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Traditions

What is a Get?

A get is a divorce under halacha, or Jewish law. The word can also refer to the document that grants the get, though its technical name is sefer k'ritot, or scroll of severance. The sefer k'ritot is…

Traditions

Shofar and Blessings

Shofar and Blessings by Mishkanim.

Traditions

Jewish Tradition, Pomegranates, and Golden Bells

You may have noticed that pomegranates are often portrayed in Jewish art in decorations for candle holders, plates, and other kinds of Judaica.

Traditions

Dude It's Shabbos

Dude it's Shabbos.

Traditions

Netilat Yadayim - Ritual Hand Washing

"Netilat yadayim" is the Jewish word depicting the religious washing of hand with the help of a cup.

Traditions

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…

Traditions

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…

Traditions

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…

Traditions

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.

Traditions

Mikvah-Jewish Tradition

A mikvah, מקווה, is an immersion pool that is used for ceremonial cleansing.

Traditions

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…

Traditions

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…

Traditions

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…

Traditions

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?

Tzedakah

Tzedakah is from the word meaning righteousness. A tzadek is a righteous person.

Traditions

Holocaust Survivor Meets US Veteran After 70 Years

Holocaust Survivor Meets US Veteran After 70 Years

Traditions

The Bar Mitzvah and Jewish Tradition

The word Bar Mitzvah (spelled בר מצוה in Hebrew) means "one to whom the commandments apply".

Traditions

Mikvah-Jewish Tradition

A mikvah, מקווה, is an immersion pool that is used for ceremonial cleansing.

Traditions

Haftarah

הפטרה (Haftarah), the name given to the reading from the Prophetic books which follows the Torah reading. This custom is so old that its origin is unknown and even the derivation of the name is far…

Traditions

The Chuppa

In the Song of Solomon we read “He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.” Song of Solomon 2:4. Love is a beautiful thing and if you have ever been to a Jewish wedding…

Traditions

Archie Bunker Does Shabbat

Archie Bunker Does Shabbat

Traditions

A Stone to Remember

Many cultures have different ways of dealing with death. One Jewish custom is to place a stone on the grave of someone who died.

Traditions

CDC Comes Out in Favor of Circumcision

US health officials on Tuesday released a draft of long-awaited federal guidelines on circumcision, saying medical evidence supports the procedure and health insurers should pay for it.

Traditions

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 of Life. Mourners tear their garments,…

Traditions

Where did Jewish Headcovering Traditions Come From?

Today we may recognize some traditional Jewish garments such as prayer shawls and kippahs, which are used to cover the head of the worshiper during prayer.

Traditions

Havdallah

Havdallah means “separation” and is a service used to separate the holiness of the Sabbath from the rest of the week. It separates the day that God blessed from the regular workdays of the week. It…

Traditions

Second Day of Festivals

Once the Beth Din had evidence that the new moon had been seen, (see FIXING THE CALENDAR) a new month was declared to have started, and people would know when to observe festivals. Some were informed…

Traditions

Candles

Candles are very special in Jewish tradition because they are said to represent the light from the menorah used in the tabernacle. Candles are burned for various special occasions in Judaism.…

Traditions

Shema

"Shema Yisrael, Adonai Elohenu, Adonai Echad." These wordsare the first words in every mezuzah. They are written in everytefillin and are recited every day by some Jewish people. Theyare considered…

Traditions