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Judaism | Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous | Judaism
11 Shavuot Myths and Misconceptions
Ready to challenge some things you think you always knew? Let's go!
Miscellaneous | Judaism
May the Morning Shema Be Recited All Day?
Analysis of the argument that kriat shema may be recited the entire day.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
How the Universe Came to Be: Torah and Science
Religion is often accused of explaining a scientific discovery after the
fact. But the record on how the universe came to
be presents a different sequence of events.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Chabad Lubavitch: The Rebbe’s Lesson From an IDF Emblem
Official homepage for worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch movement that promotes Judaism and provides daily Torah lectures and Jewish insights. Chabad-Lubavitch is a philosophy, a movement, and an organization. Chabad is considered to be the most dynamic force in
Miscellaneous | Judaism
18 Facts About Rabbi Akiva - Chabad
Akiva started at the very beginning, learning the Hebrew alphabet alongside his son, and went on to be foremost rabbi in the post-Temple era.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Why Do We Wrap the Tefillin Straps 7 Times Around the Arm?
Many reasons for a most basic custom
Miscellaneous | Judaism
10 Songs in Jewish History
The Midrash tells us that there are 10 songs of praise (shirot) in the history of our people, culminating with the song of the Final Redemption.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
The One Super Simple Thing to Do Before Passover!
Selling chametz is an important and easy part of Passover
Miscellaneous | Judaism
How Moses Saved Egyptian Civilization
Wherever your soul has taken you, there must be something of profound value that you uncovered there.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
The Pursuit Of Meaning | Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
For each of us G-d has a task: work to perform, a kindness to show, a gift to give, love to share, loneliness to ease, pain to heal, or broken lives to help mend.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Pesach: What’s Up With the Mnemonic Detzach Adash Be-achav?
The three words, attributed to Rabbi Judah, we say while spilling wine at the Seder, teach deep insights about the 10 plagues.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Is Meditation Kosher? - And if so, why aren’t we doing it? - Chabad
Is it possible to be a good Jew, do mitzvahs, study Torah and pray to G‑d without ever thinking too deeply about who He is and what’s my relationship with Him?
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Where Did Moses Get His Staff & What Happened to It?
Moses’ staff figures prominently throughout the story of the Exodus from Egypt and our ancestors’ subsequent sojourn in the desert. But Scripture doesn’t tell us the history of the staff.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
17 Jewish Calendar Facts - Chabad
The Jewish calendar is the structure upon which all Jewish holidays are based. It follows the lunar cycle, which means that the year is comprised of 12 lunar months (of approximately 29.5 days each).
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Should We Use Gender Neutral Language for G-d?
Judaism has been understood as the effort to reunite the feminine and masculine aspects of God.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Total Transformation: The Shema Prayer Meditation - Chabad
While the prayers preceding the Shema are important, it is the Shema prayer itself that transforms the animal soul into loving G‑d.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Chabad: Purim Backwards
On Purim, it’s a mitzvah to hear the story of Esther read from a scroll—called a “megillah”—both by day and by night.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Purim: 14 Facts About Mordecai
Mordechai was the leader of the Jews and cousin of Queen Esther, his co-hero in the Purim story.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Tu BiShvat in a Minute - Chabad
When’s the last time you wished a tree Happy New Year? The 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat is a great opportunity. It’s known as Tu BiShvat, the New Year for Trees.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
What Is the Authentic Ancient Hebrew Alphabet? - Ketav Ivri vs. Ketav Ashurit
I recently read about some ancient writings that were in a
script called Proto-Hebrew, which the Jews supposedly used to write in before
the current Hebrew script.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
How Do Mezuzahs Work? - Chabad
How on earth does a parchment scroll with Hebrew inscriptions increase your personal safety? Here is how the great rabbis understood it.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
20 Maimonides Facts You Should Know
1. He Was Born Into a Prestigious Spanish Family
Maimonides was born circa 1135, in Cordoba, in the Andalusia region of Spain. His family traced their ancestry to the compiler of the Mishnah, Rabbi Yehudah HaNassi, and through him, to King David.1 Encouraged by his father—a judge on the Cordoba rabbinical court and a student of the famed Ri Migash—he pursued studies in Jewish law, philosophy, and medicine.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Jewish Wisdom: Joseph's Message - Vayigash
It was not enough for Jacob to discover that Joseph was still alive physically. He needed to hear that he was also alive spiritually.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Why Is Chanukah 8 (Not 7) Days Long? - 13 answers to an age-old puzzle - Chabad
The 8 days are because it either took 8 days to become pure or to travel to Tekoa to get new oil. But why is the first day celebrated? Here are 13 reasons.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Light and Shadows: What Is Divine Reciprocity? - Chabad
We don't have to take on an army in order to experience miracles.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
16 Menorah Facts Every Jew Should Know - Chabad
The word menorah is Hebrew for “lamp,” and generally refers to the eight-branched candelabra that we light on the Jewish holiday of Chanukah.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Can There Be Judaism Without Torah?
