Jewish How-To
How to Ask for a Day Off From Work for Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is a very important Jewish holiday. It is a holy day devoted exclusively to prayer and repentance. As you are expected to participate in many spiritual activities, it is important to take the day off from work. Listed below are few things to keep in mind when asking for a time off from work for Yom Kippur.If you ...
Read MoreTips in Preparing for the Yom Kippur Fast
For Jews, Yom Kippur is an opportunity for spiritual renewal and repentance. One of the primary activities for Yom Kippur is fasting. All Jews are expected to fast as a means of repentance, except for those who will be put at risk, such as the ill, pregnant women and elderly. While hunger cannot be avoided when fasting, one need not ...
Read MoreWhat to do During Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement is a Jewish holiday dedicated to fasting and self-denial. This is when Jews abstain from food, sexual relations and everything that will give them personal pleasure. Yom Kippur is an important day on the Jewish calendar and all Jews devote their day to fasting and prayers.Prepare yourself for fasting by reducing your coffee ...
Read MoreHow is Rosh Hashanah Celebrated?
Rosh Hashanah is a 2-day festival observed on the first and second days of Tishrei. This Jewish holiday is celebrated in lots of different ways by different kinds of Jews. Rosh Hashanah is the only Jewish holiday which is observed for two entire days. Generally, this is celebrated with prayer services in synagogues and festive meals with family and friends. ...
Read MoreLighting Candles for Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish holiday commonly referred to as “Jewish New Year.” It is a day of contemplating and honoring God. As with other major Jewish holidays, lighting a candle is very significant during Rosh Hashanah. Lighting a candle is a great way to to honor God, thanking him for the gift of life.Prepare at least two candles. There ...
Read MoreHow to Choose Kosher Wine for Hanukkah
Looking for a Kosher wine to go with your Hanukkah celebration? Picking a kosher wine for Hanukkah is easy with the wide array of Kosher wine choices available these days. From dark, rich reds to fruity white wines, the choices are endless. Here are some things to remember when choosing your Kosher wine.It is best to buy wines from Kosher wineries. Consult ...
Read MoreA List of Recommended Kosher Wines
In recent years, the demand for Kosher wines have increased. As a result, many wineries including those in Israel, California, France, Italy, and Australia are producing Kosher wines under strict rabbinical supervision. Kosher wines are now competing with some of the world’s best wines and are constantly receiving rave reviews.Bartenura Moscato 2008 (Italy). Only the best of Moscato grapes are ...
Read MoreHow to Observe Tu Bishvat
Tu Bishvat is a minor Jewish holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Shevat occurring on late January or early February. Also known as “New Year of the Trees,” this holiday is often observed by planting trees, eating special fruits and nuts or participating in a Tu Bishvat Seder.Mark this day by eating fruits, especially those mentioned by the Torah like grapes, pomegranates, ...
Read MoreHow to Say the Havdalah Blessing
Havdalah is a ritual that marks the end of Shabbat. It is usually performed before nightfall. It is celebrated at home with family and friends.Havdalah starts with the recitation of Biblical verses talking about God’s salvation (verses from the Book of Isaiah and Psalms).Fill a Kiddush cup with wine. Fill the cup until it overflows and some of the liquid ...
Read MoreHow to Observe Shavuot
Shavuot is a Jewish holiday celebrated on the sixth day of the month of Sivan (late May or early June). Shavuot is being celebrated in remembrance of the day God gave the Torah to the Israelites at Mount Sinai.It is customary for women to light candles on the first and second nights of Shavuot.The first day of Shavuot should be ...
Read MoreHow to Behave Inside the Jewish Synagogue
Learning how to behave properly when inside the Jewish house of prayer and worship is very essential especially if it is your first time inside the synagogue.Dressing for a prayer service in the synagogue is the same as dressing up for other churches. Wear a nice formal dress. Men should wear their yarmulke (skullcap). Married women should put on a head covering ...
Read MoreHow to Properly Affix a Mezuzah
In the Torah, God commands Jews to hang a mezuzot on doorposts. Two portions of Torah are written on the parchment.These are Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) and Vehaya (Deuteronomy 11:13-21). The Shema is a reminder of God’s presence in our lives and of our responsibility to keep God’s commandments in our hearts. Vehaya serves as an assurance of God’s blessings if we follow ...
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