Torah

A new Torah scroll dedicated to the victims of the Manchester synagogue attack has been greeted by thousands of people. The dedication honours those killed in the assault on a synagogue in the city, and the large turnout has been reported as a show of solidarity with the Jewish community and remembrance of the victims.

Jewish tradition calls for dancing with the Torah scroll kept closed during Simchat Torah celebrations, a practice that prompts recurring curiosity. Explanations point to respect for the scroll's sanctity: since a closed text can be read by anyone, an open one only by the literate, keeping it shut ensures equal participation in the joy, with the community itself celebrated as the living embodiment of the Torah.

The ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism have signed a vote-sharing agreement ahead of Israel's election, Haaretz reports. Such deals allocate surplus votes between allied parties so neither wastes support at the ballot, improving the bloc's chances of securing extra Knesset seats. The agreement signals coordination between the two Haredi factions as coalitions take shape ahead of the vote.

Jewish Action examines the challenge educators face in reaching diverse learners in Torah classrooms, focusing on bright students who still struggle with traditional teaching methods. The piece highlights the need for differentiated instruction in Jewish education and raises questions about how schools can support children whose learning needs are not met by conventional approaches.