Other than Torah observance, what can we teach the next generation to inspire them to stay Jewish?
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Play "Jewish History True or False" - Chabad
Who anointed King David? Where did the story of Purim take place? Test your knowledge of early Jewish History!
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Judaism: When Does the Soul Enter the Body? - Chabad
Traditions vary from the moment of conception or 40 days thereafter, to various childhood milestones. They can be synthesized by understanding the nature of our two souls.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Take the Yom Kippur Quiz
See how familiar you are with the most sacred day on the Jewish calendar…
Miscellaneous | Judaism
19 Yom Kippur Facts Every Jew Should Know
Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, when we are
closest to G‑d and most connected to the essence of our souls.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
9 Yom Kippur Myths and Misconceptions - High Holidays
Here’s your chance to rethink some things that “everyone knows” about the holy day.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
RoshHashanah: 7 Tips for Making and Keeping New Year's Resolutions
Here are a number of suggestions to keep our resolutions long-lasting and meaningful.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Judaism: What You Need to Do Before You Pray
By joining forces, prayer won’t be fractured.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
When Blessings Come Cloaked in Darkness
A distillation of the Rebbe's talk on Jewish indignation, 1966.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Can You Travel Back in Time? Kind Of… - Parshah
One of the most powerful tools we humans possess is the ability to rewrite our own past by reframing the story.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
How Were the Priests Divided? - On the 24 Clans of Kohanim
The Torah dictates that the descendants of Aaron (the Kohanim) be separated from within the tribe of Levi and be prepared to serve in the Holy Temple (or Tabernacle).1
Miscellaneous | Judaism
The Levite Choir and Orchestra: What, Who and How?
During the time of year that we mourn the destruction of the Holy Temple, it is customary to learn the laws of the Holy Temple as a means to hasten its rebuilding during the final redemption.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Why Cover the Head With a Tallit During Prayer? - Mitzvahs & Traditions
One should make preparations before praying, including preparing special garments, as if one were meeting an important dignitary.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Judaism: 14 Facts About the Book of Psalms
Psalms is a most beloved book, filled with prayers, praises, and prose. Compiled by David, it is an essential part of the Jewish Canon.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Moses vs. the Gaslighter - Guest Columnists - Parshah
The people in the desert were being gaslit, and big time.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
23 Tallit Facts You Should Know - Mitzvahs & Traditions
A tallit is a four-cornered, fringed garment worn by Jewish men during prayer.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Why No Paschal Offering for 39 Years in the Desert? - Jewish History
As strange as it may seem, the Israelites seem to have only observed Passover once during their 40-year sojourn in the desert.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
11 Kippah Facts Every Jewish Guy Should Know - Mitzvahs & Traditions
A kippah is a head-covering traditionally worn by Jewish men
and boys as a sign of reverence and respect to G‑d.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Jewish Holidays: What Is Shavuot?
Unpack layers of Biblical and rabbinic text to understand the inner mechanics of this sometimes-overlooked but super-important holiday.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Halacha (Jewish law) is not pro-choice
To state that Halacha is pro-choice is the equivalent of claiming that Halacha is pro-theft or pro-lying concerning the Torah’s prohibition to steal and its requirement to be honest.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Is There a Flawless Proof That Torah Is True?
Years ago I attended a seminar where we were presented with logical proofs that the Torah was delivered to us by Moses at Sinai. I was convinced and began a path towards complete Jewish observance.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
How to Celebrate Lag BaOmer
Here are the tools and tips you need to have a rip-roaring inspiration-heavy Lag BaOmer celebration like no other.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Seven Things People Get Wrong When Learning Kabbalah - …and how to get on the right track
1. Myth: Nobody goes to a Kabbalah class expecting to actually understand anything.
Truth: Kabbalah is about the human mind grasping the ungraspable.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Judaism: The Halachic Parameters of Taking Vengeance or Holding a Grudge
This class explains the prohibition of revenge (nekamah) and the prohibition of bearing a grudge (netirah). Exploring exactly when and how these prohibitions apply, and how it’s possible to bend one's thoughts in a positive direction and avoid these prohi
Miscellaneous | Judaism
What Is Ahavat Yisrael?
We all know the mitzvah to love your fellow Jew, but how do you love another as yourself?
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Spiritual Physics - Jewish Prayer
What do you do with this powerful love and desire for G‑d, awakened during prayer as a result of our challenges?
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Judaism: Does Hell Exist?
Who isn’t terrified at the notion of being in a fiery furnace for all eternity?
