In October 2016, I composed a prayer to be said on the Shabbat before an election. Rather than request aid for elected officials, the prayer conveys the hope that voters will have the wisdom to ...

Similarly, several hostages said they began praying, saying blessings, or doing their best to eat only kosher food. One said ...

Traditionally, the mother of the family places her hands over her eyes and recites a blessing to welcome Shabbat. On Saturday, after visiting the synagogue, the family shares another meal.

The 20-year-old told Israeli media that in addition to learning to recite "Shalom Aleichem" in Arabic, she and the other hostages with her would make the traditional Shabbat evening blessing ...

the sabbath meal. The lighting of candles, the singing of simple blessings and the breaking of bread have been the unifying thread that has connected Jewish life across centuries and continents.