democracy, a resilient social fabric and outsized international influence—stem from a culture of optimism, ingenuity and determination.
The state initially said that it is giving its 2025 Montana Exporter of the Year Award to a company that exports "$5.4 million worth of products to Canada, Egypt, European Union, Japan, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates.”
Jerusalem is also advancing efforts to join the Mediterranean Fisheries Commission.
The planned new flights to Saigon come as Israelis are increasingly flying to the Far East amid a burst of antisemitism in much of the West.
The U.S. credit rating agency cited strong economic fundamentals despite the wars with Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah, and increased defense spending.
The 30 defendants are “accused of scoring significant profits from expected market moves and making out like bandits,” the FBI said.
The millions of Jews who receive assistance and benefits are not being served less because people care less. They are being served less because the math no longer works.
The facility will be able to produce about 50,000 meals a day.
Kela Technologies, which integrates commercial technologies for military uses, has received the financial backing of U.S. billionaires Bill Ackman and Eric Schmidt.
The Bank of Israel warned that the measure may not benefit customers while causing harmful second-order effects.
The Hungarian low-cost carrier was in negotiations to open a Ben-Gurion base this year.
There is surplus production that can be sent to the Federal Republic.
The group wedding at a Chabad shul included elderly couples who had been civilly married for years, alongside younger pairs whose wedding plans were delayed by the war.
In 2000, Israel abandoned the site after Palestinian rioters stormed the compound.
The cultural gem in Jerusalem seeks to keep S.Y. Agnon’s literary world relevant for new generations.
A country that struggles with the intersection of religious practice in a secular society needs to develop protections for the Jewish practice of brit milah.
“Our connection with the city of Jerusalem is deep and meaningful,” said the chief of staff.
Olga Popyrina, who worked designing lighting fixtures and glassware for Ikea, collaborated on the project with Rabbi Alexander and Leah Namdar of Chabad-Lubavitch Sweden.
Will local religious and political leaders react to someone who dredges up the hate made famous by Father Charles Coughlin?
We owe an eternal debt of gratitude to these selfless souls.
“Eyal Park” honors Eyal Haimovsky, the longtime CEO of the Jerusalem Development Authority.
Middle school pupils from 33 schools tested their knowledge of the Israeli capital’s history, culture and landmarks at Tower of David.
“If a non-Jewish person so greatly respects our religion and even calls on non-Jews to rest on Shabbat, then all the more so should we Jews,” said Rabbi David Yosef.
For a people who had known expulsions, ghettos, forced conversions, restrictions, humiliation and violence across centuries of exile, that promise was revolutionary.
The software giant examined whether Israeli security agencies’ use of its systems violated company ethics and transparency rules, Globes reported.
Transforming battlefield leadership into entrepreneurial innovation, the 18X Elite Impact program has helped soldiers who fought for Israel raise more than $15 million in funding.
Jerusalem is also advancing efforts to join the Mediterranean Fisheries Commission.
The findings could also point to the presence of these metals in smaller fish species commonly consumed by humans.
The network relies on AI-generated avatars and fabricated IDs designed to mimic credible Jewish voices, Combat Antisemitism Movement found.
The proposed reforms would phase out smoked medical cannabis in favor of oils and inhalers.
The Israeli president was joined by Jerusalem College of Technology students and academic leaders to promote respectful dialogue in Israeli society.
The facility near Dimona will provide current at record low prices.
As NASA astronauts highlight global cooperation, some countries remain “fixated on outdated narratives,” the Israeli envoy said.
“We believe that Israeli scientific excellence can deliver the next major breakthrough in cancer care.”
Mother Suga is caring for and nursing the newborn.
A woman is accused of shouting anti-Jewish slurs at under-12 netball match in Sydney.
“He informed and entertained generations of fans with a theatrical and unapologetic style that was uniquely his own,” the New York Yankees stated.
“It’s time to understand that Israel should be sanctioned,” Jibril Rajoub said.
A California native, Jake Retzlaff played at Brigham Young University during the 2023 and 2024 seasons before transferring to Tulane University in 2025.
The godfather of Israeli ice hockey continues to play, mentor and inspire, even in wartime.
The team’s success builds on a strong track record in international competition.
Raz Hershko beat France’s Lea Fontaine, winning gold for the second time in her career.
Runners from Israel and abroad join subdued race following Lebanon truce.
Visa refusals could prevent Palestinians from attending pre-World Cup gathering in Vancouver.
Twenty honorees, including Julian Edelman, Omri Casspi and Bruce Pearl, will be inducted June 29 in Israel, highlighting global Jewish achievement across sports.
“I went to see them. They are actually quite a good team as well,” said Gianni Infantino.
The 25-year-old forward erupted for 41 points and a clutch three-point play as he carried Portland past Phoenix in the play-in to reach his first NBA postseason.
Gaza Palestinians expressed their delight over the success of incendiary “terror kites” being flown into Israel, which have set fire to thousands of acres of agricultural and protected lands along the border.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad rush to do Iran’s bidding to ensure its financial support • Hamas calls for mass riots on Friday to coincide with Iranian Quds Day • Defense officials say that given Hamas’s strategic distress, it has no interest in provoking war.
Author Yehoshua Sobol says that if he were a child in Gaza, he’d send incendiary kites towards Israel, too: “Desperate people leave scorched earth” • Science and Technology Minister Akunis: More pathetic remarks from the camp that preached withdrawal from Gaza.
Three major fires were fought by Israeli firefighters near the Gaza border, kindled by “terror kites” flown into Israel by Gazans.
In the past three years alone, at least €42,000,000 (nearly $50 million, or NIS 175 million), half of which was contributed by the European Union, has been donated for the express purpose of facilitating Arab control over Area C.
