Contemporary Jewish History

Responding to Genocide

Jewish perspectives on the responsibility to protect.

Praying for the Welfare of the State of Israel

While following a tradition of praying for the government, this prayer has some significant differences.

The Heavenly Jerusalem

An idealized Jerusalem arose out of the ashes of the Temple's destruction and the city's ruins.

The Religious Status of Yom Ha’atzmaut

Within Israel and in the greater Jewish world there are differing views as to whether there is a religious nature to Israel's Independence Day.

The Biblical Jerusalem

Biblical texts present Jerusalem as a concrete city and also begin to develop it as an abstract symbol.

Is Grief a Communal or a Personal Affair?

Tensions exist between national observance and private remembrance on Yom Hazikaron, Israel's Memorial Day.

Israel and Judaism

The importance of Israel for Jews who do not live there.

The Jewish Connection to Jerusalem

Remembering Jerusalem permeates Jewish belief, thought, and practice in profound and powerful ways.

Holocaust Scroll

The Conservative movement's creation of this scroll is the latest attempt in contemporary Judaism to create a liturgy for Yom Hashoah.

Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day

The newest holiday on the Jewish calendar celebrates the reunification of Israel's capital.