Jewish Life



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How to Observe Sukkot

Sukkot, also known as  ’The Feast of Tabernacles,” is a Jewish holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Tishrei. Sukkot is considered a Festival of Rejoicing. It is during this time that Jews remember the Israelites who wandered through the Sinai desert for forty years. Sukkot is a time to celebrate and be thankful for everything that God has ...

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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 ...

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Tips 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 ...

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What 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 ...

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How 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. ...

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Lighting 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 ...

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How 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 ...

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A 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 ...

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How 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, ...

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How 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 ...

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How 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 ...

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How 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 ...

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