Jewish Languages

Similar Jewish Words You Don’t Want to Mix Up

From kibbitz/kibbutz to mitzvah/mikveh, we round up some easily confused Hebrew and Yiddish terms.

Ask the Expert: Applauding During Services

The ancient rabbis forbade clapping on Shabbat — for one very specific reason.

What Were Shtetls?

Clearing up myths about these Eastern European villages where Jews lived.

Why Do Some Jews Write G-d?

Because the Torah prohibits erasing God’s name.

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Next Torah Portion

Summary

In this Torah portion, Joseph promises Jacob that he will bury him in Canaan. On his deathbed, Jacob blesses his grandchildren, Ephraim and Menashe, and then blesses each of his sons. Jacob dies and is embalmed. Joseph affirms to his brothers that he has forgiven them for their misdeeds. Ending the Book of Genesis, Joseph dies.

FULL SUMMARY
HAFTARAH SUMMARY

Parashat Vayechi

Genesis 47:28-50:26

I Kings 2:1-12

Parashat Vayechi: The Legend of You and Me

Jacob’s blessing to his son Joseph offers a potent metaphor about maintaining steadfastness in a world defined by rapid change.

Kabbalat Shabbat Services

Meets: Fridays

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:

Grown Up Religion

A mature religious outlook embraces the messy realities of life even as it seeks to close the gap between what is and what ought to be.

Uncertainty is a Feature, Not a Bug

Anxiety is an inevitable part of life, so how do we best live with it?

Why Hanukkah Became Such a Big Deal

Though it is ostensibly about the purification of the Temple, Hanukkah really marks the political achievement of the Hasmoneans.


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The oldest Jewish community in Europe traces its history back more than 2,300 years.

Shehechiyanu: A Meditation on this Moment

This blessing, traditionally recited for firsts, can be said anytime — since every moment is new and unprecedented.

How to Talk to God

The Hasidic prayer practice of hitbodedut — talking to God freely in one’s native tongue — helps to build intimacy over time.

Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World

This phrase with kabbalistic roots has come to connote social justice.

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