Kabbalat Torah (literally receiving, accepting the Torah) is a ceremony offered by Progressive Communities for fifteen or sixteen year old post Bar/Bat Mitzvah boys and girls. It is sometimes referred to as the ‘rite of Confirmation’. Why? It is felt that at thirteen years of age it is very young for a youngster to take […]
It is often said that ‘Home is where the heart is’ and nothing could be more true of the ethos of Judaism. It provides not just the knowledge of one’s faith but also the place where it is practiced and therefore the basis of Jewish identity. It is a well known fact that Jewish family
In this article I will explain the Jewish Food Laws -what ‘Kashrut ‘ and ‘Kosher’ mean and how these laws apply in Jewish everyday life. (See also Subdivisions within Judaism ) The general principle behind Kashrut is that Jews must be clean in body and soul. What? Kashrut ( Hebrew – fit, proper ) is
Kashrut (The Food Laws) Read More »
The Synagogue is the Place of Worship for Jews and the religious cornerstone of the Jewish Community. In the USA it is sometimes referred to as the Temple and Jews themselves call it ‘Schul’ – a Yiddish word. The word ‘synagogue’ comes from a Greek word meaning ‘house of meeting.’ However there are three names
What is Shabbat? Shabbat is the Jewish Day of rest. The word comes from the Hebrew word meaning cease or rest and also from the word meaning seven, ie: the seventh day of the week. Why Do Jews Have Shabbat? Think of the unique and special day of your year …your birthday of course! For
Shabbat – An Integral Part of Jewish Family Life Read More »
Meditations before prayer (optional) Morning prayers eg: Ma Tovu – directing the heart towards God. Songs of Praise eg: Psalm Prayer of Praise (Yishtabach) The call to community prayer (Baruchu) Prayer for the Creator of the Universe Prayer for God’s love for Israel The Shema Prayer for truth and redemption The Tefillah (Daily Prayer).
Order of Shabbat Morning Service Read More »
As seen in my Article on How and Why Jews Pray, prayer is of supreme importance within Judaism as a way to communicate with God. Jews have prayers for virtually every occasion and situation however there is one called the Shema (pronounced Sh’MA – emphasis on last syllable) which is the most important of all.
This is a springtime festival known as The New Year for Trees. Its name literally translates from the Hebrew as the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat in the Jewish Calendar which corresponds to either late January or early February. Why? It celebrates that winter is coming to an end. We look forward
The Jewish Festival of Tu B’Shevat Read More »
Purim is a minor festival. It is a celebration of redemption which occurs on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar. This is usually in late February or March. (See The Jewish Year). Purim is a joyful celebration with a carnival atmosphere- it is especially geared towards children with a lot of fun
The Jewish Festival of Purim Read More »
Passover is one of our major festivals. It has three important elements: Historical – the momentous story of the Jewish Exodus from Egypt. Spiritual – the gratitude for our freedom and the hope for freedom for all in the future. Agricultural – a celebration of springtime and new life. It is also a festival of
The Jewish Festival of Passover Read More »