My Jewish Learning
My Jewish Learning is the leading independent website and digital community for all things Jewish, from Jewish history to text to ritual to prayer to food and much more. We offer a robust website with thousands of articles answering nearly every possible question about Judaism and Jewish life, a daily newsletter guiding subscribers through interesting facts and must-read news about Jewish life and practice, a daily Talmud essay called "A Daily Dose of Talmud," a weekly Shabbat newsletter, dozens of special emails featuring insights into major Jewish topics, and a robust online community through our social media channels. Articles written with the My Jewish Learning byline are authored and edited by our staff. My Jewish Learning's staff includes leading Jewish scholars and journalists. Rachel Scheinerman, who holds a doctorate in Ancient Judaism from Yale University, is My Jewish Learning's Editor, and Ben Harris, a longtime, award-winning journalist covering Jewish topics, is Managing Editor.
Articles by My Jewish Learning
The World to Come
The rabbis of the Talmud had a lot to say on the World to Come, but little about what it actually is.
The Basics of Kriah, or Tearing a Piece of Clothing
The ancient practice of tearing clothes is a tangible expression of grief and anger in the face of death.
The Mourner’s Kaddish: A Memorial Prayer in Praise of God
What you need to know about this Jewish prayer recited in memory of the dead.
Tahara, Preparing the Body for Burial
A Jewish ritual cleansing of the deceased fulfills the verse from Ecclesiastes 5:14, "As we come forth, so we shall return."
Yahrzeit: Remembering on the Anniversary of a Death
Lighting candles and saying Kaddish each year in memory of a loved one.
Judaism and Surrogacy
Many Jewish authorities allow surrogacy for couples facing infertility, but the practice poses several complex challenges in Jewish law.
Euthanasia: A Jewish View
Traditional rabbinic authorities forbid instigating the death of a terminally ill patient.
Some Modern Views on Euthanasia
Contemporary Jewish thinkers have expressed a wide range of opinions about the permissibility and parameters of euthanasia.
History of Conversion
Judaism's openness to newcomers has varied, depending on how strong and self-confident Jews have felt.