1. Home
  2. Religion & Spirituality
  3. Judaism

Judaism: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
When is Rosh Hashanah 2008?
When is Rosh Hashanah 2008? Find dates for Rosh Hashanah for this and upcoming years, information about the Jewish New Year, dates of other Jewish holidays, and information about the Hebrew calendar.
Ten Jewish Holiday Calendar
This is a quick walk-through list of the dates of Jewish Holidays for 2008-2009. This Jewish Holiday Calendar is easy to print.
Jewish Holiday Calendar
2008-2009 Jewish Holiday Calendar. This calendar contains the dates of, as well as links to information about, all the Jewish Holidays - Rosh HaShana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Tu B'Shvat, Purim, Passover, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israel's Memorial Day, Israel's Independence Day, Lag B'Omer Shavuot, Ninth of B'Av Tisha B'Av.
Jewish Holiday Calendar 5768
2007-2008 Jewish Holiday Calendar. This calendar contains the dates of, as well as links to information about, all the Jewish Holidays - Rosh HaShana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Tu B'Shvat, Purim, Passover, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israel's Memorial Day, Israel's Independence Day, Lag B'Omer Shavuot, Ninth of B'Av Tisha B'Av.
All About Hebrew Names
Learn about Hebrew names. Choose a Hebrew name for your baby. Read FAQ about Jewish naming customs.
When is Yom Kippur 2008?
When is Yom Kippur 2008? Find dates for Yom Kippur for this and upcoming years, information about the Jewish Day of Atonement, dates of other Jewish holidays, and information about the Hebrew calendar.
When is Passover 2009?
When is Passover 2009 Find dates for Pesach for this and upcoming years, information about the Jewish Festival of Freedom, dates of other Jewish holidays, and information about the Hebrew calendar.
When is Hanukkah 2008?
When is Hanukkah 2008? Find dates for Hanukkah for this and upcoming years, information about the Jewish Festival of Lights, dates of other Jewish holidays, and information about the Hebrew calendar.
Basic Beliefs of Judaism
What are the basic beliefs of Judaism? What is the connection between the Jewish people and the Ten Commandments? What do Jews think about God?
All About Rosh Hashanah
Learn all about the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah -- from shofar blowing to eating apples and honey to casting away sins via Tashlich.
Hebrew Names for Girls
Find Hebrew names for girls. The meanings of the Hebrew names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Boys
Find Hebrew names for boys. The meanings of the Hebrew names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Glossary of Jewish Jokes
Glossary of Jewish Jokes
Hebrew Names for Boys - A
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter A. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Jewish Circumcision Ceremonies - The Ceremony
Learn about the Bris, Jewish ritual circumcision ceremony, in which Jewish babies become a part of the covenant with God.
Being Jewish
Is being Jewish a race, nationality or religious identity?
Bat Mitzvah
According to Jewish Law, every Jewish girl becomes a bat mitzvah at age 12.
Hebrew Names for Girls - A
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter A. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
When is Yom Kippur 2009?
When is Yom Kippur 2009? Find dates for Yom Kippur for this and upcoming years, information about the Jewish Day of Atonement, dates of other Jewish holidays, and information about the Hebrew calendar.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Gifts
Should one give gifts for a bar or bat mitzvah? If so, what kind of gift is appropriate for a bar or bat mitzvah?
Branches of Judaism
Jewish movements, often referred to as denominations, branches or sects of Judaism, differ from each other in some beliefs and thus in the way they observe Judaism. Main movements include Secular Humanist, Reconstructionist, Reform, Conservative and Orthodox.
How To Jewish Weddings
Virtually experience a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony. This step-by-step guide shows how Jewish weddings are celebrated.
All About Judaism
What are the ten first questions people ask about Judaism. What are the basics of the Jewish religion and culture? Learn about Judaism's beliefs, branches, conversion, history, holidays, Israel, lifecycle events, practice, prayer and Torah.
Hasidic Jews
Hasidic Judaism is one movement within Haredi Judaism. The Hasidic movement is unique in its focus on the joyful observance of God’s commandments (mitzvot), heartfelt prayer and boundless love for God and the world He created. Many ideas for Hasidism derived from Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah).
Hebrew Names for Boys - J
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter J. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the name written in Hebrew letters.
Yahrzeit - Death Commemoration
What is Yahrzeit in Judaism? How do Jews remember the deceased?
Jesus - A Jewish View
Who was Jesus, according to Judaism?
Bar Mitzvah
According to Jewish Law, every Jewish boy becomes a bar mitzvah at age 13. As a bar mitzvah, he becomes obligated by God's commandments.
A Woman of Valor
A Woman of Valor, Eshet Chayil in Hebrew, is a hymn which is customarily recited on Friday evenings, after returning from synagogue and singing "Shalom Aleichem" and before sitting down to the Shabbat evening meal.
