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…
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.…
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.
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…
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,…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…