Uri Pilichowski Archives - JNS.org

Follow us

© 2023 JNS, All Rights Reserved Concept, design & development by RGB Media. Powered by Salamandra

Uri Pilichowski

Rabbi Uri Pilichowski is a senior educator at numerous educational institutions. The author of three books, he teaches Torah, Zionism and Israel studies around the world.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog reenacting a famous photograph of Theodor Herzl. Photo: Haim Zach/GPO

Zionism has very few sacred cows

It is disturbing to hear the country's small elite decry any modification of Israel’s policies as a betrayal of Zionism and Israel that threatens the existence of the state itself.

Uri Pilichowski

September 11, 2023

A map of ancient Israel and Judea. Credit: Richardprins via Wikimedia Commons.

Israel’s borders

The Torah, the sages and modern politicians all wrestled with the question of where the borders of Israel truly lie.

Uri Pilichowski

September 3, 2023

Soldiers from the IDF Armored Corps during a military exercise near Moshav Aniam on the Golan Heights, Feb. 14, 2023. Photo by Michael Giladi/Flash90.

‘It’s not my job’

Those exempted from military or national service must share a sense of collective responsibility with those who do serve.

Uri Pilichowski

August 28, 2023

Ultra-Orthodox Jews celebrate the end of the Shavuot holiday in Jerusalem’s Old City, June 12, 2016. Photo by Shlomi Cohen/Flash 90.

Israel and halachah

The ongoing debate over the role of Jewish law in a Jewish state.

Uri Pilichowski

August 22, 2023

U.S. President Donald Trump with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the United Arab Emirates Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the way to the signing of the Abraham Accords, Sept. 15, 2020. Credit: Tia Dufour/White House.

Zionism, normalization and integration

It now seems that Zionism’s ultimate goal of acceptance by the Arab world is possible.

Uri Pilichowski

August 14, 2023

Protesters in Berlin hold a Palestinian flag and the initials of the anti-Israel BDS movement while then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was visiting Germany in August 2019. Credit: Israel Hayom.

When Palestinian nationalism becomes antisemitism

It’s time for anti-Zionism to come to an end.

Uri Pilichowski

August 8, 2023

A scene from the 1944 film "Gaslight." Source: Public domain/Wikimedia.

Gaslighting the Jewish people

After thousands of years of facing hate, Jews are more than qualified for recognizing and defining antisemitism.

Uri Pilichowski

July 30, 2023

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, July 12, 2023. Photo by Michael Giladi/Flash90.

Bringing God back to Zionism

President Isaac Herzog’s speech to Congress acknowledged the role played by Divine providence in Israel’s success.

Uri Pilichowski

July 23, 2023

Crowds of Israelis wave flags at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City during Jerusalem Day celebrations, May 18, 2023. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90.

Universal vs. Zionist values

Both sides must listen to each other and unite over their common values, rather than allow the continued division of the Jewish community.

Uri Pilichowski

July 18, 2023