The Origins of Cholent

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

Mikvah-Jewish Tradition

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

Traditions

Kosher

The word “kosher” literally means “proper.” When kosher is used to describe food it refers to those foods that are proper to eat. The Bible outlines biblically kosher foods. Biblically kosher foods…

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

Traditional Jewish Housewarming Gifts

When a Jewish family moves into a new home, relatives and friends can bring housewarming gifts that honor their Jewish traditions and culture.

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 Bar Mitzvah and Jewish Tradition

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

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

Spiritually Uplifting End to Shabbat in Israel

Traditions

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 about 2,500 years.

Traditions

Schlep

Traditions

Mixing Matters

"...You shall not boil a young goat in its mother's milk." Deuteronomy 14:21 Many take this verse to mean it isn't kosher to have meat and dairy in the same meal, or even have milk and meat in the…

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

Tsitsit

The custom of putting Tsitsit, fringes or tassels, on the corners of garments originates in the biblical commandment: Speak to the people of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the…

Traditions