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Why Do Jews In Exile Celebrate Passover?
Ever since the Exodus, every Jew possesses that innate, unbreakable sense of freedom.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
How to Prepare Your Seder Plate Items Quickly & Easily
Preparing the Seder plate items can seem overwhelming, but it needn’t be.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Why Should I Care About Ancient Slaves Who Went Free? - An honest reflection on Passover's relevance 3,000 years later
A short and powerful message on the Festival of Freedom’s profound meaning to us today.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
What Is Passover (Pesach)?
The eight-day Jewish holiday of Passover is celebrated in the early spring, from the 15th through the 22nd of the Hebrew month of Nissan, April 15 - 23, 2022.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
If the Haggadah Is Right, We’ve Got Education All Wrong - How the Haggadah turns education on its head
From a child's answers, you might know something about what the child knows. From a child's question, you know who the child is.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Passover: What Have the Anti-Semites Done to the Jews?
Anti-Semitism bears testimony to the Almighty’s watchful eye which continues to guide us through our providential mission on earth.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Redesigned and Updated, Chabad.org’s Haggadah Brings a Classic Text to Life
Second edition tops Amazon’s charts for both “Haggadahs” and “Jewish holidays” categories
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Why No Chad Gadya? - Why Doesn’t the Chabad Haggadah Include the Post-Seder Songs?
Many have the custom to sing various post-Seder songs at the conclusion of the Passover Seder.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
The Agony and Ecstasy of Jewish Sovereignty - Has the State of Israel been a success?
A critical analysis of Israeli statehood, Jewish identity and Middle East politics since 1948.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
The Agony and Ecstasy of Jewish Sovereignty - Has the State of Israel been a success?
A critical analysis of Israeli statehood, Jewish identity and Middle East politics since 1948.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Fascinating Facts: 15 Facts About Queen Esther
Learn all about the heroine of the Purim story, Queen Esther!
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Will the Synagogue Ever Go Virtual Reality? Why a metaverse minyan is not okay
Is it possible to create a virtual synagogue where everyone would join for prayer online? How about virtual reality, where you literally feel like you are in the same room with your fellow avatars? Could this be a legitimate replacement for group prayer at the synagogue?
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Why No Tefillin at Night or on Shabbat? - Tefillin
Tefillin are worn daily by Jewish men and boys aged 13 and older, except for on Shabbat and Torah holidays.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
How Did David Defeat Goliath? - Jewish History
In the famous narrative, young David slays Goliath, the giant Philistine warrior, using a round pebble he collected from a brook.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Elder Of Ziyon - No matter how the haters try to twist it, Tu B'Shvat is a Zionist holiday
Blogging about Israel and the Arab world since, oh, forever.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
13 Ways the Lubavitcher Rebbe Changed the World Forever - Impact
How one man in Brooklyn. N.Y., shattered misconceptions and predispositions about Judaism—and forever changed the world.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Why Aren’t Shellfish Kosher?
Shellfish do not have kosher signs. But what if they did?
Miscellaneous | Judaism
The End of Torah - From the Chassidic Masters - Parshah
What did Moses accomplish by shattering the tablets?
Miscellaneous | Judaism
The Jewish People Prepare for Sukkot, the ‘Season of Our Rejoicing’
The outdoor, seven-day holiday approaches with safety and unity again top of mind
Miscellaneous | Judaism
9 Yom Kippur Myths and Misconceptions - High Holidays
Here’s your chance to rethink some things that “everyone knows” about the holy day.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
19 Yom Kippur Facts Every Jew Should Know - High Holidays
Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, when we are
closest to G‑d and most connected to the essence of our souls.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Faith After Surfside - Questions & Answers
It is a pain we must feel, a pain that must be healed, until we have healed humanity itself. Until no such tragedy could ever happen again.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Don’t Be Scared to Crawl Out of Your Covid Cage - Jewish Insight & Commentary
After the vaccine, I was again afraid and anxious, this time about going out.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
14 Kosher Myths and Facts
Are you ready to challenge some of the things you’ve always thought to be true about the Jewish dietary laws? Let’s begin!
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Tu BiShvat: Who “Invented” the Holiday on 15 Shevat?
When did Tu Bishvat become a thing, and why specifically now?
Miscellaneous | Judaism
A Deeper Look at the Menorah Blessings - Chanukah, 5743
The three blessing we recite before kindeling the menorah carry deep inside them the timeless Chanukah lessons for our service of God, specifically in our times.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
An encounter with Rabbi Sacks, a Jewish leader who inspired a generation
My spiritual and intellectual development were very much crystallized by his words and perspectives.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Why Do We Fast on Yom Kippur?
What is Yom Kippur all about? Unpack layers of meaning embedded in the requirement that we neither eat nor drink for the duration of this most holy and solemn of days.
