ZionJudaica.com Official Blog
Kippah: A Blessing On Your Head
Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:44:17 +0000
by Rabbi Shraga Simmons
It is perhaps the most instantly identifiable mark of a Jew. When and why do we wear a kippah?
It is perhaps the most instantly identifiable mark of a Jew.
In the Western world, it is customary to remove one’s head covering when meeting an important person. In Judaism, putting on a head covering [...]
Why Do We Wear a Kippah?
Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:13:49 +0000
By Baruch S. Davidson
Question:
Is the kippah a symbolic reminder intended to prevent assimilation, or is the kippah a biblical obligation like the tzitzit?
Answer:
The tradition to wear a kippah is not derived from any biblical passage. Rather, it is a custom which evolved as a sign of our recognition that there is Someone “above” us who [...]
Why do the Jews wear yarmulkes (kippot)?
Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:37:24 +0000
Yarmulkes (or Kippot) are head-coverings, also known as beanies. One who wears a Yarmulke is in effect saying that reality does not begin with me—there is something above, a Higher Power. Hence its name, “yarmulke,” which is a contraction of “yarei malka,” which means awe of the King. It is a symbol of humility and [...]
Tu B’Shvat - 15th Day of Shvat
Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:28:53 +0000
The 15th day of the month of Shvat marks the beginning of the “new year” for trees.Tu B’Shvat is the new year for the purpose of calculating the age of trees for tithing. The Torah states that fruit from trees which were grown in the land of Israel may not be eaten during the first [...]
Purim is a Lot of Fun When You are Prepared
Sun, 09 Dec 2007 18:11:11 +0000
Been there, done that. When you don’t plan for Purim well enough in advance, Purim can feel like a disaster.
Purim is only 1-2 days but it can feel like an entire month due to the amount of preparation and the actual schedule of the holiday.
There is a lot to do in a little bit of [...]
When to Light the Menorah
Fri, 07 Dec 2007 07:42:45 +0000
By Eliyahu Kitov
The Chanukah lights (Menorah) should be lit when the stars appear. If one did not light then, one may still light through the remainder of the night, provided that the members of the household are still awake. If one was inadvertently unable to light the Chanukah lights until very late – when everyone [...]
How long do tefillin last?
Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:02:53 +0000
by Rabbi Naftali Silberberg
The scrolls inside the Tefillin will decay with age if not used on a regular basis. Therefore, tefillin which have been stored without use for an extended period must be inspected by a competent scribe twice every seven years. Tefillin which are used regularly (good for you!) technically do not have to be [...]
Why do people give money gifts on Chanukah?
Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:19:36 +0000
by Rabbi Naftali Silberberg
Do you really need an excuse to give gifts! Well for those of you who are too frugal to give gifts for no good reason whatsoever… here goes:The word “Chanukah” comes from the same word as “chinuch (education).” The Greeks wanted to make us forget the holy Torah, thus when they were [...]
Some Hanukkah Songs
Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:15:15 +0000
I Have a Little Dreidel
I have a little dreidel
I made it out of clay
And when it’s dry and ready
Then dreidel I shall play!
(Chorus)
Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel
I made it out of clay
And when it’s dry and ready
Then dreidel I shall play!
It has a lovely body
With legs so short and thin
And when my dreidel’s tired
It drops and [...]
Silver Judaica - Pure Sacred Objects
Tue, 04 Dec 2007 21:59:45 +0000
Beautiful handcrafted vases, wine decanters and candle holders all with an antique finish, and prices can be quite high, wondering why?
This is because antique Judaica is expensive but replicas sell like hot cakes all over the world. Although Judaica is made in gold, silver and bronze, copper with an inlay of precious stones, pure silver [...]
