Dude It's Shabbos

History of the Mezuzah in 60 seconds

Why do we hang a mezuzah? Find out in 60 seconds.

Ha Tikvah: Does Israel's National Anthem Mean Hope for All?

This video presents a brief history of the controversial origins of the national anthem of Israel – the HaTikvah (The Hope).

Traditions

How to Make Kiddish

Kiddush, like candles, sanctifies the Sabbath. Making kiddush is a simple religious act that sanctifies the Jewish Sabbath, making it distinct from the six other days of the week. It requires little…

Traditions

The History of the Calendar

Although the early history of the calendar is not clear, most scholars believe that the present calendar is a combination of two systems. One system began the year in spring and the other in autumn.…

Traditions

Haftarah

הפטרה (Haftarah), the name given to the reading from the Prophetic books which follows the Torah reading.

Traditions

Mezuzah on the Doorpost

If you visit a Jewish home one thing that you may see is a mezuzah. A mezuzah is a small container which is commonly rectangular in shape which can be decorated with a variety of designs.

Traditions

Torah Reading

The custom of reading from the Torah on Saturday mornings is so old that it is difficult to be certain when it first started.

Traditions

True Blue

It is very common to associate the color blue with the Jewish people. It is on the flag of Israel which was influenced by the prayer shawl commonly worn during prayer in Jewish congregations which…

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

Prior to the Holocaust, Yiddish, a language more resembling Middle High German than anything else phonetically, was widely spoken by 11 million people, not as a national language or local tongue, but…

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

Shofar

The shofar, made from a ram's horn, has been used by our people for thousands of years. The blowing of the shofar was used to call the people together for war and to call them to the Sanctuary for…

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 the door about one quarter of the way…

Traditions

The Jewish Calendar

LUNAR-SOLAR CALENDAR The Jewish calendar is based mainly on the phases of the moon; but it also regulates itself to a lesser degree by the sun. God said let there be lights in the firmament of the…

Traditions