Category: Holidays

Fatherhood as a Jewish Stay-at-Home Dad

Fatherhood has been a journey of obligation, an exploration of identity, and an opportunity to experience life through my child's eyes.

Rabbi Jeremy Markiz June 12, 2023 Father's Day Holidays

An En-Dairying Holiday: The Custom of Enjoying Milk Meals on Shavuot

While the original reason for consuming milk meals on Shavuot has likely been lost, many theories and interpretations remain.

Rabbi Dr. J.B. Sacks May 10, 2023 Holidays Observing Shavuot

What is Healthy Jewish Pride?

What is healthy Jewish pride? While exploring the past, present, and future of Chanukah, Rabbi Bernat-Kunin proposes a new home ritual.

Rabbi Gordon Bernat-Kunin, PhD May 10, 2023 Hanukkah Hanukkah Reflections

Fasting While Ill

It is considered forbidden to fast on fast days if injurious to one’s health, for the sake of performing positive commandments.

Rabbi Carl Astor, The Observant Life (Book) May 10, 2023 Health Illness

When Using Tribal Distinctions, How Might Women Be Called Up for Aliyot?

While writing a teshuvah on changing our language for aliyot to kohenet from bat kohen, Rabbi David J Fine, PhD, reflects on egalitarianism.

Rabbi David J Fine, PhD April 30, 2023 Blessings CJLS

The 49-Day Omer Challenge

Exploring the mitzvah of counting the omer as a practice of (good) habit formation-- a 49 day omer challenge.

Emily Jaeger April 11, 2023 Holidays Omer Intentions

Yachatz: Brokenness and Wholeness

One explanation offered by the Sages for Yachatz in the seder is that it helps promote making the world less broken, if not completely whole.

Rabbi Dr. J.B. Sacks April 3, 2023 Holidays Passover

Climate Disruption and Passover

Let’s do more than remember our refugee origin story and include how climate change and disruption are leading to new refugees.

Yaira Robinson April 3, 2023 Climate and Environment Climate change

Mujaddara on Passover

How my family created and passed down cultural traditions, and how the Conservative Teshuvah on Kitniyot impacts our life outside the academy.

Emily Jaeger March 19, 2023 Food Halakhah

Why Is Diversity Important at the Passover Seder?

This is why I think my family's tradition of inviting a non-Jew each year to the Passover seder is important.

Emily Jaeger March 19, 2023 Holidays How to observe Passover

When Can a Passover Seder Start Early? Other Festivals?

When is the earliest time that we can begin observing Jewish festivals, on first or second day of Yom Tov, in particular, the Passover seder?

Exploring Judaism March 19, 2023 CJLS Halakhah

Why I Love Hamentaschen

Making hamentaschen has been a powerful tradition for me throughout my entire life and brings me tremendous joy.

Elana Neshkes March 5, 2023 Holidays Purim

Purim: Embracing the Unconventional

Purim celebrates unexpected heroes as role models. Those heroes, Esther and Mordechai encourage us to be our full selves.

Rabbi Dr. J.B. Sacks March 5, 2023 Holidays Purim

A Guide To Hosting Your First Passover Seder

It can be daunting to prepare for your first seder. We've put together a collection of great posts that will help you get started.

Exploring Judaism February 20, 2023 Holidays Passover

How can I celebrate Rosh Hodesh?

Rosh Hodesh is less hierarchical and more open to creative interpretation than most Jewish occasions/events. The possibilities are endless.

Rabbi Miriam C. Berkowitz February 14, 2023 Holidays Rosh Hodesh

The Four Mitzvot of Purim

Purim has something for everyone. In celebrating the Purim, our tradition outlines four special mitzvot for the holiday.

Rabbi Becca Walker February 5, 2023 Food Holidays

Special Shabbats leading up to Purim and Passover

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

Is Alcohol the best way to celebrate Purim?

