Jewish Practices
Feature Writer Articles in Jewish Practices
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Jewish Traditions and the Green Holiday
Ecology is a key theme in many of Judaism's ancient holidays - and has become a new inspiration for changing the way Jewish traditions are celebrated.
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Shidduch - The Jewish Arranged Marriage System
In traditional Jewish communities, that "perfect date" depends not on love or adoration, but on the astute sensitivities of a shadchan - and the blessings of the family.
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Tu B'Av – the Jewish Valentine's Day
These days Tu B'Av is often regarded as a Jewish Valentine's Day, yet its significance, the Talmud says, goes far beyond romance, candy hearts and love letters.
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Chanukah and Tzedakah in Judaism
Chanukah is a time for giving gifts to children, but for many families, it is also a time for teaching the importance of tzedakah, activism and social responsibility.
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Chanukah Traditions Remade
Jews have found new ways to tell the story of the Maccabean revolt and its link to the nine-branch Chanukah menorah that is lit in memory of a miracle.
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The Festival of Sukkot
For many Jews, the three-sided sukkah and the traditions they celebrate during the Festival of Booths symbolize their link with their ancestors' pursuit for a homeland.
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Traditions During Judaism's Day of Atonement
The Torah and Haftorah passages, the Yizkor prayers and the avoidance of leather footwear on Yom Kippur all have relevance on this Shabbat of Shabbats
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The Mitzvah to Hear the Shofar Blowing
It is considered a mitzvah - a commandment - for every Jew to hear the shofar blowing at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as they prepare for and welcome the Jewish New Year.
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Rosh Hashanah Versus the Secular New Year
Rosh Hashanah is more than a Jewish celebration of the changing of the year; It symbolizes a Jew's ongoing spiritual commitment to God, to oneself and to his community.
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Rural Jews - Today's Jewish Pioneers
A large number of Jews find their homes in rural settings in North America, away from the demands, expectations and material advantages of large metropolitan centers.
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Contributing Articles in Jewish Practices
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An Orange on the Seder Plate
The custom of adding an orange to the Passover seder plate began in the 1980s, a symbol of support for Jewish lesbian and gays and of women's equality at the seder.
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Shabbat, Judaism's Sabbath
Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest. This weekly holiday is observed with festive meals, synagogue attendance, Torah reading and, ideally, rest.
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How to Make a Tu B'Shevat Seder
The basic structure of the Tu B'Shevat seder can be adapted to an infinite number of themes.
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Jewish New Year for Trees Activities for Kids
Jewish holidays have special meaning for children of all ages. Tu B'Shevat art, crafts, activities and projects provide kids the opportunity for learning and family fun.
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Overview of the Tu B'Shevat Seder and Traditions
Many traditions have evolved around Tu B'Shevat, the Jewish New Year for Trees. The most traditional custom is to participate in a Tu B'Shevat Community Seder.
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Tu B'Shevat Seder
Tu B'Shevat is a lesser-known Jewish holiday that celebrates trees. But what, exactly, does that mean? And how should it be honored? Many Jews celebrate with a seder.
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Traditional Passover Celebrations, Observances
Pesach, also known as Passover, is a Jewish holiday celebrating the exodus from slavery into freedom. Individual traditions may vary, but many are observed by all Jews.
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Hebrew Names and Their Significance
Jewish names can commemorate loved ones, events, character and history. Culture and ethnicity are often determining factors in Hebrew name choices for children.
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Chanukah is Not Jewish Christmas
A traditional Christmas differs from a traditional Jewish Chanukah. Children benefit with gifts from both holidays but they are worlds apart in reason and methodology.
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Jewish Prayers - The Mourner's Kaddish
The Mourner's Kaddish, still recited in the original ancient language of Aramaic, is an ancient prayer of praise to the Creator, recited in memory of the dead.
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Jewish Death and Mourning Customs
Jewish mourning customs honour the departed and take care of mourners. The sequence of shiva, shloshim, Kaddish and yahrzeit facilitate a transition back to normality.
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Rabbi Heschel's Sabbath
According to Rabbi Heschel, the Sabbath should focus on a still and quiet spirit.
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Rosh Chodesh - Secret Jewish Women's Business
Rosh Chodesh, the 'Head of the Month' is a minor Jewish festival described in the Torah. Called the 'Women's Festival', it has been reclaimed by modern feminists.
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Making Hanukkah Candles With Beeswax Sheets
Children and adults alike enjoy making their own Hanukkah candles out of beeswax honeycomb sheets.
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Jewish Holidays— Chanukah
Many American Jews have expanded the traditionally modest celebration of Chanukah into an elaborate celebration with parties, decorations and artistic ritual objects.
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The Significance of the Mezuzah in Judaism
The mezuzah is the symbolic protector of Jewish homes and contains the Hebrew passage known as the Shema Yisrael, on its parchment scroll, or Klaff.
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Jewish Wedding Traditions
Many objects in Jewish weddings have changed shapes and meanings, including the ring, the shattering of the wine glasses, the phrase "mazol tav," and the chuppah.
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Jewish Cemetery Symbols
Throughout the centuries, people have taken great care to honor the dead through elaborate rituals and symbolism. Orthodox Jews of the Northeastern U.S. are no different.
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Counting the Omer
The days between Passover, the exodus from slavery, and Shavuot, the festival of first fruits, are a window of opportunity for inner growth and loving kindness.
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Four Questions at the Pesach Seder
The traditional four questions asked as part of the Passover or Pesach seder remind Jews of the meaning of Passover and the Jew's freedom from slavery in Egypt.
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School Lunch Ideas for Passover
Jewish children often take lunches to school during Passover because of the holiday's many food restrictions. Those meals can be exciting, instead of something to dread.
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Why Jewish People Eat Matzo During Passover
Boxes of matzo are everywhere each year as Jewish people around the world prepare for Passover. The bland, flat cracker is a holiday symbol, also a challenge for cooks.
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Ways to Make Shabbat Dinner Special for Kids
Friday night is a joy for Jewish families who celebrate Shabbat, or sabbath. Make the evening kid friendly with fancy bread toppings, table games and treats.
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A Beginner's Guide to Hanukkah
People commonly regard Hanukkah as the Jewish Christmas, but that is a mistake. The two holidays are completely different. Hanukkah honors a minor historical event.
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How to Play the Hanukkah Dreidel Game
The rules for playing the Hanukkah dreidel game are simple. All players need is Hanukkah gelt and the understanding of four Hebrew letters.
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