Shema Yisrael are the first two words of a section of the Hebrew Bible that is used as a centerpiece of all Jewish prayer services and closely echoes the monotheistic message of Judaism. The message of the Sh’ma is applicable to every Jew at all times, at every conscious moment. Indeed, embodied in the Sh’ma …
The Bible tells us: And you shall bind them as a sign on your arm, and they shall be as frontlets on your head between your eyes” (Deuteronomy 6:8.) Though of course the details are much more complex than this…. The Torah tells us in four places that we should bind the Tefillin. The four …
Kabbalah (קבלה “Reception”, Standard Hebrew Qabbala, Tiberian Hebrew Qabbālāh; also written variously as Cabala, Cabalah, Cabbala, Cabbalah, Kabala, Kabalah, Kabbala, Qabala, Qabalah) is a religious philosophical system claiming an insight into divine nature. “Kabbalah” is a doctrine of esoteric knowledge concerning God and the universe, asserted to have come down as a revelation to the …
Judaism as a religion is very focused on life. The word chai has great significance, and the typical Jewish toast is l’chayim (to life). Chai comes from the letter Chet [ה] and Yod [י]. Combining the two letters forms the Hebrew word Chai – הי. This symbol, commonly seen on necklaces and other jewelry and …
A Cantonist Prayer On Yom Kippur by Larry Domnitch The concluding Neilah prayer on Yom Kippur, represents the final chance through fervent and impassioned prayer to appeal to the mercy of the Almighty. One short prayer at one particular moment on one Yom Kippur at Neilah encapsulated a tragic era in Jewish History, and moved …
The Cantonists The Jewish Children’s Army of The Tsar by Larry Domnitch Read More »
Judaism –> Bnai Noach – Children of Noah Bnai Noach The righteous of all nations and peoples have a share in the World To Come. According to Judaism, the Noahide laws apply to all humanity through their descent from Noah after The Flood. In Judaism, B’nai Noach (Hebrew, “Descendants of Noah”, “The Children of Noah”), …
The Brit Milah (Hebrew), also Bris (Yiddish) is a ceremony traditionally practiced in Judaism which welcomes baby boys into the covenant. This is a ritual circumcision performed in the presence of family and friends in a ceremonial manner, followed by a celebratory meal. Baby girls were traditionally welcomed with a smaller and more private naming …
Selection from Torah Teachings Ha·sid or Has·sid also Chas·sid (KHä’sĭd, KHô’-, hä’-) n., pl. Ha·si·dim or Has·si·dim also Chas·si·dim (KHä-sē’dĭm, KHô-, hä-). A member of a Jewish mystic movement founded in the 18th century in eastern Europe by Baal Shem Tov that reacted against Talmudic learning and maintained that God’s presence was in all of …
The Star of David (Magen David or Mogen David in Hebrew, Shield of David, Solomon’s Seal, or Seal of Solomon) is a generally recognized symbol of Judaism and Jewish identity. It is also known as the Jewish Star. With the establishment of the State of Israel the Jewish Star on the Flag of Israel has …
This may be a reason why Hashem seems to withhold from some people their finding of the “right one” for a long time. They should contemplate the need for a spouse and sincerely request Hashem’s assistance in their quest. As Mishlei sums up this matter in an earlier chapter (18:22): “He who finds a wife …