According to a well-known custom, drinking – and drinking to excess – on Purim is required for Jews celebrating the holiday. What is the origin ...

Rabbi David Golinkin, The Schechter Institutes February 5, 2023 Halakhah Learning

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

The Secrets of Tu Bishvat

A Tu Bishvat secret: If managed carefully, the seven species can go a long way to keeping a person fed for a whole year.

Rabbi Mordechai Rackover January 31, 2023 Holidays Tu Bishvat

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

The Mystery of “Eyn Keloheinu”

What is the mystery of Eyn Keloheinu? How do we unravel the contradiction that seems to be present within this prayer?

Rabbi Mordecai Miller January 4, 2023 Liturgy Prayer

Miracles: The Power of One Letter

Conservative/Masorti prayer books include the Hebrew letter "vav" in the blessing for the miracle of Hanukkah. What is its secret?

Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal December 21, 2022 Hanukkah Hanukkah Reflections

DIY Hanukkah and the Potato Menorah

DIY Hanukkah: My custom of making a potato menorah and why DIY Judaica can provide a crucial connection to Judaism.

Emily Jaeger December 11, 2022 Food Hanukkah

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

Songs for Hanukkah

Hanukkah songs include those that follow candle lighting, as well as S'vivon sov sov sov, Hanukkah O'Hanukkah, and Neir Li.

Reena Bromberg Gaber December 6, 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

How to light the Hanukkah Candles

Read here for the procedure for lighting candles for Hanukkah. This includes the blessings, song ideas, and order for lighting candles.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) December 5, 2022 Hanukkah Holidays

Hanukkah: History and Context

What is Hanukkah's historical context? What does it actually commemorate? Who was Judah and the Maccabees?

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) November 30, 2022 Hanukkah Holidays

Lulav and Etrog: The Four Species

Besides dwelling in a sukkah, the other significant mitzvah of Sukkot is the taking up of the arba·ah minim, literally “the four species.”

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 28, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Sukkot at Home

While celebrating Sukkot at home, rituals include lighting candles, sitting in the sukkah, and customs related to the sukkah.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 28, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Sukkot in the Synagogue

On the mornings of Sukkot, Shacharit and Musaf follow the standard festival format. The lulav and etrog should be shaken.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas October 28, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Intermediate Days of Sukkot

The intermediate days of Sukkot, the weekdays, combine some features of festival days and normal weekdays to create wholly unique day.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 28, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Hoshana Rabbah

Although the fifth intermediate day of Sukkot is known as Hoshana Rabbah, it is technically just the last day of ḥol ha-mo·eid.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 28, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

What is Sh’mini Atzeret?

The final two days of Sukkot are a totally separate holiday called Sh'mini Atzeret. Liturgy includes Yizkor and the prayer for rain.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 28, 2022 Holidays Shemini Atzeret

What is Simhat Torah?

Simḥat Torah means “the joy of Torah” and is the name for the day on which the annual cycle of Torah readings begins and ends. ...

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 28, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Sh’mini Atzeret Candle Lighting

The laws for lighting candles on Sh’mini Atzeret are similar to those for Shabbat. These laws also apply to Simḥat Torah.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 28, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Rituals of Sukkot

Sukkot, one of the shalosh r’galim, the three pilgrimage festivals is celebrated five days after Yom Kippur.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 14, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

The Sukkah

The sukkah for Sukkot has some very basic requirements, but beyond these rules its construction is left to one’s imagination and creativity.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 13, 2022 Building a Sukkah High Holidays

Sukkot Candle Lighting

The laws for lighting candles on Sukkot are almost identical to the laws for Shabbat candle lighting, with the exception of covering eyes.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 13, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Ne’ilah

Ne’ilah is an additional service, recited only at the conclusion of Yom Kippur. It signifies the sealing of the Book of Life.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 4, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Minḥah on Yom Kippur

Minhah, the Afternoon Service, begins with the Torah service, including selections from Leviticus and the haftarah on the Book of Jonah.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 4, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Yom Kippur Musaf Service

