A few things come to mind when thinking about Hanukkah– lighting the Hanukkah menorah together and singing the traditional songs, making latkes, playing dreidel, buying the perfect gift for someone, and of course, eating a jelly donut. Some of these things are directly relevant to the story of Hanukkah such as lighting the menorah and […]
Within Israel and abroad, there has been an immense feeling of solidarity in recent times. Countless people of all backgrounds are stepping up to do their part in supporting those who have been affected by the war or called to duty. Thankfully, there are ways to make a significant difference for those who need it […]
There are many rituals that help us bring in Shabbat on a Friday night: lighting candles, singing during Kabbalat Shabbat services, drinking wine and eating challah, and enjoying a festive meal with family and friends. Many of us are familiar with these traditions and incorporate them into our weekend. But where do these rituals come from? When did […]
Israel is known in the Bible and in Jewish tradition as a “good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey”, which refers to goat milk and date honey. It meant that the land was full of nutrients and that the Jewish people would not go hungry living in Israel – a fact […]
It’s hard to think of something more iconic and more uniquely Jewish than lighting Shabbat candles to welcome in the Day of Rest. Historically, ornate Shabbat candlesticks have been among the most popular and traditional gifts for a young woman as she reached the age of Bat Mitzvah or on the occasion of her wedding. And […]
Jewish identity can be complex and very personal, and different individuals and communities sometimes differ on the definition of “who is a Jew.” We’ll start by exploring the Biblical and traditional stances, and then move on to how it plays out in the Jewish world today.
Israelis are routinely ranked among the healthiest people in the world, with one of the highest life expectancies. Find out why, and learn the secrets of the Israeli diet and lifestyle! The average life expectancy for Israelis as of 2023 is 83.4 years – that’s higher than in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, […]
These poignant Hebrew blessings from Scriptures are often used to adorn Jewish jewelry and home decor, and have been a beloved part of Jewish life and practice for centuries. Find your new favorite and incorporate it into your own life, and don’t forget to shop our full selection of Jewish blessings and verses jewelry and […]
As Mother’s Day approaches, we explore the long Jewish tradition of honoring one’s mother, what is uniquely Jewish about a day devoted to the women who raise us, and meaningful ways to honor your own mom. Mothers in Judaism One of the most famous of the Biblical commandments is to “honor your father and mother,” […]
Wine is significant in Judaism in large part as the basis for making a blessing for Kiddush on Shabbat, Jewish holidays and most lifecycle events. Wine is also the typical drink of Jews, traditionally speaking, as it is said to gladden one’s heart and is seen as the final, perfected form of grapes. Grapes are […]
Shabbat Kiddush is one of the most recognizable and beloved mitzvot among Jews of all ages and backgrounds. With a rich history and colorful traditions, new and old, there are unending ways to enrich the Kiddush experience. Learn more about the origins and practices!
You might have heard of the quirky tradition of adding an orange to the Passover Seder plate or elsewhere on the table. Find out where this custom comes from and what it means! Orange on the Seder Plate As we explored in our Seder Plate Meaning & History post, the Passover Seder plate is likely a few hundred […]
Are you prepared for the Passover Seder? Give yourself time to find the perfect Pesach Seders items. The holiday will be here before you know it. You may also be looking for the best in kosher for Passover wines, and Israeli treats. Keep checking back at our ever-expanding repertoire before the holiday!
Yiddish is one of the most famous of Jewish languages, having been commonly spoken by most of the Ashkenazi Jewish community of Central and Eastern Europe since around the 9th century CE. It’s derived from German, with certain linguistic influences and vocabulary from Slavic languages and Hebrew, and using the Hebrew alphabet. Though today not […]
