Culture — Israel news in English
The latest culture from across Israeli media, translated and compared. 48 recent stories.
Shay Viner Opens Up About Growing Up as a Jewish Music Prodigy
Shay Viner, a leading young figure in Jewish religious music, discusses his career and challenges in a revealing interview with Kobi Sela on Channel 7.
Zvehil Hasidim Hold Ceremonial Torah Reading for Rebbe's Son in Beitar Illit
The Zvehil Hasidic community in Beitar Illit held a memorial celebration and Torah reading for the late Rebbe's son, coinciding with the previous Rebbe's yahrzeit. The event inclu…
Rabbi Kook's True Legacy Emphasizes Truth, Torah, and Boundless Love for Israel
Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, a towering Torah scholar who died 91 years ago, is often misunderstood today. Known for his deep love and kindness toward all Jews, including opponents…
Rabbi Binyamin Miltski Delivers Daily Daf Yomi Lesson on Chullin 108
Rabbi Binyamin Miltski delivers the daily Daf Yomi lesson on Chullin 108, broadcast every morning on Kol Chai radio and online, dedicated to the healing of ill members of the Isra…
Vizhnitz Celebrates Grand Torah Ceremony and Wedding of Rebbe’s Grandson with Damascus Eliezer Memorial
The Vizhnitz Hasidic community in Bnei Brak celebrated the Torah initiation and wedding of the Vizhnitz Rebbe’s grandson, alongside a memorial for the late Damascus Eliezer Rebbe…
Sadigura Rebbe Leads Prayer at the Cave of the Patriarchs with Network Supporters
The Sadigura Rebbe led prayers at the Cave of the Patriarchs with his network supporters, emphasizing their religious devotion at this historic Jewish site.
Thousands Gather for First Selichot Prayers at Western Wall in Emotional Ceremony
Thousands gathered at Jerusalem's Western Wall on Saturday night for the first Selichot prayers of 5786, led by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch, who prayed for Israeli unity, soldier saf…
Idan Raichel Critiques Contestant’s Song Choice on The Voice Israel Auditions
In the 14th episode of The Voice Israel auditions, mentor Idan Raichel criticized a contestant's song choice, emphasizing its importance. Noa Kirel saved contestant Michelle by pr…
Thousands Gather in Jerusalem for Selichot Prayers Led by Rabbi Reuven Elbaz
Thousands gathered at Jerusalem's Or HaChaim Yeshiva for the first Selichot prayers of Elul, led by Rabbi Reuven Elbaz, who guided the community in accepting the yoke of Heaven ah…
Belz Hasidim Sing Spanish Melody of 'Hamdil' During Selichot Prayers
On the first Saturday night of Elul, Belz Hasidim in the Rebbe's courtyard sang the 'Hamdil' prayer to a Spanish melody after Havdalah, blending Sephardic tunes with Ashkenazi Sel…
Israeli Influencer Dana Shem Tov Weds in Fashion-Forward Wedding with Multiple Stunning Looks
Israeli influencer Dana Shem Tov married Daniel Sports in July 2026, showcasing three unique bridal looks by Tal Medina. Their wedding preparations and ceremony will be featured i…
Ancient Jewish Text Warns Corrupt Rulers About the Fall of Their Power
An ancient Jewish text from the Second Temple period warns corrupt rulers whose power depends on wealth and oppression that their reign will ultimately collapse under divine judgm…
Ayla Minker From 'Married at First Sight' Welcomes Her First Son
Ayla Minker, known from Israel's "Married at First Sight," gave birth to her first son with partner Sasson Rafael in August 2026, sharing the news on Instagram. The couple married…
Rachel Goldberg Revives Musical Evening Nearly Two Years After Rabbi Avi Goldberg's Death
Rachel Goldberg resumed the family’s musical evening tradition nearly two years after her husband Rabbi Avi Goldberg was killed in Lebanon. The event, held in honor of Elul, inclu…
Israeli Singer Eti Levi Breaks Down Over Regrets About Motherhood on Podcast
Israeli singer Eti Levi emotionally shared on a podcast her deep regrets about not having children and missing her late mother's advice to prioritize family. She described the pai…
Couples From Israel's 'Married at First Sight' Reveal Their Current Relationship Status
A year after filming, couples from Israel's "Married at First Sight" shared their current relationship statuses, revealing breakups, new romances, and reconciliations.
