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Hebrew Bible

Dive into the Hebrew Bible with insights into its stories, teachings, and timeless relevance. Explore key passages, themes, and interpretations that have shaped Jewish belief, ethics, and spiritual life for generations.

Rosh Hashanah in the Bible: Origins of the Jewish New Year

Rosh Hashanah – the Jewish New Year, coming up September 11-12, 2026 – is one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in Judaism. But while many are familiar with its modern customs, from apples dipped in honey to the sounding of the shofar, fewer know about its biblical origins. Learn more about Rosh […]

What is a Shofar? The Ancient Jewish Horn & Its Spiritual Meaning

What is a Shofar? A shofar (שופר) is an ancient and sacred Jewish horn instrument, most often made from a ram’s horn, which has been used by Jews for thousands of years and still has a role in Jewish life today! In modern times it is most notably used during the High Holy Days of Rosh […]

The Jewish Calendar Explained: How It Works & What Makes It Special

The Jewish calendar

The Jewish calendar is unlike any other. While most of the world runs on the Gregorian solar calendar, Jewish life follows a unique lunar-solar system that has guided Jewish holidays, rituals, and traditions for thousands of years. That’s why the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, falls in September or October instead of January, and why […]

The Complete Guide to Tefillin

Jewish man with tefillin close up on his left hand
There is something deeply profound in tying the leather strap around oneself because the simple act of doing so connects one’s arm, heart, and mind to something infinite. The Tefillin is made up of two small black leather boxes, each containing Torah scrolls that have been written by hand. They are worn on the arm and head during morning prayers

Is There Such a Thing as Jewish Art? – by David de Wolf

Chagall window Naphtali
Open an art history book and you will barely find Judaism. Open a book on Judaism and you will barely find art. The two worlds seem to stand light-years apart – and the gap raises an uncomfortable, fascinating question. Does Judaism distrust art? Does God not care about beauty? That conclusion would be strange. Perhaps the question was never whether

Tzitzit: The Complete Guide to the Four-Corner Mitzvah

Closeup of a Jewish man praying while holding the strings or tzit-tzit on his tallit in his hand and reciting the shema yisrael.
Every morning, millions of Jewish men around the world put on tzitzit before anything else. Whether you grew up wearing them, are just reconnecting with your roots, or are simply curious, our complete guide covers everything from fabric choices and tying customs to what actually makes them kosher.

Shabbat Candle Lighting: The Complete Guide to the Mitzvah

Shabbat candle lighting (hadlakat nerot) is the rabbinic mitzvah of kindling lights before the onset of Shabbat, observed every Friday before sunset. For generations, the lighting of the candles shabbat has marked the definitive boundary between the mundane, hurried workweek and the peaceful sanctuary of the holy day. As the sun begins to dip below […]

Tisha B’Av: A Time to Mourn & Commemorate Jerusalem

Tisha B'Av
What is Tisha B’Av, and why is it known as the saddest day in the Jewish calendar? According to tradition, many of the greatest tragedies in Jewish history occurred on this date. Most notably, both the First and Second Temple were destroyed on the 9th of the month of Av. Over the centuries, Tisha B’Av came to commemorate later catastrophes

The Priestly Blessing: A Powerful Tradition Explained

Priestly blessing at the Western Wall on Sukkot

The Priestly Blessing, or Birkat Kohanim in Hebrew, is one of Judaism’s oldest and most cherished blessings, with a powerful mystical and protective tradition. It has been part of Jewish worship and prayer for thousands of years and continues to bring spiritual and emotional meaning while inspiring generations of artists. Origins of the Priestly Blessing This special […]

The Battle of David and Goliath: The War That Never Happened – By Dr. Liora Ravid

David an Goliath
For forty days, the armies of Israel and the Philistines stood still, facing each other without engaging in battle. On the fortieth day, David arrived at Saul’s camp. He recognized that Goliath’s weapon was intimidation and understood that the giant had almost defeated Saul's army through psychological warfare.

Tu B’Av: The Jewish Love Holiday with Ancient Roots

Tu B'Av
Tu B'Av is Judaism's ancient holiday of love, but its story goes far beyond romance. Discover how the restoration of the tribe of Benjamin, and the famous vineyard dances of women in borrowed white dresses transformed the 15th of Av into one of the happiest days on the Jewish calendar.

Our 5 Favorite Biblical Dads for Father’s Day

Father's day
Families around the world are celebrating Father’s Day 2026 on Sunday, June 21, and while it’s not a religious holiday, Judaism certainly has a lot to say about fatherhood! There are dozens of fathers throughout Jewish texts, including the Tanakh and Talmud, with the father-child relationship as a commonly explored theme.

Shavuot: Torah, Wit, and Plenty to Discuss Over Cheesecake

Happy Shavuot Conversations
Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, but the conversation around the Torah never really ended. Over the centuries, many have tried to explain what makes the Torah so unique. Some with deep reverence. Others with wit. A few managed both. Here’s a little inspiration for your Shavuot table conversation. Preferably long after the cheesecake is gone.

Everything You Need to Know About Shavuot

Shavuot
While the ancient festival has Biblical origins as a grain harvest holiday, and traditionally marks the conclusion of the Counting of the Omer and the passing of seven weeks after Passover, many other customs - like celebrating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and eating dairy foods - have developed over time.

What Judaism Tells Us About Fatherhood

Father's day family
Father’s Day 2026 falls on Sunday, June 21, in the United States, Canada, and many other countries around the world. While Father’s Day isn’t a Jewish holiday per se, many Jewish families use this day as an opportunity to honor the father figures in their lives who deserve to be celebrated. Like so many relationships and roles in life, Judaism

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