Judaism: Most Popular Articles

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.

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.

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.

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.

All About Hebrew Names
Learn about Hebrew names. Choose a Hebrew name for your baby. Read FAQ about Jewish naming customs.

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?

Jewish Jokes - Jewish Stereotype Jokes
Glossary of Jewish Jokes

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.

Tour Auschwitz
Auschwitz Gas Chamber

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.

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.

Bat Mitzvah
According to Jewish Law, every Jewish girl becomes a bat mitzvah at age 12.

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.

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.

Glossary of Jewish Jokes
Glossary of Jewish Jokes

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.

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 - 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.

Being Jewish
Is being Jewish a race, nationality or religious identity?

Israel Coloring Pages
Print these Israel coloring pages, worksheets and games for your children. You can print Israeli flags and Israeli seals for your kids to color and hang on your door in honor of Israel's Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron) and Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut).

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.

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?

Israeli Coins - Israeli Currency
Images of and information about modern Israeli coins.

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.

All About Shavuot
The many names given in the Torah and Talmud for the Jewish Pilgrimage festival of Shavuot reflect something about the reasons that Jews "rejoice" on this day.

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.

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.

Jewish Custom of Saying LeChaim
The reason for the Jewish custom of saying LeChaim before drinking wine.

Ask the Rabbi - Star of David - Magen David
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about the star of David in Judaism

Elie Wiesel
Elie Wiesel was deported by German troops from his home in Romania to the concentration camp Auschwitz in 1944. He survived the Nazi death camps to become a world-renowned writer, teacher and spokesmen for the oppressed peoples of the earth. His book Night is one of the classic accounts of the Holocaust. Read this biography of Elie Wiesel.

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 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.

Passover Story
Read the story of Passover. Learn about Moses, Pharoah, the plagues, and the Israelites' Exodus of from Egypt.

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.

Tour Auschwitz
Auschwitz Shoes and Prostheses

The Second Generation
Evidence shows that the children of Holocaust survivors, referred to as the “Second Generation”, can be deeply affected – both negatively and positively -- by the horrific events their parents experienced.

Shiva - Period of Mourning
In Judaism, Shiva is the seven day mourning period observed by Jews after the funeral.

Yahrzeit - Death Commemoration
What is Yahrzeit in Judaism? How do Jews remember the deceased?

Ask the Rabbi - Afterlife in Judaism - Heaven and Hell
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about afterlife, heaven and hell, in Judaism.

Judaism Glossary of Jewish Leaders
Learn who has led the Jewish People throughout the centuries through this Glossary of Jewish Leaders.

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.

Israeli Salad
The secret to a really good Israeli salad is finely chopped vegetables. Fresh cucumbers and tomatoes from Israel help.

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.

What is HaTikvah?
Israel's National Anthem is called HaTikvah ("The Hope"). The words to Israel's national anthem were written in 1886 by Naphtali Herz Imber, an English poet originally from Bohemia. The melody was written by Samuel Cohen, an immigrant from Moldavia. Cohen actually based the melody on a musical theme found in Bedrich Smetana’s "Moldau."

Ask the Rabbi - Jewish Last Names
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about Jewish last names.

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.

When is Passover 2008?
When is Passover 2008 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.

Ask the Rabbi - Jesus as the Messiah
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about the Jesus as the Messiah.

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.

Jewish Leaders - Abraham
Abraham was the first Jew, the Father of the Jewish People.

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!

Israel Independence Day Flags
View photos of Israel Independence Day flags for sale.

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 - 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.

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 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.

Independence Day Firecrackers
Firecrackers are traditionally displayed on Israel Independence Day - Yom HaAtzmaut.

Jewish Jokes - Famous Jewish Sayings
Glossary of Jewish Jokes

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.

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.

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.

Night by Elie Wiesel
Night, an autobiographical account of life in the Nazi death camps, is a must-read. Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel takes his readers with him from his home, into the ghetto, on the transport, through Selections, into the concentration camps, on the Death March, and beyond. Reading this book gives one a deeper and more personal understanding of the Holocaust experience. Only with this understanding can one genuinely remember the Holocaust and thus help ensure it won't happen again.

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.

Ask the Rabbi - Clothing Worn by Jews
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about clothing worn by Jews.

What is the Torah?
Is the Torah the Hebrew Bible? Is the Torah the Old Testament? What is the Torah?

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.

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?

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 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.

Jews and Jerusalem - Jewish Exile - Prayers, Pilgrimages, The Western Wall
What is the connection between Jews and Jerusalem. While in exile, Jews remembered Jerusalem through prayers, pilgrimages and the Western Wall.

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.

Chuppah - Wedding Canopy
Why do the bride and groom stand under a chupah, a marriage canopy, when getting married in a Jewish wedding?

Belzec Death Camp Memorial
Belzec was the first of the Nazi German extermination camps created during the Holocaust. Operating in 1942, the death camp was located in occupied Poland, in the Lublin district, about half a mile south of the Belzec railroad station. It is estimated that between 434,508 and 500,000 Jews were killed at Belzec.

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.

Unveiling Ceremony
What is the unveiling ceremony.

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.

Israeli Dance - History of Israeli Dancing
Modern Israeli dancing includes folk dance and art dance.

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.

All About Passover
Learn about the Jewish holiday of Passover (Pesach in Hebrew), Judaism's Festival of Freedom.

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.

Jewish Baby Naming Ceremony for Girls
What should Christian grandparents say at the baby naming ceremony of our Jewish granddaughter?

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.

Sex
What does Judaism's view on sex?

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.

