The Origins of Cholent

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.

Traditions

A Salty Jewish Tradition

The Torah says “And every offering of your grain offering you shall season with salt; you shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your grain offering. With all your…

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

History of the Mezuzah in 60 seconds

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

Traditions

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, although it is usually called simply…

Traditions

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

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 not required, of course, for personal…

Traditions

Netilat Yadayim - Ritual Hand Washing

"Netilat yadayim" is the Jewish word depicting the religious washing of hand with the help of a cup. This ritual or more commonly called ablution is the process of getting rid of all body impurities.…

Traditions

Mitzvah

Have you done a mitzvah today? A mitzvah is a good deed, something done to benefit someone else without any selfish motives attached to it. It is doing a favor without expecting anything in return.…

Traditions

Tfillin

T'fillin, or phylacteries, are square black boxes traditionally worn on the head and arm. The t'fillin for the head is called t'fillin shel rosh and has four separate compartments. The t'fillin shel…

Traditions

Jewish Wedding

A chupah is a large covering that is often used at weddings to cover the bride and groom.

Traditions

613 Mitzvot

The basic concept in Judaism relating to practice is the Mitzva, a commandment from HaShem. The Torah helps people to lead a life that will be inline with HaShem's laws. Moses ben Maimon, Maimonides,…

Traditions

Mikvah-Jewish Tradition

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

Traditions

Women Wearing a Tallit!

Is it permissible for a woman to wear a Tallit? Many Orthodox authorities rule it out because they claim that it is a positive commandment at a fixed time16. and women do not have to observe such…

Traditions