Hebrew Names for Girls - S
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter S. The meanings of the names are included. ee images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Biblical Names and Modern Israeli Names
Learn why Jews worldwide give Hebrew names to their children. Use this list of popular Biblical names and modern Israeli names to find a Hebrew name for your son or daugther.
Jewish Jokes - Famous Jewish Sayings
Glossary of Jewish Jokes
Hebrew Names for Girls - J
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter J. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Girls - B
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter B. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Rosh Hashanah Food Customs
Special Rosh Hashanah food customs have developed over the centuries, such as round challah, apples with honey, new fruit (pomegranate), and more.
About Star of David
Rabbi Shraga Simmons is asked about the origin, meaning and significance of the Jewish star of David or Magen David.
Shabbat beginning and ending
When does the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat) begin and end each week? How can I find beginning and ending times for Jewish holy days?
Rosh HaShana Pages for Kids
Print these coloring pages, worksheets and games for your children to enjoy while you prepare for the Jewish New Year Rosh HaShana.
Hebrew Names for Boys - B
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter B. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Number 18 in Judaism
What is the significance of the number 18 in judaism? Why do Jews often give gifts in mulitiples of $18?
Hebrew Names for Girls - C
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter C. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
About Side Curls
Rabbi Shraga Simmons is asked why Orthodox Jews wear side curls in their hair.
Neturei Karta
Neturei Karta refers to an ultra-orthodox, anti-Zionist, extremist sect Judaism. Neturei Karta is a loosely governed group united primarily by its anti-Zionistic ideology. The name Neturei Karta is Aramaic for Guardians of the City, as they plan to watch over Jerusalem until the Messiah comes and creates a true Jewish homeland.
Hebrew Names for Girls - E
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter E. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Girls - M
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter M. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Why Bad Things Happen to Good People - Judaism
Judaism can explain why bad things happen to good people - including murder.
Ask the Rabbi - Afterlife in Judaism - Heaven and Hell
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about afterlife, heaven and hell, in Judaism.
Sheva Brachot
What are Sheva Brachot? What are the Seven Blessings recited at Jewish Weddings?
Hebrew Names for Girls - L
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter L. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
How to Light Yahrzeit Candles
How to light a Yahrzeit Candle. When should one light a Yahrzeit (Memorial) Candle? What prayer should one recite when lighting Yahrzeit Candle?
Rosh Hashanah Cheat Sheet
This list of the ten most important things to know about the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah will be helpful to non-Jews interested in Judaism as well as Jews who want to refresh their knowledge about their Jewish heritage.
Hebrew Names for Boys - M
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter M. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Boys - S
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter S. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Boys - D
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter D. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Ask the Rabbi - Jesus as the Messiah
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about the Jesus as the Messiah.
All About Yom Kippur
Learn all there is to know about Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement.
Hebrew Names for Girls - D
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter D. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Unveiling Ceremony
What is the unveiling ceremony.
When is Rosh Hashanah 2009?
When is Rosh Hashanah 2009? Find dates for Rosh Hashanah for this and upcoming years, information about the Jewish New Year, dates of other Jewish holidays, and information about the Hebrew calendar.
Tour Auschwitz
Auschwitz Gas Chamber
Mezuzah - What, Why and How of Mezuzot
What is a mezuzah? Why hang a mezuzah? Where to affix a mezuzah? Which blessing is said when affixing a mezuzah?
Jewish Unveiling Ceremony
Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner answers a question about unveiling ceremonies.
Hebrew Names for Boys - R
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter R. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Girls - R
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter R. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Lighting Shabbat Candles
It is a mitzvah (commandment from God) for Jewish men and women to light Sabbath candles on Friday night. Since the wife generally has more influence over the spirit of the home, she was given the privilege of lighting the Shabbat candles. If a man lives alone, then he should light the candles.
Who is a Jew via Descent
Who is a Jew is a controversial question today. What is the source of the law of matrilineal descent in Judaism? Why does Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism accept patrilineal descent, while Orthodox and Conservative Judaism only consider those with Jewish mothers to be Jews?
Jewish Circumcision Ceremonies - Brit Milah
Learn about the Bris, Jewish ritual circumcision ceremony, in which Jewish babies become a part of the covenant with God.
What is the Torah?
Is the Torah the Hebrew Bible? Is the Torah the Old Testament? What is the Torah?
Hebrew Names for Boys - C
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter C. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Girls - H
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter H. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Friday Evening
An important part of Judaism is acknowledging the fruits of the earth as a gift from God. Hence, Judaism prescribes the recitation of blessings before and after eating, before enjoying fragrant aromas such as spices, or upon seeing pleasing sights such as rainbows. The blessing serves to elevate the physical into the realm of the spiritual. On Friday evening, as Jews welcome in their holy day of rest, Shabbat, blessings are recited over candles, wine, bread, children and more.
