Updated Articles and Resources

By Ariela Pelaia, About.com Guide

Origin of the Lilith Legend - Lilith as Adam's First Wife Created: Thursday, May 17, 2012 Updated: Thursday, May 24, 2012
According to Jewish folklore, Lilith was Adam's first wife. When she left her husband God created Eve as Adam's second wife, while Lilith went on to become the Queen of Demons.
Lilith, from the Medieval Period to Modern Feminist Texts - Adam's First Wife Created: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 Updated: Thursday, May 24, 2012
According to Jewish mythology Lilith was Adam's first wife. Learn more about references to her in medieval texts and modern feminist texts.
Lilith in the Torah, Talmud and Midrash - Adam's First Wife Created: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
According to Jewish mythology Lilith was Adam's first wife. Learn more about references to her in the Bible, Talmud and Midrash.
Legend of the Androgyne - The Biblical Story of Creation Created: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
In rabbinic literature the androgyne was a creature that existed at the beginning of Creation in Genesis 1. It was both male and female and had two faces.
How to Make Sephardic Charoset for Passover (Pesach) Created: Saturday, February 27, 2010 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Learn how to make a Sephardic version of charoset, made with dried fruits and wine.
Sukkot - How to Wave the Lulav and Etrog Created: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
One of Sukkot's special mitzvot is to recite blessings over the Four Kinds. Learn how to wave a lulav and etrog in order to fulfill this mitzvah.
Hanukkiyah - What Is a Hanukkah Menorah Created: Monday, November 30, 2009 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
A hanukkiyah is a candelabrum with eight candleholders (branches) in a row and a ninth candleholder set a little above the others. It is different from a menorah, which has seven branches and was u...
What Is a Sukkah? - Sukkot - The Feast of Tabernacles Created: Thursday, October 01, 2009 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
A sukkah is a temporary dwelling built during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.
Four Species - Definition of the Four Kinds Created: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
The Four Species play an important role in the holiday of Sukkot, where they take the form of a lulav and an etrog.
Teshuvah - Definition of Teshuvah Created: Monday, September 07, 2009 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Teshuvah is a key Jewish concept that involves repentance and new beginnings.
The Meaning of Chai (Symbol) Created: Monday, August 17, 2009 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
What does the Jewish symbol
All About Judaism - 10 Basic Questions and Answers about Judaism Created: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Ten of the most common questions asked about Judaism. From questions about Jewish beliefs to our most sacred text, this article is a great place to begin learning about Judaism.
Miriam - Sister of Moses - Women in the Bible Created: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
In the Bible Miriam is the older sister of Moses. She is also a prophetess who plays an important role in the Israelite exodus from Egypt.
Elijah's Cup and Miriam's Cup - Passover Seder Tradition - Jewish Holiday Created: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
The Passover seder incorporates a variety of symbolic items, among them, Elijah's Cup and Miriam's Cup. Learn more about these two vessels, each of which is based upon a biblical character.
Men of the Purim Story - King Ahasuerus, Mordecai and Haman Created: Tuesday, February 28, 2012 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
King Ahasuerus, Mordecai and Haman all play significant roles in the Purim story. Learn more about each of these characters in this article.
How to Make and Send Mishloach Manot for Purim - Purim Customs Created: Monday, February 27, 2012 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Mishloach manot are gifts of food that Jews send to one another during the holiday of Purim. Learn more about what goes in these gift baskets and how to make your own mishloach manot in this article.
Women of the Purim Story - Jewish Holiday of Purim Created: Thursday, February 23, 2012 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Two women play an important role in the story of Purim, a holiday that celebrates how Jews narrowly escaped tragedy in the biblical book of Esther. Learn more about Vashti and Esther in this article.
Purim Food Customs - Jewish Holiday of Purim Created: Friday, February 10, 2012 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
From observing the Fast of Esther to eating hamantaschen cookies, food plays an important role in the Jewish holiday of Purim. Learn more about Purim food customs in this article.
What Are Tefillin - Tefillin in Judaism - Phylacteries in Jewish Prayer Created: Saturday, December 31, 2011 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Tefillin are two small leather boxes that are worn by observant Jewish men during morning services. One box is attached to an arm and the other is affixed between the eyes, just above the forehead.
What to Wear to Synagogue - Synagogue Attire and Ritual Garb Created: Saturday, December 31, 2011 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
When attending synagogue services or a Jewish life-cycle event for the first time people often wonder: What should I wear? Find answers to this commonly asked question in this article.
Jewish Shabbat Morning Service - Shacharit - Jewish Prayer Service Created: Saturday, December 31, 2011 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
The shabbat morning service is called shacharit shabbat. Learn more about the different prayers that are said by the Jewish community during this weekly service.
What Is a Rabbi - The Role of the Rabbi in Judaism Created: Saturday, December 31, 2011 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
The rabbi is the spiritual leader of a Jewish community. He or she is responsible for leading services, conducting life cycle events and serving as a counselor and role model.
Guide to the Synagogue - Jewish House of Worship Created: Saturday, December 31, 2011 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Learn about common aspects of the Jewish synagogue, from the bimah where the rabbi and cantor conduct services, to the aron kodesh where the torah scrolls reside.
Hanukkah Traditions for Kids - Hanukkah for Kids Created: Thursday, December 15, 2011 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Holidays give us a wonderful opportunity share Jewish traditions and stories with our children. Here are some ideas for ways you can celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah with your family.
Hanukkah Books for Toddlers and Young Children - Hanukkah for Kids Created: Thursday, December 08, 2011 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
With adorable illustrations and inviting text, these four Hanukkah books are great picks for toddlers and young children alike.
How To Light a Hanukkah Menorah - Instructions for Lighting Your Menorah Created: Wednesday, December 07, 2011 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Instructions for lighting the menorah during the holiday of Hanukkah including blessings and a list of materials you will need.
What Is the Torah - All About the Torah Created: Friday, November 25, 2011 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
The Torah is Judaism's most important text. It contains the Five Books of Moses and is the source of the Ten Commandments and the 613 mitzvot.
What Is a Latke - Potato Latkes Recipe for Hanukkah Created: Friday, October 14, 2011 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Latkes are potato pancakes that are traditionally fried in oil as part of the Hanukkah holiday celebration.
Hanukkah Candle Lighting Blessings - Hanukkah Blessings Created: Friday, October 14, 2011 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
One of the most important Hanukkah rituals involves lighting the Hanukkah menorah. Learn more about this practice and about the blessings that are said in this article.
Maoz Tzur - Hanukkah Songs Created: Thursday, October 13, 2011 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Maoz Tzur is a traditional Hanukkah song that is usually sung to the tune of an old German folk melody.
Hanukkah Songs - Songs for the Holiday of Hanukkah Created: Thursday, October 13, 2011 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Singing is a wonderful way to celebrate any holiday and Hanukkah is no exception. Here are eight popular Hanukkah songs with lyrics, translations and even the melodies.
Gehenna - Jewish Views of the Afterlife Created: Sunday, September 25, 2011 Updated: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
According to Jewish tradition Gehenna is an afterlife realm where the souls of the unrighteous are punished.

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