The Yom Kippur Musaf Service includes two services: the Avodah service and the Martyrology service. Musaf follows Yizkor and Torah reading.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 4, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Yom Kippur Candle Lighting

Following the Yom Kippur meal, candles are lit in a similar fashion to those lit on Rosh Hashanah. A Yizkor candle is also lit.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 3, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Yom Kippur Evening Service

Maariv, the evening service, following Kol Nidrei on Erev Yom Kippur, is similar in many ways to daily Maariv but has notable differences.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 3, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Yom Kippur Morning Services

The Yom Kippur morning service is similar to Rosh Hashanah, with the exception of the Amidah and the selections for the Torah service.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 3, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Erev Yom Kippur and the Customs Preceding It

Preparations on Erev Yom Kippur are intrinsic to the awe-inspiring observance of the day: a special meal, candle lighting, and charity.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 3, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Kol Nidrei and Being Imperfect Together

Yom Kippur begins with the dramatic Kol Nidrei service, intended to annul vows made between yourself and God.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 3, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Yom Kippur Yizkor Service

The Memorial Service, Yizkor, is recited on Yom Kippur, one of four times throughout the year, to remember loved ones and Jewish martyrs.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 3, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Shemini Atzeret: Chilling with God

Shemini Atzeret is a holiday that has left Jews puzzled for generations, but it's really about our intimate relationship with God.

Emily Jaeger September 23, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Jewish Halloween: Hoshana Rabbah

Rather than prohibit Halloween (and turn Jewish kids off), we have an opportunity to talk about Hoshana Rabbah and our heritage of ghost stories.

Emily Jaeger September 23, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

What’s Water Got to Do With It?

How does the imagery of water and rain connect Shemini Atzreet and Simchat Torah? What can we learn from this?

Risa Finkelstein Sugarman September 23, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Just the Tip of the Etrog

Reflecting on the idea that a tiny, fragile protuberance can make an entire ritual object unfit for use is absurd. Here's what it teaches us.

Rabbi Dan Ornstein September 23, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

What Does it Mean to Dwell in the Sukkah?

Living in the Sukkah can mean just living in an outdoor hut for a week, but it can also bring so much more meaning into ...

Rabbi Rebecca Rosenthal September 22, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Navigating Yom Kippur with Toddlers and Young Children

Yom Kippur with young children can be a challenge. Here are some tips for making the holiday meaningful for them and for you.

Rabbi Rebecca Rosenthal September 22, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Why Do We Read Jonah On Yom Kippur?

With lessons on failure, the value of admitting our mistakes, and allowing ourselves and others to apologize, the Book of Jonah has much to teach ...

Rabbi Allan Berkowitz September 22, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Tashlikh: A Quick Overview

One of the beautiful customs associated with Rosh Hashanah is Tashlikh, a brief service that takes place by a body of water.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas September 20, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Are There Only Ten Days of Repentance Each Year?

Teshuvah in the 10 days of Repentance between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are sacred days, but what about the days before and beyond those?

Risa Finkelstein Sugarman September 19, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

5 Myths about T’shuvah

Five myths that we tell ourselves about t'shuvah that keep us from doing it skillfully or doing it at all.

Rabbi Kerry Chaplin September 19, 2022 Elul High Holidays

What is Tashlich?

What is Tashlich? How do you do it, what is its history, what are the environmental concerns and, of course, why I love Tashlich.

Emily Jaeger September 19, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Dress to Impress Yourself…Into the Book of Life

Sara Beth Berman teaches us: Everything you need to know about clothing the body that holds your precious soul for the High Holidays.

Sara Beth Berman (she/her) September 19, 2022 Clothing High Holidays

What to Read to Prepare for the High Holidays this Year

Rabbi Mordechai Rackover recommends these reads to help you prepare for the themes, liturgy, and spirit of the High Holidays.

