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Judaism: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
When is Rosh Hashanah 2008?
When is Rosh Hashanah 2008? Find dates for Rosh Hashanah for this and upcoming years, information about the Jewish New Year, dates of other Jewish holidays, and information about the Hebrew calendar.
Ten Jewish Holiday Calendar
This is a quick walk-through list of the dates of Jewish Holidays for 2008-2009. This Jewish Holiday Calendar is easy to print.
Jewish Holiday Calendar
2008-2009 Jewish Holiday Calendar. This calendar contains the dates of, as well as links to information about, all the Jewish Holidays - Rosh HaShana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Tu B'Shvat, Purim, Passover, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israel's Memorial Day, Israel's Independence Day, Lag B'Omer Shavuot, Ninth of B'Av Tisha B'Av.
Jewish Holiday Calendar 5768
2007-2008 Jewish Holiday Calendar. This calendar contains the dates of, as well as links to information about, all the Jewish Holidays - Rosh HaShana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Tu B'Shvat, Purim, Passover, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israel's Memorial Day, Israel's Independence Day, Lag B'Omer Shavuot, Ninth of B'Av Tisha B'Av.
All About Hebrew Names
Learn about Hebrew names. Choose a Hebrew name for your baby. Read FAQ about Jewish naming customs.
When is Yom Kippur 2008?
When is Yom Kippur 2008? Find dates for Yom Kippur for this and upcoming years, information about the Jewish Day of Atonement, dates of other Jewish holidays, and information about the Hebrew calendar.
When is Passover 2009?
When is Passover 2009 Find dates for Pesach for this and upcoming years, information about the Jewish Festival of Freedom, dates of other Jewish holidays, and information about the Hebrew calendar.
Hebrew Names for Girls
Find Hebrew names for girls. The meanings of the Hebrew names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Boys
Find Hebrew names for boys. The meanings of the Hebrew names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Basic Beliefs of Judaism
What are the basic beliefs of Judaism? What is the connection between the Jewish people and the Ten Commandments? What do Jews think about God?
Hebrew Names for Boys - A
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter A. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Glossary of Jewish Jokes
Glossary of Jewish Jokes
Jewish Circumcision Ceremonies - The Ceremony
Learn about the Bris, Jewish ritual circumcision ceremony, in which Jewish babies become a part of the covenant with God.
When is Hanukkah 2008?
When is Hanukkah 2008? Find dates for Hanukkah for this and upcoming years, information about the Jewish Festival of Lights, dates of other Jewish holidays, and information about the Hebrew calendar.
Being Jewish
Is being Jewish a race, nationality or religious identity?
Hebrew Names for Girls - A
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter A. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Jesus - A Jewish View
Who was Jesus, according to Judaism?
How To Jewish Weddings
Virtually experience a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony. This step-by-step guide shows how Jewish weddings are celebrated.
When is Yom Kippur 2009?
When is Yom Kippur 2009? Find dates for Yom Kippur for this and upcoming years, information about the Jewish Day of Atonement, dates of other Jewish holidays, and information about the Hebrew calendar.
Bat Mitzvah
According to Jewish Law, every Jewish girl becomes a bat mitzvah at age 12.
About Tisha B'Av
Tisha B'Av (the ninth day of the Jewish calendar month of Av) is a day of mourning and fasting in Judaism. On this days Jews remember the destruction of the first and second Temples in Jerusalem as well as other tragedies Jews experienced in their history.
Hebrew Names for Boys - J
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter J. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the name written in Hebrew letters.
All About Judaism
What are the ten first questions people ask about Judaism. What are the basics of the Jewish religion and culture? Learn about Judaism's beliefs, branches, conversion, history, holidays, Israel, lifecycle events, practice, prayer and Torah.
Branches of Judaism
Jewish movements, often referred to as denominations, branches or sects of Judaism, differ from each other in some beliefs and thus in the way they observe Judaism. Main movements include Secular Humanist, Reconstructionist, Reform, Conservative and Orthodox.
Jewish Holiday Calendar 5770
2009-2010 Jewish Holiday Calendar. This calendar contains the dates of, as well as links to information about, all the Jewish Holidays - Rosh HaShana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Tu B'Shvat, Purim, Passover, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israel's Memorial Day, Israel's Independence Day, Lag B'Omer Shavuot, Ninth of B'Av Tisha B'Av.
All About Rosh Hashanah
Learn all about the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah -- from shofar blowing to eating apples and honey to casting away sins via Tashlich.
A Woman of Valor
A Woman of Valor, Eshet Chayil in Hebrew, is a hymn which is customarily recited on Friday evenings, after returning from synagogue and singing "Shalom Aleichem" and before sitting down to the Shabbat evening meal.
