Jewish Practices
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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. more...
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 more...
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. more...
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. more...
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. more...
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Rosh Chodesh - Secret Jewish Women's Business
By: Karen Finch
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. more...
By: Laura Bernell
Many American Jews have expanded the traditionally modest celebration of Chanukah into an elaborate celebration with parties, decorations and artistic ritual objects. more...
The Significance of the Mezuzah in Judaism
By: Jennifer Maxwell
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. more...
By: Jaclyna Perez
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. more...
By: Veronica Ditko
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. more...
By: Rosalind Brenner
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. more...
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. more...
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