Independence Day Picnics
Israelis traditionally picnic on Israel Independence Day - Yom HaAtzmaut.

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.

Hanukkah Food Traditions
Why are fried and dairy food, such as potato pancakes (latkas, livivot) and doughnuts (soofganiot), traditionally eaten during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah?

Memorial at Belzec Death Camp
Belzec Death Camp is one of the world's largest grave sites as close half a million Jews were murdered there by the Nazis in 1942. The stones in this photos cover part of the symbolic mass grave containing authentic mass gravesites. The inscriptions bear the names of communities of the murder victims and dates creating a calendar of the crime. The trees witnessed one of humanity's greatest crimes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQ: Jewish Naming Customs
Learn how to choose and give a Hebrew name to your baby. Read FAQ about Jewish naming customs.

Ask the Orthodox Rabbi
Orthodox Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers questions about Judaism from the perspective of Orthodox Judaism.

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.

ITS Bad Arolsen Archives
After 60 years of being hidden away from the public, Nazi records about the 17.5 million people - Jews, Gypsies, homosexuals, mental patients, handicapped, political prisoners and other "undesirables" – they persecuted will be open to the public. The ITS Holocaust Archive in Bad Arolsen, Germany contains 50 million pages, housed in thousands of filing cabinets in six buildings. Find out what is in the archive, why it was closed to the public, and why it is now opening to the public.

Bloom's Syndrome
Bloom's Syndrome, an inherited disorder carried by 1 in 100 Ashkenazi Jews, is characterized by photosensitivity and elevated dark red blotches on the skin, growth deficiency, reduced resistance to infectious diseases, and increased susceptibility to tumors.

The Torah
Is the Torah the Hebrew Bible? Is the Torah the Old Testament? What is the Torah?

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.

Ask the Rabbi - Heaven, Hell, Afterlife in Judaism
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about heaven, hell and afterlife in Judaism.

Tattoos - Numbers of Holocaust Victims
Is tattooing the number of a Holocaust victim on your arm a way to honor victims or contrary to the Torah?

Jerusalem's Temple Mount
The Temple Mount, past home to the Jewish Temples and current home to the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque, is one of today's most contested religious sites.

Kippah - Yarmulke - Jewish Head Converings
Rabbi Shraga Simmons explains why Jews use head coverings such as a kippah or yarmulke.

All About Lag B'Omer
Learn about Lag B'Omer, a semi-holiday in Judaism.

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.

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.

Jewish Unveiling Ceremony
Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner answers a question about unveiling ceremonies.

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.

Why Bad Things Happen to Good People - Judaism
Judaism can explain why bad things happen to good people - including murder.

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.

Number 18 in Judaism
What is the significance of the number 18 in judaism? Why do Jews often give gifts in mulitiples of $18?

What is an Omer?
Many Jews celebrate on Lag b'Omer. To understand why, one must first know the definition of the Omer.

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.

Canavan's Disease
Canavan's Disease (CD) is an inherited, degenerative brain disorder that primarily affects children of eastern and central European Jewish (Ashkenazi) descent.

Conservative Judaism
Conservative Judaism generally accepts the binding nature of Jewish Law (halakhah), but believes that the Law should change and adapt, absorbing aspects of the predominant culture while remaining true to Judaism's values.

Blessing the Children
One of the most moving Shabbat (Jewish Sabbath) traditions is the blessing over the children given on Friday night.

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.

What is Lag B'Omer?
Many Jews celebrate on Lag b'Omer. To understand why, one must first know the definition of Lag B'Omer.

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?

Chat with Holocaust Survivor and Sobibor Revolt Participant Toivi Blatt - page 1
Transcript of Chat with Holocaust Survivor and Sobibor Revolt Participant Toivi (Thomas) Blatt

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.

Sheva Brachot
What are Sheva Brachot? What are the Seven Blessings recited at Jewish Weddings?

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.

What is Yizkor?
What is Yizkor Memorial Prayer service in Judaism? Why do some Jews leave synagogue services when Yizkor is recited? When does Yizkor take place?

Shavuot Food and Recipes
It is customary to eat dairy food on Shavuot. Enjoy these recipes for everything from cheese blintzes to lasagna to cheesecake.

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.

Havdalah
Havdalah is a religious ceremony that marks the end of the the Sabbathh.

Jewish Jokes - A Priest and a Rabbi
Glossary of Jewish Jokes

Ask the Rabbi - Shema Prayer
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about the Shema Prayer.

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.

What is a Menorah?
What is a Menorah? What is the difference between a Menorah and a Chanukiah (Hanukkah Menorah)?

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.

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.

Death in Judaism
Death and Burial in Judaism.

Judaism on War, Violence, Peace
What Judaism says about war, violence and peace.

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?

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.

Potato Pancakes (Latkas)
Use this recipe to make delicious Hanukkah potato pancakes, also known as latkas in Yiddish and livivot in Hebrew.

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.

Israel Memorial Day Ceremony
View a photo of an Israel Memorial Day ceremony.

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.

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.

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?

Hebrew Names - Naming a Jewish Baby
Learn about Hebrew names. Choose a Hebrew name. Read FAQ about Jewish naming customs.

Hanukkah Story
The Hanukkah story tells of a Jewish struggle for religious freedom and national survival.

Kaddish - Mourner's Prayer
What is kaddish prayer recited by Jews in mourning

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.

Purim Story
Read the story of the Purim. It includes the heroine Queen Esther, the hero Morechai, the villain Haman and the fate of the Jewish people.

Jewish Baby Names - Meaning
Does the Hebrew meaning of a name affect the future character and life of a baby?