The Observant Life (Book)

My Posts

What alcohol requires a hechsher or kosher supervision? It largely depends on the process by which they are made and the ingredients used.

Read More »

The Conservative and Orthodox movements differ with regard to the kashrut of certain chemical food additives.

Read More »
Special Shabbats leading up to Purim and Passover

A series of special Shabbatot with special Torah readings precede Purim and Passover.

Read More »
Megillah scroll 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.

Read More »
Festivities and food on Purim

Purim is celebrated with days of feasting and merrymaking, and occasion for sending gifts to one another and gifts for the poor.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
Tefillin: What, How, Who?

Tefillin, ritual black boxes used for prayer, are a powerful and physical way of connecting to God. Here’s how to do it.

Read More »
Blurry orchard with the words 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 care.

Read More »
Liturgy on Ḥanukkah

Liturgy on Hanukkah includes Hallel and additions to the Amidah. There are also special Torah readings, maftirs, and haftarot.

Read More »
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.

Read More »