Hebrew Biblical Names and Modern Israeli Names
Learn why Jews worldwide give Hebrew names to their children. Use this list of popular Biblical names and modern Israeli names to find a Hebrew name for your son or daugther.
Hasidic Jews
Hasidic Judaism is one movement within Haredi Judaism. The Hasidic movement is unique in its focus on the joyful observance of God’s commandments (mitzvot), heartfelt prayer and boundless love for God and the world He created. Many ideas for Hasidism derived from Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah).
Hebrew Names for Girls - L
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter L. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Yahrzeit - Death Commemoration
What is Yahrzeit in Judaism? How do Jews remember the deceased?
Hebrew Names for Girls - M
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter M. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Jewish Baby Naming Ceremony for Girls
What should Christian grandparents say at the baby naming ceremony of our Jewish granddaughter?
Hebrew Names for Girls - J
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter J. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Girls - B
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter B. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Boys - B
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter B. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Ask the Rabbi - Afterlife in Judaism - Heaven and Hell
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about afterlife, heaven and hell, in Judaism.
Hebrew Names for Girls - S
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter S. The meanings of the names are included. ee images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Boys - D
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter D. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Boys - M
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter M. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for your Jewish Children
Learn why Jews worldwide give Hebrew names to their children. Use this list of popular Biblical names and modern Israeli names to find a Hebrew name for your son or daugther.
Hebrew Names for Boys - R
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter R. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Girls - C
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter C. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Who is a Jew via Descent
Who is a Jew is a controversial question today. What is the source of the law of matrilineal descent in Judaism? Why does Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism accept patrilineal descent, while Orthodox and Conservative Judaism only consider those with Jewish mothers to be Jews?
Jewish Jokes - Famous Jewish Sayings
Glossary of Jewish Jokes
Hebrew Names for Girls - D
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter D. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Bar Mitzvah
According to Jewish Law, every Jewish boy becomes a bar mitzvah at age 13. As a bar mitzvah, he becomes obligated by God's commandments.
Hebrew Names for Boys - C
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter C. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Israeli Salad
The secret to a really good Israeli salad is finely chopped vegetables. Fresh cucumbers and tomatoes from Israel help.
Hebrew Names for Girls - R
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter R. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Passover Story
Read the story of Passover. Learn about Moses, Pharoah, the plagues, and the Israelites' Exodus of from Egypt.
Hebrew Names for Girls - N
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter N. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Ask the Rabbi - Jewish Last Names
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about Jewish last names.
Hebrew Names for Boys - S
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter S. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Gifts
Should one give gifts for a bar or bat mitzvah? If so, what kind of gift is appropriate for a bar or bat mitzvah?
Ask the Rabbi - Star of David - Magen David
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about the star of David in Judaism
Hebrew Names for Boys - L
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter L. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
How to Light Yahrzeit Candles
How to light a Yahrzeit Candle. When should one light a Yahrzeit (Memorial) Candle? What prayer should one recite when lighting Yahrzeit Candle?
Hebrew Names for Girls - E
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter E. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Boys - I
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter I. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the name written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Boys - H
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter H. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Rosh HaShana Pages for Kids
Print these coloring pages, worksheets and games for your children to enjoy while you prepare for the Jewish New Year Rosh HaShana.
Hebrew Names for Boys - E
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter E. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Jewish Circumcision Ceremonies - Brit Milah
Learn about the Bris, Jewish ritual circumcision ceremony, in which Jewish babies become a part of the covenant with God.
Israeli Coins - Israeli Currency
Images of and information about modern Israeli coins.
Unveiling Ceremony
What is the unveiling ceremony.
Ask the Rabbi - Jesus as the Messiah
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about the Jesus as the Messiah.
When is Rosh Hashanah 2009?
When is Rosh Hashanah 2009? Find dates for Rosh Hashanah for this and upcoming years, information about the Jewish New Year, dates of other Jewish holidays, and information about the Hebrew calendar.
Hebrew Names for Girls - G
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter G. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Girls - H
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter H. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Tour Auschwitz
Auschwitz Gas Chamber
Hebrew Names for Boys - G
Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter G. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
What is the Torah?
Is the Torah the Hebrew Bible? Is the Torah the Old Testament? What is the Torah?
Jewish Unveiling Ceremony
Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner answers a question about unveiling ceremonies.
Tattoo and Jewish Burial
Am I allowed by Jewish law to get a tattoo? If I get a tattoo, can I still be buried in a Jewish cemetery?
World Jewry Today 2005
What population statistics are there about Jews of various countries (United States, Canada, France, United Kingdom, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Russia, Ukraine, Hungary, Germany, Australia, South Africa) around the world?
