Yom Ha’atzmaut: Israel Independence Day
The celebration of Israeli independence is marked each year on the fifth day of the Hebrew month of Iyar.
Counting the Omer
The days between Passover and Shavuot are considered a time of mourning.
The Israel Defense Forces
Service is compulsory for most Jewish Israelis.
Zachor: Why Jewish Memory Matters
The Jewish past is not merely remembered, but continuously re-enacted.
Hatikvah, the National Anthem of Israel
With lyrics written in 1886, Hatikva means “the hope.”
Next Torah Portion
Summary
In the Torah portion Tazria, God instructs Moses about the purification rituals for mothers following childbirth. God then describes to Moses and Aaron the procedures for identifying and responding to those infected with leprosy. In Metzora, God describes the purification ritual for people and homes afflicted with skin diseases; God also instructs Moses and Aaron regarding the laws of the emission of bodily fluids.
Featured Commentary
Parashat Tazria-Metzora: Illness, Isolation and Lessons Learned
These two Torah portions describe in hyper-focused detail a spectrum of infections and the spiritual methods of remedying them.
Kaddish Minyan With Rabbi Rachel Isaacs (Mondays)
Hosted by: My Jewish Learning
Recharge Now
Our weekly Shabbat newsletter, Recharge, features a thoughtful, timely essay to enrich your Shabbat. Here are a few of our recent pieces:
Empty, Full
If sweeping away all leaven symbolizes freedom, then maybe the Omer is a time to fill ourselves with that which truly leavens.
On the Road with Shekhinah
Finding divine companionship on an uncertain journey.
Season of Uncertainty
Why should the Omer, a period of harvesting a staple crop, have become a time of mourning?
MORE from MY JEWISH LEARNING
Kosher Details: Waiting Between Meals
How much time is required between eating meat and dairy?
The Jews of Argentina
The largest Jewish community in Latin America has struggled through the economic and political upheavals of the 20th century.
36 Questions for Jewish Lovers
Rabbi and marriage counselor Ari Sytner offers 36 questions for Jewish couples to achieve greater intimacy and harmony.
How Coca-Cola Became Kosher
While the iconic soft drink has been on the market since 1886, only since 1935 has it been certified kosher, including for Passover.
The Omer as a Period of Mourning
An overview of the restrictions Jews traditionally observe during the 49 day period between Passover and Shavuot.