Israeli Musician Yehuda Poliker Battles Lung Disease While Continuing to Perform
Israeli musician Yehuda Poliker, 75, is battling pulmonary fibrosis but continues to perform despite breathing difficulties. Diagnosed a year ago, he uses oxygen at night and mana…
Ayal Levi's Meteoric Rise from TikTok to Major Stages
Ayal Levi has quickly transitioned from TikTok fame to performing on major stages, becoming a notable figure in Israeli music.
Zotshka Rebbe's Grandson Celebrates Bar Mitzvah at New Bnei Brak Synagogue
The grandson of the Zotshka Rebbe celebrated his bar mitzvah at the new Zotshka synagogue in Bnei Brak, attended by leading Hasidic rabbis including the Satmar Rebbe. The event ma…
Rabbi Dov Singer Reflects on Education, Prayer, and Social Challenges After Four Decades at Mikor Chaim Yeshiva
Rabbi Dov Singer, after leading Mikor Chaim Yeshiva for over 40 years, became its president and shared his views on education, prayer, and modern challenges. He advocates for hear…
Chabad Centers in Thailand Become Leading Kosher Food Destinations for Jewish Travelers
Galit Or visited Chabad centers in Thailand, where kosher food has become a major attraction for Jewish travelers. Large Shabbat meals serve thousands, and the kosher dishes, incl…
Ron Kopman Reflects on 13 Years of Marriage Amid Reality TV Observations
Ron Kopman marks 13 years of marriage with his wife Kipus, contrasting their real relationship with the scripted reality show "Hatunami." He shares their personal struggles, mutua…
Jewish Community Honors Informer’s Funeral with Unexpected Respect in Hasidic Tale
Baal Shem Tov Guides Torah Scholar Through Spiritual Crisis to Redemption
A poor Torah scholar, urged by his wife, sought the Baal Shem Tov's help to support his family. Directed to find a craftsman in Kozmir, he discovered the man was his own past inca…
Miami Declares August 14 as 'Mutra Day' Honoring First Michelin-Starred Kosher Restaurant
Miami-Dade County has declared August 14, 2026, as "Mutra Day" to honor Mutra, the first kosher restaurant worldwide to earn a Michelin star. Led by Israeli chef Raz Shabtai, Mutr…
Reflecting on Letting Go: When Lifelong Treasured Items Become Just Clutter
Talya Levin reflects on the emotional process of letting go of lifelong possessions, recognizing that cherished items can lose meaning and become clutter. Drawing from personal ex…
Home Address Numbers Reveal More About Your House’s Style Than You Think
House numbers significantly influence a home's entrance impression through font, size, and material choices, reflecting or contrasting architectural style. Designers recommend cre…
Turquoise Emerges as the Refreshing Summer Color Trend Inspired by Hailey Bieber
Turquoise has become the defining summer color of 2026, inspired by Hailey Bieber and showcased by top designers. Its versatility suits everything from beachwear to evening attire…
Palestinian Rappers Gain Global Attention as New York Times Highlights Their Rise
The New York Times spotlighted Palestinian rappers Shabjdeed and Saint Levant, highlighting their growing international influence and the recent controversy between them over Pale…
Raviv Drucker Faces Criticism for Interrupting Guests on 'Election Zone' Show
Doron Barush criticized Raviv Drucker for repeatedly interrupting guests on Channel 13's "Election Zone," calling the behavior rude and unprecedented in Israeli media. Despite his…
Israeli Rapper Tuna and Manager Lior Miller End Eight-Year Partnership
Israeli rapper Tuna and his longtime manager Lior Miller have ended their eight-year professional relationship due to disagreements. Tuna will now be managed by Rotem Florentin an…
Psychologist Gilad Horovitz Clarifies Role on Israel's 'Married at First Sight' Ahead of Final Episode
Psychologist Gilad Horovitz, involved in Israel's "Married at First Sight," clarifies he is not a matchmaker but a therapist guiding couples through a challenging process. Ahead o…
Jewish Teachings Urge Kings and Individuals to Remember Humble Beginnings for Success
A Hasidic midrash from the Torah portion Shoftim teaches that kings and individuals should remember the humility and intentions of their initial commitment to sustain success and…
Haredi Lifeguard Delivers Torah Message to Women at Separate Beach on Rosh Chodesh Elul
A Haredi lifeguard at a separate women's beach delivered a Torah message on Rosh Chodesh Elul, encouraging prayer and blessings for the High Holidays, drawing attention from the b…
New Torah Scroll Dedicated to Memory of Yimno Zaleka Installed at His Youth Movement Branch
A new Torah scroll was dedicated at the Bnei Akiva Malbas branch in Petah Tikva to honor Yimno Zaleka, a murdered youth leader. Friends raised 90,000 shekels for the scroll, which…
Beit Matityahu Yeshiva Opens Elul Study Period with Special Lecture and Mezuzah Ceremony
Beit Matityahu Yeshiva marked the start of the Elul study period with a special lecture on Bava Kama by Rabbi Tzvi Weisbach and a mezuzah dedication ceremony for new facilities.