Hebrew Names for Boys - Y
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter Y. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Photos and Testimonies of Holocaust Survivors from Nir Galim, Israel
Click on photos of Holocaust survivors to read their personal accounts of what happened to them during the Holocaust. These are Holocaust survivors from Moshav Nir Galim in Israel.
Jewish Custom of Saying LeChaim
The reason for the Jewish custom of saying LeChaim before drinking wine.
Why Bad Things Happen to Good People - Judaism
Judaism can explain why bad things happen to good people - including murder.
All About Yom Kippur
Learn all there is to know about Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement.
Free Jewish Coloring Pages
Jewish Parents can print these free coloring pages for their Jewish Kids. A great page to bookmark so you can print Jewish coloring pages anytime!
Photos by Nahum Dimer(atz)
Photo of Israel's King David Hotel, which overlooks the old city of Jerusalem.
Hebrew Names for Girls - T
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter T. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Why Jews do not believe in Jesus as the Messiah
Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner explains why Jews do not believe in Jesus as the Messiah.
Hebrew Names for Boys - N
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter N. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Shiva - Period of Mourning
In Judaism, Shiva is the seven day mourning period observed by Jews after the funeral.
Hebrew Names for Girls - I
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter I. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Orthodox Judaism
Orthodox Judaism is the most traditional branch of Judaism. Orthodox Judaism believes that both the Written and Oral Torah are of divine origin, containing the exact words of God without any human influence.
Reform Judaism
Reform Judaism, a progressive branch of Judaism, differs from more ritually observant forms of Judaism in its belief that Judaism has evolved and adapted over the centuries and that it must continue to do so. Reform Judaism is the largest Jewish movement in North America today.
Sex
What does Judaism's view on sex?
Chuppah - Wedding Canopy
Why do the bride and groom stand under a chupah, a marriage canopy, when getting married in a Jewish wedding?
Hebrew Names for Girls - Z
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter Z. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Girls - Y
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter Y. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Sheva Brachot
What are Sheva Brachot? What are the Seven Blessings recited at Jewish Weddings?
Hebrew Names for Girls - P
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter P. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
FAQ: Jewish Naming Customs
Learn how to choose and give a Hebrew name to your baby. Read FAQ about Jewish naming customs.
The Torah
Is the Torah the Hebrew Bible? Is the Torah the Old Testament? What is the Torah?
Haredi Jews
Haredi Judaism is often translated as ultra-Orthodox Judaism, although Haredi Jews themselves object to this translation. Haredi Jews consider themselves to be the true Jews, and consider all the more liberal forms of Judaism to be unauthentic. Learn more about Haredim.
Friday Evening
An important part of Judaism is acknowledging the fruits of the earth as a gift from God. Hence, Judaism prescribes the recitation of blessings before and after eating, before enjoying fragrant aromas such as spices, or upon seeing pleasing sights such as rainbows. The blessing serves to elevate the physical into the realm of the spiritual. On Friday evening, as Jews welcome in their holy day of rest, Shabbat, blessings are recited over candles, wine, bread, children and more.
Jew can't believe in Jesus - 1
Bruce James (Baruch Gershom) provides a clear and comprehensive explanation to why Jews can't believe in Jesus. In Part I of the Primer, he explains how the idea of a New Covenant de-legitimizes Covenant between God and the Jewish People.
Rosh Hashanah Food Customs
Special Rosh Hashanah food customs have developed over the centuries, such as round challah, apples with honey, new fruit (pomegranate), and more.
Havdalah
Havdalah is a religious ceremony that marks the end of the the Sabbathh.
Rosh Hashanah Cheat Sheet
This list of the ten most important things to know about the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah will be helpful to non-Jews interested in Judaism as well as Jews who want to refresh their knowledge about their Jewish heritage.
Bedtime Shema
Did you have a busy and stressful day? Did you fail to find quality time with your child today? There is no need to end the day without turning things around. This three minute bedtime ritual - reciting Judaism's Shema Yisrael prayer together - will enable your child to go to sleep feeling loved and protected and you to regain your balance via a refreshed sense of connection and inner-peace. What is the bedtime Shema prayer and how is it recited?
Creative Jewish Baby Naming Ceremony
How can I make my daughter's naming ceremony special?
Hebrew Names for Girls - O
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter O. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Mezuzah - What, Why and How of Mezuzot
What is a mezuzah? Why hang a mezuzah? Where to affix a mezuzah? Which blessing is said when affixing a mezuzah?
Jewish Jokes - A Priest and a Rabbi
Glossary of Jewish Jokes
Hebrew Names for Boys - P
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter P. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Shabbat beginning and ending
When does the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat) begin and end each week? How can I find beginning and ending times for Jewish holy days?