Judaica On-Line Store, Shabbat Products, Kippot, Jewish Jewelry, Jewish Gifts, Hanukkah Items, Hanukkah Menorahs
jewish culture: Newly tagged products at Amazon.com
THE LAND OF EIGHTEEN DREAMS (Paperback) newly tagged "jewish culture"
Wed, 1 Feb 2012 16:50:49 GMT
Cremation or Burial; a Jewish View (Paperback) newly tagged "jewish culture"
Mon, 9 Jan 2012 17:36:46 GMT
Feed Me Bubbe: Recipes and Wisdom from America's Favorite Online Grandmother (Paperback) newly tagged "jewish culture"
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Understanding Judaism: The basics of deed and creed (Hardcover) newly tagged "jewish culture"
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Rebirth (Paperback) newly tagged "jewish culture"
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Tevye (DVD) newly tagged "jewish culture"
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Shamar Emet Messianic Shabbat Siddur and Spring Festivals Deluxe Edition (Paperback) newly tagged "jewish culture"
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Jewish Identities in American Feminist Art: Ghosts of Ethnicity (Paperback) newly tagged "jewish culture"
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Jewish Gentle and Other Stories of Gay-Jewish Living (Paperback) newly tagged "jewish culture"
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Antiquities of the Jews - 2 - A Gay Jewish Man's Search For Truth (Religion) (Kindle Edition) newly tagged "jewish culture"
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Chazzonos (Paperback) newly tagged "jewish culture"
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The Best Jewish Children's Stories: "When the Beginning Began" and Other Favorites (Audio CD) newly tagged "jewish culture"
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Rebecca's Passover (Paperback) newly tagged "jewish culture"
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Why Be Jewish? (Paperback) newly tagged "jewish culture"
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The Jewish Holiday Book (Hardcover) newly tagged "jewish culture"
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Tablet Magazine (Kindle Edition) newly tagged "jewish culture"
Thu, 23 Jun 2011 04:43:52 GMT
Pirke Avot Sayings of the Jewish Fathers (Kindle Edition) newly tagged "jewish culture"
Mon, 20 Jun 2011 05:36:40 GMT
Ushpizin (DVD) newly tagged "jewish culture"
Fri, 3 Jun 2011 19:38:42 GMT
Late Marriage (DVD) newly tagged "jewish culture"
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La Mujer De Mi Vida (Late Marriage) (DVD) newly tagged "jewish culture"
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About.com Judaism
New Judaism Articles in January 2012
Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:59:54 +0000
 Here's a quick look at all the new articles that were published here on About Judaism in January 2012. Hope the new year is off to a great start for you!
...Read Full Post
Recipes for Tu B'Shvat: Pomegranates
Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:09:47 +0000
 As one of the Seven Species pomegranates are traditional Tu B'Shvat fare. But what can you do with them aside from eating the delicious seeds? Here are a few yummy ideas.
...Read Full Post
The Best Jewish Children and Teen Books
Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:13:34 +0000
 Every year the Sydney Taylor Book Award honors new books for children and teens for their quality and ability to portray the Jewish experience. The award is named after Sydney Taylor, the author of the classic "All-of-a-Kind Family" series.
...Read Full Post
Recipes for Tu B'Shvat: Figs
Sun, 15 Jan 2012 23:23:07 +0000
 Tu B'Shvat falls on February 8th this year and like many Jewish holidays, there is food involved.
Tu B'Shvat is the Jewish New Year for the trees. In ancient Israel it was intended to calculate the age of the trees for tithing, but nowadays many people celebrate the holiday by donating to the Jewish National Fund (an organization that plants trees in Israel) and eating foods that can be found in Israel. These foods are usually the Shivat Haminim (Seven Species) that are named in the Torah. ...Read Full Post
Fiddler on the Roof Lego Stop-Motion
Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:56:30 +0000
 I'm often amazed by the things people put on YouTube and this Lego stop-motion film is no exception. Using Lego pieces and figurines, the author created an animated version of "Tradition" from Fiddler on the Roof. The attention to detail is impressive, with Tevye wearing his tzitzit (prayer fringes) and all the Jewish Lego women wearing their sheitels (head coverings). And then there's the overall coolness of seeing little Jewish Legos performing part of a Broadway musical together. Click here to check it out on YouTube. (Note how Lego Gandalf makes a special appearance as a rabbi at 5:28.)
...Read Full Post
Synagogue 101
Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:59:03 +0000
 Readers frequently email with questions about Jewish synagogue life. Usually they have been invited to an event and will be visiting a synagogue for the first time. They wonder: What should they wear? What does the inside of a synagogue look like? What should I expect at a service? All excellent questions.
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Would You Give Your Dog a Bark Mitzvah?
Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:04:18 +0000
 According to an article on The Shmooze, an increasing number of Jewish dog owners are throwing "Bark Mitzvah" parties for their dogs upon reaching the age of 13 in canine years.
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New About Judaism Articles in December 2011
Sat, 31 Dec 2011 12:55:16 +0000
Here's a quick look at all the new articles that were published here on About Judaism in December 2011.
1. Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah
2. Hanukkah Traditions for Kids
3. Hanukkah Books for Kids
4. A Guide to the Synagogue
5. What Is a Rabbi?
6. The Jewish Shabbat Morning Service
7. What to Wear at Synagogue
8. What Are Tefillin? ...Read Full Post
10 Things New Year's Can Learn from Rosh HaShanah
Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:55:32 +0000
 Rabbi Yonah Bookstein recently published a great article discussing 10 things that the secular New Year can learn from Rosh HaShanah (a.k.a. the Jewish New Year). From seizing opportunities for renewal and repairing damaged relationships, to becoming more mindful and soulful in our everyday lives, his list adds a spiritual dimension to a holiday that is better known for parties and cocktails. Who's to say folks can't live it up while also taking time to reflect?
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The Jewish Origins of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:31:22 +0000
 It's no secret that many of the songs we now consider Christmas classics were written by Jewish composers. "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, " "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas" and "Winter Wonderland" are just three examples. But did you know that Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer also has Jewish origins?
...Read Full Post
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