Jewish Life
How 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 ...
Read MoreHow to Put On the Yarmulke Properly
A yarmulke (skullcap), also known as kippah is a piece of cloth worn by observant Jews, often by men. Yarmulke is worn during prayer as a sign of respect to God. The yarmulke is one of the most important symbols of the Jewsih faith, thus, should be worn properly.Yarmulke should be worn during Shabbat or when inside the shul or ...
Read MoreHow to Participate in the Celebration of Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah is a Jewish holiday celebrating the conclusion of the annual reading of Torah. Simchat Torah is a Hebrew term which means “Rejoicing of the Torah.”Services for Simchat Torah begins with the Ma’ariv service or evening service. Torah scrolls are removed from the ark. Members of the congregation march around the synagogue in a ceremony called hakkafah. There are seven hakkafot (circling ...
Read MoreHow to Locate a Local Synagogue
A synagogue is a Jewish house of prayer. The synagogue is also a beit midrash (house of study). Synagogues have libraries where members of the Jewish community come to study. Many religious and non- religious activities are also held in synagogues. Finding a local synagogue is easy when you know where to start your search.With the advent of the internet, looking for a local ...
Read MoreRules in Sitting Shiva
Sitting Shiva is a week-long period of mourning after a Jewish relative has passed away. The goal of sitting shiva is to comfort the bereaved and to honor the deceased. Mourners are considered Nihum Avelim (comforting mourners) after returning from the funeral.A shiva should be done in the house of the deceased. If possible, gather all mourners in the house together.Remove the ...
Read MoreBar and Bat Mitzvah Gift Giving Ideas
Like birthdays and other celebrations, a Bar ot Bat Mitzvah is an occasion to give gifts. Religious books, gift certificates or money are some of the most common gifts given to the celebrant. Choose gifts that are appropriate for a 13 year old boy or a 12 year old girl.Giving money to the celebrant as a gift is common. Cash gifts in ...
Read MoreGuest Etiquette on Bar Mitzvah
Have you been invited to a Bar Mitzvah? If it is your first time to attend one, it is very important to learn about the proper Bar Mitzvah etiquette. Maintaining proper decorum when attending such occasion will make a good impression on your host and will spare you from embarrassment.The most important part of Bar Mitzvah is the religious service. Never skip this ...
Read MoreHow to Wear a Tallit Properly
A tallit is a Jewish prayer shawl worn during Shacharit, Shabbat, and Jewish holidays. The tallit is usually made of wool or silk and is knotted on its four corners in accordance with the commandments of the Torah . The Jewish prayer shawl is an important symbol of Judaism and should be worn properly according to Jewish lawsOpen the tallit ...
Read MoreTips for Creating a Huppah
A Huppah or Chuppah is a Jewish wedding canopy with a piece of cloth or any covering draped over four poles. The Huppah represents the home that the couple will build. There are no Halakhic requirements as to how big it should be and how it should appear. However, it should be big enough for the bride and groom to stand under.Decide on the type of Huppah ...
Read MoreHow to Dress Up for a Bar Mitzvah
If it is your first time to attend a Bar Mitzvah, you are probably wondering what to wear for the occasion. Whether you are Jewish or not, it is important to dress appropriately for Bar Mitzvah. If you are the Bar Mitzvah boy, you should know what to wear as you are the center of attention on this day.One essential ...
Read MoreHow to Clean the House for Passover
Preparations for Passover usually take a full month. Part of the preparation is to make sure that the entire house is free of chametz. Cleaning for Passover can be a big task but early planning and organized cleaning will make this task easier.Clean all areas of the house where chametz can possibly be found. Check the kitchen, kids’ rooms, even ...
Read MoreSteps to Dancing the Horah
Horah is a traditional dance in Jewish weddings, bat mitzvahs, and bar mitzvahs. Many Jews refer to it as the unofficial king of the Israeli folk dances. The Hora is originally a Romanian folk dance and was brought from Eastern Europe by Jewish immigrants. In the past Hora was danced in the Kibbutzim and small communities. Later on, it became ...
Read More