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Author
Rabbi Alan Lucas
Rabbi Alan Lucas
My Posts
How to Shake the Lulav and Etrog
Shaking the Lulav and Etrog is a core ritual for Sukkot. This guide describes how to shake it and what blessing to recite.
Rabbi Alan Lucas
,
The Observant Life (Book)
September 28, 2023
Holidays
Lulav and Etrog
What is Yizkor?
Yizkor consists of a collection of readings and recitations revolving around two central prayers: Yizkor prayers, and the El Malei Rachamim.
Rabbi Alan Lucas
,
The Observant Life (Book)
May 4, 2023
Death and Dying
Lifecycles
What are the Special Sabbaths Before Purim and Passover?
A series of special Shabbatot with special Torah readings precede Purim and Passover.
Rabbi Alan Lucas
,
The Observant Life (Book)
February 5, 2023
Observing Purim
Passover
Celebrating Purim in Synagogue
Tradition dictates that Purim be observed on the fourteenth day of Adar, and begins with the recitation of the regular evening service.
Rabbi Alan Lucas
,
The Observant Life (Book)
February 5, 2023
Observing Purim
Purim
Festivities, Food, and Mitzvot on Purim
Purim is celebrated with days of feasting and merrymaking, and occasion for sending gifts to one another and gifts for the poor.
Rabbi Alan Lucas
,
The Observant Life (Book)
February 5, 2023
Food
Holidays
What is Purim and When is it Celebrated?
Purim is about the struggle of identity against assimilation, the value of tolerance, and to live proudly as Jews in an ocean of non-Jews.
Rabbi Alan Lucas
,
The Observant Life (Book)
January 31, 2023
Holidays
Purim
What is Tu Bishvat?
Tu Bishvat, the new year for Trees, can remind us that the world is God’s sacred gift to humanity, a precious legacy entrusted to our ...
Rabbi Alan Lucas
,
The Observant Life (Book)
January 24, 2023
Holidays
Tu Bishvat
Liturgical Changes on Hanukkah
Liturgy on Hanukkah includes Hallel and additions to the Amidah. There are also special Torah readings, maftirs, and haftarot.
Rabbi Alan Lucas
,
The Observant Life (Book)
December 8, 2022
Hanukkah
Holidays
What is The Menorah?
The central mitzvah of Ḥanukkah is the lighting of the menorah at home and in the synagogue. This brings light to the darker winter months. ...
Rabbi Alan Lucas
,
The Observant Life (Book)
December 6, 2022
Hanukkah
Holidays
Customs for Hanukkah
Beyond lighting the menorah, Hanukkah customs include special foods, the dreidel and gift-giving, especially when spending time with family.
Rabbi Alan Lucas
,
The Observant Life (Book)
December 6, 2022
Food
Hanukkah