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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Bat Mitzvah
According to Jewish Law, every Jewish girl becomes a bat mitzvah at age 12.
Glossary of Jewish Jokes
Glossary of Jewish Jokes
Why some Jews spell God, "G-d"
Reform Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser explains why some Jews spell God, "G-d."
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.
How To Jewish Weddings
Virtually experience a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony. This step-by-step guide shows how Jewish weddings are celebrated.
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.
Tour Auschwitz
Auschwitz Gas Chamber
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 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.
Jesus - A Jewish View
Who was Jesus, according to Judaism?
Yahrzeit - Death Commemoration
What is Yahrzeit in Judaism? How do Jews remember the deceased?
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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).
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.
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 - Afterlife in Judaism - Heaven and Hell
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about afterlife, heaven and hell, in Judaism.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Coins - Israeli Currency
Images of and information about modern Israeli coins.
Jewish Baby Naming Ceremony for Girls
What should Christian grandparents say at the baby naming ceremony of our Jewish granddaughter?
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.
Jewish Jokes - Famous Jewish Sayings
Glossary of Jewish Jokes
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!
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?
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.
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?
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.
American Jewish History
This succinct description of American Jewish History describes the roots of today's American Jewish community.
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.
What is the Torah?
Is the Torah the Hebrew Bible? Is the Torah the Old Testament? What is the Torah?
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 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.
Sheva Brachot
What are Sheva Brachot? What are the Seven Blessings recited at Jewish Weddings?
Ask the Rabbi - Jesus as the Messiah
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about the Jesus as the Messiah.
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.
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.
Ask the Rabbi - Star of David - Magen David
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about the star of David in Judaism
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.
American Jewry Snapshot 2000
In sum, what does the $6 million National Jewish Population Survey - published in 2000-2001 - says about American Jewry?
Ron Arad - Israeli MIA
Who is Ron Arad? How was he captured? Is he alive today? Will this Israeli MIA ever return to Israel?
Shiva - Period of Mourning
In Judaism, Shiva is the seven day mourning period observed by Jews after the funeral.
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.
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 - 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.
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.
Israeli Salad
The secret to a really good Israeli salad is finely chopped vegetables. Fresh cucumbers and tomatoes from Israel help.
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.
Number 18 in Judaism
What is the significance of the number 18 in judaism? Why do Jews often give gifts in mulitiples of $18?
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.
Ask the Rabbi - Jewish Last Names
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about Jewish last names.
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.
Jewish Custom of Saying LeChaim
The reason for the Jewish custom of saying LeChaim before drinking wine.
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.
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?
FAQ: Jewish Naming Customs
Learn how to choose and give a Hebrew name to your baby. Read FAQ about Jewish naming customs.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Passover Story
Read the story of Passover. Learn about Moses, Pharoah, the plagues, and the Israelites' Exodus of from Egypt.
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.
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.
Ask the Rabbi - Heaven, Hell, Afterlife in Judaism
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about heaven, hell and afterlife in Judaism.
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.
Unveiling Ceremony
What is the unveiling ceremony.
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.
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.
Sex
What does Judaism's view on sex?
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 - 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.
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 - 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.
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.
Kippah - Yarmulke - Jewish Head Converings
Rabbi Shraga Simmons explains why Jews use head coverings such as a kippah or yarmulke.
All About Yom Kippur
Learn all there is to know about Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement.
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.
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.
Why Bad Things Happen to Good People - Judaism
Judaism can explain why bad things happen to good people - including murder.
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.
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.
Havdalah
Havdalah is a religious ceremony that marks the end of the the Sabbathh.
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?
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.
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.
Jewish Law: Terri Schiavo
What does Jewish Law (Halacha) say about the withdrawal of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube?
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.
Jewish Baby Names - Meaning
Does the Hebrew meaning of a name affect the future character and life of a baby?
Jewish Jokes - A Priest and a Rabbi
Glossary of Jewish Jokes
The Torah
Is the Torah the Hebrew Bible? Is the Torah the Old Testament? What is the Torah?
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 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?
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.
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 - 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.
Judaism Glossary of Jewish Leaders
Learn who has led the Jewish People throughout the centuries through this Glossary of Jewish Leaders.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Potato Pancakes (Latkas)
Use this recipe to make delicious Hanukkah potato pancakes, also known as latkas in Yiddish and livivot in Hebrew.
Solomon - King of Israel
Biography of King Solomon.
Traveler's Prayer
What is the Traveler's Prayer recited by Jews before they go on a trip.
Golda Meir
Biography of Golda Meir. She immigrated from Russia to the United States at age 8, then left at age 23 to help found a Jewish state. Golda Meir became the third prime minister of Israel.
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.
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?
Israeli Dance - History of Israeli Dancing
Modern Israeli dancing includes folk dance and art dance.
Ask the Rabbi - Clothing Worn by Jews
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about clothing worn by Jews.
Phylacteries in Jewish Prayer
What are Tefillin, or phylacteries, that Jews wear during morning prayers?
All About Passover
Learn about the Jewish holiday of Passover (Pesach in Hebrew), Judaism's Festival of Freedom.
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?
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.
Jewish Genetic Disorders
Jewish Genetic Disorders are a group of conditions which are unusually common among Ashkenazi Jews -- Jews who have ancestors from Eastern and Central Europe. They include Tay-Sachs, Gaucher's Disease, Canavan Disease, Bloom's Syndrome and more.
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.
USA Jewry
What population statistics are there about US Jewry?
Jewish Sites for Teens
These top 10 Jewish Sites for Teens may encourage Jewish teenagers to learn more about and connect with their Jewish heritage.
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.
Ten Commandments
When the Israelites accepted the Ten Commandments from God at Mount Sinai, they committed themselves to following a moral code of behavior.
Instructions in Eight Steps
These instructions explain how to light the Hanukkah Menorah (Chanukiah).
Kosher Sex - Pre-Marital Sex, Prostitution, Cyber-Sex - Rabbi Shmuel Boteach
Transcript of online chat about Kosher Sex - Pre-Marital Sex, Prostitution, Cyber-Sex - with Rabbi Shmuel Boteach of Oxford University's L'Chaim Society.
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.
Kaddish - Mourner's Prayer
What is kaddish prayer recited by Jews in mourning
Hanukkah Story
The Hanukkah story tells of a Jewish struggle for religious freedom and national survival.
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.

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