Rabbi Mordechai Rackover September 16, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Rosh Hashanah Musaf Service

The Musaf Service for Rosh Hashanah contains familiar opening and closing blessings of the Amidah with the usual High Holiday interpolations.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas September 16, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

The Shofar on Rosh Hashanah

Sounding of the shofar is a characteristic mitzvah of Rosh Hashanah. The holiday is alternatively called the Day of Sounding the Shofar.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas September 16, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Rosh Hashanah Torah Reading

Rosh Hashanah Torah reading includes Abraham, Sarah, and the Binding of Isaac. Haftarot tell the story of Samuel and other relevant themes.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) September 16, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Rosh Hashanah Synagogue Services

For most people, Rosh Hashanah means a lot of time spent praying in the synagogue. These are the complex explanations behind those prayers.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas September 16, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Could The Terminator Do Teshuvah?

Rabbi Dan Ornstein teaches us: human freedom is ineradicable and that our dignity is predicated upon our moral responsibility.

Rabbi Dan Ornstein September 16, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

My Bangin’ Rosh Hashanah Seder

Emily Jaeger explains to us: What is the Rosh Hashanah seder, how do we perform it, and why you might consider doing one too.

Emily Jaeger September 15, 2022 Food High Holidays

Being Called by God

When we say hineni to ourselves and our lives have a spiritual center, our existence will be more meaningful, and we'll live a more purposeful ...

Rabbi Mark Zimmerman September 15, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Rosh Hashanah At Home

Personal and at-home Rosh Hashanah rituals include candle lighting, eating apples with honey, and sharing meals.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas September 15, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Candle Lighting for Rosh Hashanah

When and how to do Rosh Hashanah Candle Lighting. We usher in Rosh Hashanah by lighting candles, just as we do on Shabbat.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas September 12, 2022 Blessings Every Day

Why Do We Ask for Forgiveness in Elul?

Asking for forgiveness not only cultivates empathy and humility, but it provides an opportunity for renewal.

Emily Jaeger September 7, 2022 Elul High Holidays

The Days Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

The days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are known as the Ten Days of Repentance and include the Fast of Gedaliah.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas September 7, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Elul’s Shofar: A Poem

Elul's shofar blasts daily remind us of all we need to do to prepare spiritually for the upcoming holidays and the start of the new ...

Rabbi Suzanne Brody September 1, 2022 Elul High Holidays

How do I observe Selichot?

It is said that Selichot opens the gates of heaven for the High Holy Days. This Selichot, do what opens your heart to the gates ...

Rabbi Kerry Chaplin August 30, 2022 Elul High Holidays

The Challenge of Faith

In faith: What matters in such things is the attitude of the one who is asking the question. What matters is an orientation of faithfulness.

Rabbi Dr. Bradley Shavit Artson August 30, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Customs before Rosh Hashanah

There are customs in order to prepare for Rosh Hashanah, including Selichot, physical changes in the synagogue, and immersing in the mikveh.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas August 30, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Living With No Regrets

While introspection is healthy, too much regret can discourage us from embracing our unchangeable past and our openness to future choices.

Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal August 25, 2022 Elul High Holidays

(Not) Announcing Rosh Hashanah

On Rosh Hashanah, we do not recite the traditional blessings announcing a new month for a variety of different reasons.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas August 21, 2022 Elul High Holidays

What are Selichot?

Selichot are special prayers recited in anticipation of the High Holidays introducing us to the themes of the upcoming holidays.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas August 21, 2022 Elul High Holidays

When is the Jewish New Year?

There are four New Years, each with its own purpose. That said, the counting of the new year begins with Rosh Hashanah, in the seventh ...

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas August 21, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Non-Ritual Ways of Preparing in Elul

There are many ways to spiritually prepare in Elul for the Yamim Nora'im, the Days of Awe, also known as the High Holidays.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas August 19, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Rituals and Prayers Recited in the Month of Elul

Rituals and Prayers Recited in Elul

The ritual preparations for the High Holidays begin a full month in advance with the onset of the month of Elul.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas August 19, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Seliḥot: What do we recite?