Israeli farmers whose crops have been destroyed by massive fires set by “terror kite” arsonists from Gaza will be compensated with funds withheld from the Palestinian Authority, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday.
Responding to Hamas aggression, Israel to build new Gaza-adjacent town
“The establishment of a new community is a message of Zionism and strength in the face of terrorism,” says Housing Minister Yoav Gallant • Minister proposes building community of 500 families, to be named Hanun, just 4 miles from Gaza border.
Fatah: Israel’s goal is to ‘crush’ the Arab world, and ‘steal its resources,’ ‘break its dignity’
“There is no regime in history—believe me, not Hitler, not the Nazis, not fascism—that has implemented what Israel is implementing against the Palestinians,” says a Fatah spokesman.
The Kerem Shalom crossing was attacked by mobs three times this past month acting under instructions by Hamas. According to Israeli intelligence assessments, these actions are part of a wider effort by Hamas to ramp up the pressure on Israel and the international community to get them fresh funds for the collapsing Palestinian economy.
Azerbaijan is a major customer for Israeli weapons, having purchased nearly $5 billion in arms, including radar systems and drones, which it uses in a protracted war with Armenia over control of territory.
New camel law passes Knesset Finance Committee
The legislation dictates that camel owners bear criminal responsibility for accidents and damages caused by their animals. Camels will also be required to have a subcutaneous digital microchip with owners’ details.
“Guatemala was with us at the beginning and Guatemala is with us today, and we welcome the opening of the embassy in Jerusalem,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Rich and creamy, dairy is the rule and not the exception for this two-day holiday.
City says food fair reflects the metropolis’s spirit, offering public space for culture, connection and celebration amid challenging times.
At a Park Slope Food Coop meeting about boycotting Israel, a member, who reportedly compared Jews to Nazis, was applauded for saying that “Jewish supremacism is a problem in this country.”
Israel’s foreign minister said that no evidence had been provided by Kyiv, which he criticized for raising the issue in the media rather than diplomatic channels.
From Miami suites to Mexico City kitchens, a new generation of Jewish food influencers is using cuisine as a powerful form of cultural diplomacy.
“It becomes comfort, continuity and a way to feel connected to tradition and to one another at home,” Talia Sabag, of the Manischewitz parent company Kayko, told JNS.
The brand told JNS that it will be “evaluating packaging differentiation and working with our retail partners to ensure clearer in-store separation and signage where needed.”
A scholarly showdown over Jewish holiday foods spreads to more campuses across the United States.
“It has been a very tough time for the Jewish community,” Julie Menin said at the event. “The support of all of the colleagues who are here today is so incredibly meaningful.”
It literally marks the first time since 2014 that no Israeli is being held captive by Hamas or any other terror group in the Gaza Strip.
A falafel flap exposes the new rules of student speech on American college campuses.
“The quest for the L’Cheisman continues,” Eitan Levine said.
Dor Wolynitz found a 1,700-year-old statuette fragment while hiking with his family in the Ramon Crater in the Negev Desert.
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem reported that Natufian hunter-gatherers produced 142 beads and pendants uncovered by archaeologists.
The rare find, bearing the menorah symbol on both sides, was uncovered during recent excavations in the Temple Mount area.
Because of its importance not just to Jews, but to the West, excavating the City of David has engendered much hostility, speakers said at a Dec. 9 event.
Hebrew University researchers uncovered 8,000-year-old pottery showing floral patterns built on precise geometric progressions.
Calling it “a dream come true,” the museum’s director Eilat Lieber says the Kishle site will become the Schulich Wing for Archaeology, Art and Innovation.
The section of the wall unearthed at the Tower of David Museum is among the longest and most intact segments ever uncovered.
“They could go to a museum even in the Gulf, where people could see another side of Israel, an artistic side, a beautiful side,” Bernard Shapero told JNS.
“It’s not just a display of the scrolls, which of course in and of themselves would be powerful,” but other “wow objects” leave viewers in awe, the museum’s director of exhibits told JNS.
The Dubai gathering comes as the landmark 2020 Abraham Accords continue to broaden in the wake of last month’s ceasefire in Gaza.
University of Haifa study reveals that Natufian hunter-gatherers relied on waterfowl from Ice Age marshes rather than fish in the ocean.
The 5,000-year-old factory was found along intact Canaanite ritual vessels, offering rare insight into early worship and life in the Jezreel Valley.
“He carried that experience not with bitterness but with purpose,” William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, told JNS.
A passionate supporter of Israel, Joni Lamb received the Israel Allies Award in 2024.
“Doris Fisher leaves behind a legacy of deep commitment to her family and our city,” San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie said.
“He informed and entertained generations of fans with a theatrical and unapologetic style that was uniquely his own,” the New York Yankees stated.
The author of “The Choice” urged others to choose hope and healing.
After Scott’s death, anti-Israel group Track AIPAC touted the possibility of replacing him with a primary opponent who accuses Israel of “genocide.”
Godoff’s four-decade career helped launch and shape the works of leading writers, including Ron Chernow, Salman Rushdie and Zadie Smith.
“Jesse was a force of nature like few others before him,” U.S. President Donald Trump wrote.
The prolific singer, composer and arranger helped shape Israel’s musical landscape for almost six decades.
Her brother Gil, who was with her in the car to celebrate their mother’s birthday, is in critical condition at Soroka Medical Center.
“He lived to help people become better versions of themselves,” his wife of 40 years, Susan Gelber, told JNS.
Lupolianski led the capital through a complex period and built up Yad Sarah to provide medical equipment and social services across Israel.