Seek the Answer
The Four Questions (Mah Nishtana – What makes it different?) is one of the most famous features of the Passover seder. In Ashkenazi homes, these four questions are recited by the youngest…
Anticipating the Seder
Spend a few minutes this afternoon reviewing the Haggadah before the seder to make it a wonderfully meaningful experience for your seder guests.
The Great Shabbat
This Shabbat, the Shabbat immediately preceding Passover is known as Shabbat HaGadol, the Great Shabbat. It is best known for being the Shabbat on which the rabbi of the community (or…
Setting the Seder Table
Before beginning the seder this coming Monday night, it is important to make certain to prepare everything that will be necessary. No seder table is complete without the following items:…
The Israeli Tech Training Ground
Marvel at the incredible accomplishments of many of Israel’s scientists and entrepreneurs in Israel’s booming high tech and medical industry and you’ll likely find that quite a few were…
Living Among Other Jews
While antisemitic forces often mandated that Jews live in ghettos, there were times in Jewish history when Jews opted to live in separate, concentrated Jewish communities. Living among…
Death at the Inauguration
The story of the eldest sons of Aaron is a tragic tale that is described in the Torah in the vaguest of terms. On the grand day of the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the Torah…
Parasha of The Month
This Shabbat we will read Parashat HaChodesh, the Sabbath of “the Month.” The Torah portion that is read as the Maftir (additional reading) after the conclusion of the reading of the…
The Other Hand Washing
It’s been a lovely meal, from the fresh-baked French bread to the sinful chocolate mousse — every bite. All that is left to do is to recite Grace After Meals (Birkat Hamazon), thanking…
The Custom of The Law
When confronted with different customs for Jewish rituals, check with your family or local community rabbi to know which custom to follow.