Rabbi Elimelech Biderman Shares Daily Tehillim Psalms for Elul Month Strengthening
Rabbi Elimelech Biderman advises reciting specific Psalms daily in Elul to nullify harsh heavenly decrees and strengthen spiritually.
Leading Torah Scholar Visits Prominent Supporters in Jerusalem Ahead of Wedding
Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch visited Torah supporters Benjamin and Rabbi Eliyahu Shlosberg in Jerusalem to honor the upcoming wedding of Rabbi Eliyahu's son, discussing Torah growth…
Thousands Gather in Sighet for Major Anniversary Commemoration of Rabbi Zaidel
Thousands gathered in Sighet for the annual commemoration of Rabbi Zaidel, marking one year since his passing with prayers and ceremonies honoring his legacy.
Thousands Gather in Meron for Spiritual Zohar Study and Prayer Event
Thousands of Zohar scholars gathered in Meron on the eve of Rosh Chodesh Elul for a major spiritual event marking the start of the Days of Awe and the completion of a year-long Zo…
Zvehil Yeshiva Inauguration and Major Hasidic Events Mark Spiritual Expansion in Israel
The Zvehil Yeshiva in Beitar Illit held a major inauguration ceremony led by top Hasidic leaders, coinciding with multiple significant Hasidic commemorations and gatherings in Isr…
Sanz Hasidic Community Opens First Small Yeshiva in Tiberias After 14 Years
The Sanz Hasidic community in Tiberias has opened its first small yeshiva 14 years after the community's founding, with about 30 students beginning studies. The yeshiva is tempora…
Jerusalem Chief Rabbi Ambar Urges Fear of God to Overcome All Fears Ahead of High Holy Days
Jerusalem Chief Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar called for deep spiritual reflection and fear of God during Elul to prepare for the High Holy Days, recalling historic examples of fear and…
Israeli Rapper Ofek Adenk Returns to Stage After House Arrest Amid Assault Investigation
Israeli rapper Ofek Adenk returned to performing at a Jaffa Port hip-hop festival after house arrest linked to an assault investigation involving his partner. The investigation co…
Multiple Hasidic Celebrations and Memorials Mark Shabbat Across Israel and Diaspora
Kretshnif-Sighet Rebbes Unite to Mark First Yahrzeit of Their Father
The sons of the late Kretshnif-Sighet Rebbe united with thousands of Hasidim to mark his first yahrzeit with a memorial meal and prayers at his gravesite in Jerusalem.
Rabbi Naftali Wasserman Presents Daily Talmud Study on Chullin 106 in Three Languages
Rabbi Naftali Wasserman delivers a 10-minute Daf Yomi lesson on Chullin page 106 in Hebrew, Yiddish, and English, released on August 13, 2026.
Toldot Avraham Yitzchak Rebbe Visits Son's Community in Ramat Beit Shemesh D for Special Celebration
The Toldot Avraham Yitzchak Rebbe visited his son Rabbi Yoel Kahan's community in Ramat Beit Shemesh D for a special outdoor celebration, praising the community's fundraising for…