You are here:About>Religion & Spirituality>Judaism
About.comJudaism
From Lisa Katz,
Your Guide to Judaism.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Who is a Jew?

The "Who is a Jew" issue has become one of the most controversial issues in Jewish life today. Read how the definition of who is a Jew has changed over time and varies today among the different Jewish denominations.
Tuesday May 13, 2008 | permalink | comments (0)

How can one become a Jew?

One who is not born a Jew, can become a Jew via a process of conversion. In the 20th century, however, the different Jewish denominations began to disagree about the content of the conversion process.
Tuesday May 13, 2008 | permalink | comments (0)

Am I still Jewish if my mother converted to Christianity?

Dear Rabbi Goldwasser,
I am African-American. My grandmother converted to Judaism as a young woman. She raised my mother as a Jew, however, as an adult my mother converted to Christianity. Am I Jewish?
Denise
Tuesday May 13, 2008 | permalink | comments (2)

Is a Jew still a Jew no matter what he/she believes?

Dear Rabbi Simmons,
I thought that orthodox Judaism believes that one who is born a Jew can not forfeit his/her identity as a Jew no matter what he/she believes. If so, then shouldn't some Messianic Jews (with Jewish mothers) be considered Jews? Furthermore, is a Jew still considered Jewish if he/she follows the teaching of Buddha?
Thank you.
Tuesday May 13, 2008 | permalink | comments (0)

Top 10 Jewish Sites for Women

These sites for Jewish women focus on the interests and concerns of Jewish women today. Do Judaism and feminism conflict? How do Jewish women feel about their role in Jewish prayer and ritual? What challenges do Jewish mothers face? Find information from Jewish women's health issues to favorite books.
Monday May 12, 2008 | permalink | comments (0)

Jewish Mother's Day

Mother's Day - Planting Flowers TogetherDid you know that hundreds of years before the birth of America's Mother's Day (Woodrow Wilson signed a bill in 1914 recognizing Mother's Day as a national holiday), Jews already had their own Mother's Day? The 11th day of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan (October/November), known as the day on which the Jewish matriarch Rachel died, was regarded as a sort of Jewish Mother's Day. No matter the date, the important thing is that mothers are celebrated. In celebration of Jewish mothers everywhere, this Jewish Mothers page was created.

Photo © 2006 Lisa Katz, licensed to About.com, Inc
Sunday May 11, 2008 | permalink | comments (1)

Multimedia Tributes to Israel at 60

I liked what Dalia Itzik said in honor of Israel's 60th. There are countries in the world that are wealthier, quieter and bigger than Israel, but there is no country in the world with a story of success like Israel's. In honor of Israel's 60th birthday, enjoy these wonderful online multimedia tributes:
Wednesday May 7, 2008 | permalink | comments (0)

Israel's National Anthem

Find the history, meaning and words of Israel's national anthem, HaTikvah (The Hope). The article includes links to online versions of the music, including this interesting 2008 version of HaTikvah by Francky Perez & Broadway on YouTube.com.
Sunday May 4, 2008 | permalink | comments (1)

Celebrating Israel's 60th Year of Independence

Israeli School Memorial Day CeremonyIsrael's Memoral Day (Yom HaZikaron) is May 7, 2008, and Israel's Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut) is May 8, 2008.
  • Israel's Memorial and Independence Day
    Through these photos and descriptions, you can virtually celebrate Israel's Memorial Day and Independence Day.
  • Recipes for Israel's Independence Day
    On Israel's Independence Day, Israelis packs their picnic baskets with charcoal, lots of meat, salads, pita bread and hummus. The country's parks are dotted with families outdoors barbecuing and enjoying "The Land." Even if you can't be picnicking outside in Israel this year, you can still enjoy a traditional Israel Independence Day meal.
  • Israeli Coins
    Taking out one's money to buy something in a store in Israel today can send one's mind sailing back in time. Enjoy these photos and explanations of the designs on modern Israeli coins.
Photo © 2006 Lisa Katz, licensed to About.com, Inc
Friday May 2, 2008 | permalink | comments (0)

Print and Color Israeli Symbols

Israeli FlagYou can print this Israeli flag and Israeli seal for your kids to color and hang on your door in honor of Israel's Memorial Day (May 7, Wednesday) and Independence Day (May 8, Thursday).

Photo © 2006 Lisa Katz, licensed to About.com, Inc
Thursday May 1, 2008 | permalink | comments (1)

Email to a Friend

Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives

powered by WordPress

Newsletters & RSSEmail to a friendSubmit to Digg
 All Topics | Email Article | | |
Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | HelpOur Story | Be a Guide
User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.