Lighting Shabbat Candles
It is a mitzvah (commandment from God) for Jewish men and women to light Sabbath candles on Friday night. Since the wife generally has more influence over the spirit of the home, she was given the privilege of lighting the Shabbat candles. If a man lives alone, then he should light the candles.
Israeli Online News Broadcasts
You can view live video broadcasts of news in Israel from Israeli news sources. It is a great way to practice Hebrew and see how the Israeli media is covering current events in Israel and the Middle East.
Hebrew Names for Boys - T
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter T. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Marriage and Weddings
What is the Jewish view of marriage? Learn about marriage according to Judaism. Learn about the Jewish wedding ceremony. What makes Jewish weddings special?
Ask the Rabbi - Clothing Worn by Jews
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about clothing worn by Jews.
Ask the Rabbi - Peot, Peyos, Side Curls
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about why some Jews wear side curls, also called peot or peyos.
Ask the Orthodox Rabbi
Orthodox Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers questions about Judaism from the perspective of Orthodox Judaism.
Fasting on Yom Kippur
The Yom Kippur Fast - why we fast, how we fast, how to prepare for the fast, pre-fast meal (seudah mafseket) menu and recipes.
Mourning in Judaism
Mourning in Judaism.
Ask the Rabbi - Heaven, Hell, Afterlife in Judaism
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about heaven, hell and afterlife in Judaism.
Number 18 in Judaism
What is the significance of the number 18 in judaism? Why do Jews often give gifts in mulitiples of $18?
Ketubah - Marriage Contract
A Ketubah is a marriage contract between a husband and wife that is signed before a Jewish wedding. The purpose of the Ketubah is to protect the woman's rights during the marriage and in case she is divorced or widowed.
Who is a Jew via Conversion
One who is not born a Jew can become a Jew via a process of conversion. In the 20th century the different Jewish denominations - orthodox, conservative, reform, reconstructionist - began to disagree about the content of the conversion process.
Hebrew Names for Boys - O
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter O. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
All about God
Judaism's belief in one, all-powerful God made the Jewish People unique in ancient times. And the Jewish concept of God is Judaism's legacy to the Western world. What is God in Judaism?
Jewish Wedding Ring
Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner explains why, during the Jewish wedding ceremony, the groom puts the ring on the bride's index finger.
Kippah - Yarmulke - Jewish Head Converings
Rabbi Shraga Simmons explains why Jews use head coverings such as a kippah or yarmulke.
Rituals for a Baby Daughter - Naming Ceremony for Girls - Simchat Bat
How are Jewish families today celebrating the births of their daughters?
Blessing the Children
One of the most moving Shabbat (Jewish Sabbath) traditions is the blessing over the children given on Friday night.
Am I Jewish?
With a Jewish father and a non-Jewish mother, am I Jewish? Does Matrilineal or Patrilineal Descent determine Jewish identity?
USA Jewry
What population statistics are there about US Jewry?
Ten Commandments
When the Israelites accepted the Ten Commandments from God at Mount Sinai, they committed themselves to following a moral code of behavior.
Jewish Baby Names - Meaning
Does the Hebrew meaning of a name affect the future character and life of a baby?
Potato Pancakes (Latkas)
Use this recipe to make delicious Hanukkah potato pancakes, also known as latkas in Yiddish and livivot in Hebrew.
Tisha Be'Av - The Ninth Day of Av
Tisha Be'Av (the ninth day of the Jewish calendar month of Av) is considered to be a
Hebrew Names for Boys - Z
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter Z. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Girls - K
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter K. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Jews and Jerusalem
Why is Jerusalem sacred to Jews? Why are Jews opposed to dividing Jerusalem by giving Palestinians control over parts of the city, including the Temple Mount, in return for the Palestinians' promise for peace?
Ask the Conservative Rabbi
Conservative Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner answers questions about Judaism from a Conservative perspective.
Hebrew Names - Naming a Jewish Baby
Learn about Hebrew names. Choose a Hebrew name. Read FAQ about Jewish naming customs.
Hebrew Names for Girls - V
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter V. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
All About Passover
Learn about the Jewish holiday of Passover (Pesach in Hebrew), Judaism's Festival of Freedom.
Kaddish - Mourner's Prayer
What is kaddish prayer recited by Jews in mourning
Death in Judaism
Death and Burial in Judaism.
All About Hanukkah
Hanukkah commemorates the Maccabees military victory over the Greek Syrians and the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah is a celebration of Jewish national survival and religious freedom.
Hebrew Names for Boys - U
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter U. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Ask the Rabbi - Baby Naming for Daughter
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about naming a baby daughter.
Jewish Jokes - Short Jewish Jokes
Glossary of Jewish Jokes

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