The Power of Hebrew Chant
Chanting brings the sacred phrases of Jewish tradition alive.
Counting the Omer
The days between Passover and Shavuot are considered a time of mourning.
Polygamy in Judaism
Once a tolerated and regulated practice, polygamy is virtually unheard of in Jewish life today.
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 Achrei Mot, God speaks to Moses after the death of Aaron’s two sons, who were killed for coming too close to the presence of God. God instructs Moses and Aaron on the procedures surrounding Yom Kippur. God describes all the laws surrounding sexual prohibitions. In Kedoshim, God describes to Moses many ethical and ritual laws aimed at helping people live lives of holiness. The laws described include some of those recorded in the Ten Commandments, such as respecting one’s parents, keeping the Sabbath and not stealing. God also introduces laws about farming and about belief in supernatural beings.
Featured Commentary
Parashat Achrei Mot – Kedoshim: How to be Holy
The imperative to “be holy” is about more than just abstention.
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?
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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.
The Kabbalistic Secret of Kissing
What the Zohar teaches about love-making and the coming of the messiah.
The Omer as a Period of Mourning
An overview of the restrictions Jews traditionally observe during the 49 day period between Passover and Shavuot.