Seliḥot, a series of penitential prayers, are recited in anticipation of Rosh Hashanah and the Days of Repentance. Here's what to recite.

Rabbi Miles B. Cohen, Leslie Rubin August 16, 2022 Elul High Holidays

What If I Can’t (or Don’t Want to) Fast on Tisha B’Av?

Rabbi Ilana Garber offers us her nine ways to make the 9th day of Av meaningful that do not involve fasting.

Rabbi Ilana C. Garber August 1, 2022 Tisha B’Av

Luaḥ for Tish’ah Be’av 5782/2022

Luaḥ information for the observance of erev Tish’ah Be’av and the following day generously provided by Rabbi Miles Cohen.

Rabbi Miles B. Cohen, Leslie Rubin July 28, 2022 Luaḥ (Luach) Tisha B’Av

Tisha B’Av and Our Present-Day Fight Against Hate

Why is this time, surrounding Tisha B'Av, so important to the modern-day fight against antisemitism, and other forms of hatred and bigotry?

Meredith R. Weisel, ADL Washington, D.C. Regional Director July 14, 2022 Holidays Tisha B’Av

What is Rosh Hodesh and How is it Observed?

Rosh Hodesh, the first day of every lunar month, is primarily observed through additional prayers and a special Torah reading,

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas June 29, 2022 Holidays Rosh Hodesh

What are the Jewish Fast Days? What do we do?

There are three kinds of fasts in Judaism rooted in history and spiritual practice with changes to prayer services.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) June 21, 2022 Holidays Tisha B’Av

What is Tishah Be’av and how is it observed?

Tishah Be’av is the saddest day of the Jewish year. We fast, read the Book of Lamentations, and reflect on history.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas June 20, 2022 Holidays Tisha B’Av

Juneteenth 5782: Kiddush Over Red Drink

Gulienne Rollins-Rishon reflects on Juneteenth which commemorates the complete ending of legal slavery in the United States.

Gulienne Rollins-Rishon, USCJ Racial Justice Specialist June 17, 2022 Holidays Juneteenth (US)

Shabbat Morning Services: What to Expect

We thank God, spend time in community, sing heartily, read holy texts, and revel in rest. What can I expect at a Shabbat morning service?

Rabbi Sydni Adler Rubinstein June 16, 2022 Prayer Prayer in Synagogue

What do I do on a long Shabbat Afternoon?

Long Shabbat afternoons can be intimidating, here's how Rabbi Sydni Rubinstein spends her time and why it's her favorite time all week.

Rabbi Sydni Adler Rubinstein June 10, 2022 Observing Shabbat Shabbat

Friday Night Kiddush: The Deeper Meaning

Rabbi Dina Shargel teaches that the Friday night Kiddush sets a mood to welcome Shabbat by connecting it to Creation and to the Exodus.

Rabbi Dina Shargel June 7, 2022 Erev Shabbat Shabbat

What are the Shavuot Torah Readings About?

Rabbi Mitch Berkowitz explains the meaning of the Torah passages that we read on Shavuot and the connection to revelation and the harvest.

Rabbi Mitchell H. Berkowitz June 3, 2022 Observing Shavuot Shavuot

10 Reasons Shavuot Might Be Your New Favorite Holiday

Rabbi Tova Leibovic-Douglas offers us 10 great reasons why Shavuot might be your new favorite Jewish holiday.

Rabbi Tova Leibovic-Douglas June 3, 2022 Shavuot Shavuot Reflections and Inspiration

Malchut/Nobility Intention: Omer Week 7

Rabbi Meir Goldstein offers a nobility (Malchut) intention for the seventh week of the counting of the omer.

Rabbi Meir Goldstein June 2, 2022 Omer Intentions Spiritual Omer Intentions

Category: Holidays

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