Netilat Yadayim - Ritual Hand Washing
"Netilat yadayim" is the Jewish word depicting the religious washing of hand with the help of a cup.
Shabbat Candles
One of the most well known Jewish customs connected with the observance of Shabbat (the Sabbath) is the lighting of lamps or candles before sunset on Friday night.
Mezuzah
A mezuzah is a little box that is nailed to the doorpost of a Jewish home. The Hebrew word mezuzah means doorpost. It is generally placed on the right side of…
Minyan
In many Jewish synagogues a minyan is required for public prayer times. A minyan is a group of at least 10 Jewish men over the age of 13 years old. A minyan is…
What are the Top Eight Jewish Foods?
Humans are partial to food to begin with, and Jewish culture is no different – plus Judaism has many unique foods in its culture.
Mikvah-Jewish Tradition
A mikvah, מקווה, is an immersion pool that is used for ceremonial cleansing.
The Yiddish Handbook: 40 Words You Should Know
The Yiddish language is a wonderful source of rich expressions, especially terms of endearment (and of course, complaints and insults)….Jewish scriptwriters…
Kippah
A yarmulke in Yiddish, or a kippah in Hebrew, is a small head covering. Kippah literally means covering. Professor Jacob Lauterbach has been quoted as saying…
Kaddish
There are several Jewish traditions surrounding the death loved ones. We say the mourner’s kaddish. It is not a mournful dirge, but rather praise to the Giver…
Yiddish Words You Should Be Using Right Now
As many readers know, there are videos on Shalom Adventure to help you learn Hebrew, but what about learning some Yiddish vocabulary as well?
Pointing to the Torah
When reading sometimes it is helpful to have something to guide us so we don’t skip a line of text.
Celebrating My Son's Bar Mitzvah - Mayim Bialik
Ever been invited to a bar or bat mitzvah and wonder what that even is?
Western Wall
The Western Wall is the western portion of the retaining wall of the Temple Mount where the Temple stood. The Hebrew for Western Wall is ha-Kotel ha-Ma'aravi,…
Kiddush-Jewish Tradition
Kiddush is from the Hebrew word for holy or sanctify, to set apart as holy. God set the Sabbath apart as holy. Saying the kiddush on Friday evening dates back…
