Explore the rich world of Judaica, from ritual objects to meaningful gifts. Learn about the history, symbolism, and use of traditional items that bring Jewish practice, heritage, and beauty into everyday life and special occasions.
Did you know that Israel is the only place in the world where craftsmen still carry on traditional Yemenite silversmithing methods? The art, jewelry, and Judaica made with these gorgeous filigree designs, brought to Israel by Yemenite Jews, is something extraordinary to behold – and you can even buy affordable versions to take home for […]
Let’s learn some Yiddish slang! Numerous communities of Jews in Europe, America, and Israel who use Yiddish as a primary or at least frequent common language, and many words have seeped into the common culture. Those who moved to North America or Israel usually switched to the local languages and around 85% of those who […]
The concept of a Bar Mitzvah, which literally means “son of the commandments” in Aramaic, predates any sort of celebration, but nowadays it is marked with a large gathering of family and friends, along with good food, music, and bar mitzvah gifts. Over time a similar celebration for young women, called a Bat Mitzvah, was […]
Havdalah is a way to start the week off on a strong spiritual footing. It may be difficult to feel as connected to Torah during the week as it is on Shabbat, with all the free time to see friends and family, eat delicious kosher food, pray and learn Torah. Havdalah acknowledges Shabbat or a […]
A birthday is a great way to keep track of a lot more than just your age. It is a time to reflect on all you’ve already accomplished and all you are now setting out to do. It is a time to gather together family and friends to make a day that would have just […]
A key component of the Passover Seder, and one particularly beloved by children, is the hiding and subsequent searching for the afikoman. But what is the meaning behind this quirky tradition? What is the afikoman, and why do we put it in an afikoman bag and hide it? All About the Afikoman The afikoman is a piece of matzah that
People have been wearing Jewish amulets going back milenia. Some such items are worn as a commandment like tefillin, which comes from the word meaning ‘prayer’ but in the Torah are called word ot (sign), or zicharon (memorial), and as such are often translated as ‘amulet’. After all, an amulet is just a way to […]
Kiddush, means ‘separation’ from the same root as the Hebrew for ‘holy; distinguished’. It is said before the Shabbat meals Friday night and Saturday morning, as well as the other holidays. This is not be confused with kaddish, said in a synagogue service. You will also hear this word used for certain blessings that have […]
Lots of popular names have biblical origins not intended as Hebrew names per se, whether hoping the child emulates those same good qualities or just because they are very pretty. No matter if your name you go by is shared with someone in the Torah or if it is from a completely non-Jewish culture, make […]
In honor of 2023, we’re here to help you meet some of your New Year’s Resolutions! Read on below for some of the best ways to: Be more connected to Judaism Connect with Israel Make your home a Jewish home Express your Jewish identity 1. Be more connected to Judaism The New Year is a […]
The famous floral style of pottery known as Armenian Ceramics has been handcrafted in Jerusalem for generations, and can be found everywhere: on Judaica, tableware, building tiles, and even some street signs. Despite the name, they’re made right in the Holy City by local artisans. So what’s the Armenian connection, and how did this style become such […]
There’s no denying that Christmas has become a global, industrial-scale phenomenon, and so the source of dilemma for many Jewish people and other minorities in the West: to what extent to join in or even be accidentally included? However, Christmas is not a Jewish holiday by any stretch. Many Jewish businesses in the last century […]
Hanukkah lasts a total of 8 days, and on each evening one lights an extra candle so by the end of the holiday the menorah should have 8 flames. In the original history, the Jewish liberators of Jerusalem rededicated the Holy Temple that had been desecrated with Greek pagan practices. The process for this needed […]
Before you get to the Hanukkah blessings, also called brachas in Hebrew, it is always good to have a reminder of when to include the blessings when lighting the Hanukkah menorah. Gather your household together and set your candles out right-to-left for the appropriate night (1 for the first night, 2 for the second, etc.). […]
A ketubah is often called a “Jewish wedding certificate” or “Jewish marriage contract”, but that does not nearly do justice to the significance of the document. While all the dancing and exquisite meals may be what the guests stay for, the ketubah is the wedding. It includes marital duties for the husband to his wife, […]