Hebrew Names for Girls - T
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter T. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Girls - N
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter N. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Israeli Salad
The secret to a really good Israeli salad is finely chopped vegetables. Fresh cucumbers and tomatoes from Israel help.
Jewish Baby Naming Ceremony for Girls
What should Christian grandparents say at the baby naming ceremony of our Jewish granddaughter?
Orthodox Judaism
Orthodox Judaism is the most traditional branch of Judaism. Orthodox Judaism believes that both the Written and Oral Torah are of divine origin, containing the exact words of God without any human influence.
Blessing the Children
One of the most moving Shabbat (Jewish Sabbath) traditions is the blessing over the children given on Friday night.
Hebrew Names for Boys - L
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter L. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Ten Commandments
When the Israelites accepted the Ten Commandments from God at Mount Sinai, they committed themselves to following a moral code of behavior.
Hebrew Names for Boys - E
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter E. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Why Jews do not believe in Jesus as the Messiah
Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner explains why Jews do not believe in Jesus as the Messiah.
Hebrew Names for Girls - Z
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter Z. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Girls - G
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter G. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Free Jewish Coloring Pages
Jewish Parents can print these free coloring pages for their Jewish Kids. A great page to bookmark so you can print Jewish coloring pages anytime!
Honey Cake for Rosh Hashanah
Honey cake is a Rosh Hashanah tradition. This holiday honey cake is easy to make and delicious to eat.
The Torah
Is the Torah the Hebrew Bible? Is the Torah the Old Testament? What is the Torah?
Jewish Holiday Calendar 5770
2009-2010 Jewish Holiday Calendar. This calendar contains the dates of, as well as links to information about, all the Jewish Holidays - Rosh HaShana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Tu B'Shvat, Purim, Passover, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israel's Memorial Day, Israel's Independence Day, Lag B'Omer Shavuot, Ninth of B'Av Tisha B'Av.
Jewish Jokes - A Priest and a Rabbi
Glossary of Jewish Jokes
Havdalah
Havdalah is a religious ceremony that marks the end of the the Sabbathh.
Israeli Coins - Israeli Currency
Images of and information about modern Israeli coins.
Hebrew Names for Boys - N
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter N. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Tattoo and Jewish Burial
Am I allowed by Jewish law to get a tattoo? If I get a tattoo, can I still be buried in a Jewish cemetery?
Hebrew Names for Boys - G
Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter G. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Boys - H
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter H. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Potato Pancakes (Latkas)
Use this recipe to make delicious Hanukkah potato pancakes, also known as latkas in Yiddish and livivot in Hebrew.
Hebrew Names for Girls - Y
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter Y. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Boys - Y
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter Y. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Ask the Rabbi - Jewish Last Names
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about Jewish last names.
Hebrew Names for Boys - I
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter I. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the name written in Hebrew letters.
FAQ: Jewish Naming Customs
Learn how to choose and give a Hebrew name to your baby. Read FAQ about Jewish naming customs.
Judaism Glossary of Jewish Leaders
Learn who has led the Jewish People throughout the centuries through this Glossary of Jewish Leaders.
L'Chaim
Rabbi Shraga Simmons explains why Jews say L'Chaim when they drink wine.
Kippah
Rabbi Shraga Simmons explains why Jews wear yarmulkes, or kippahs, on their heads.
Hebrew Names for Boys - T
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter T. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Traveler's Prayer
What is the Traveler's Prayer recited by Jews before they go on a trip.
Marriage and Weddings
What is the Jewish view of marriage? Learn about marriage according to Judaism. Learn about the Jewish wedding ceremony. What makes Jewish weddings special?
When is Passover 2008?
When is Passover 2008 Find dates for Pesach for this and upcoming years, information about the Jewish Festival of Freedom, dates of other Jewish holidays, and information about the Hebrew calendar.
Chuppah - Wedding Canopy
Why do the bride and groom stand under a chupah, a marriage canopy, when getting married in a Jewish wedding?
Sex
What does Judaism's view on sex?
World Jewry Today 2005
What population statistics are there about Jews of various countries (United States, Canada, France, United Kingdom, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Russia, Ukraine, Hungary, Germany, Australia, South Africa) around the world?
All About Hanukkah
Hanukkah commemorates the Maccabees military victory over the Greek Syrians and the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah is a celebration of Jewish national survival and religious freedom.
Hebrew Names - Naming a Jewish Baby
Learn about Hebrew names. Choose a Hebrew name. Read FAQ about Jewish naming customs.
How To Rosh Hashanah
This Guide to How To Rosh Hashanah describes the Jewish New Year's home rituals, including table setting instructions, candle lighting blessings, blessing over the wine (kiddish), blessing over challah (motzei), blessing over apples and honey, shehechiyanu prayer and more.
The Jews of Kaifeng China
The city of Kaifeng, located southeast of Beijing, hosts approximately 500 people today who appear to be of Jewish descent. Learn more about Kaifeng Jews. What is the history of China's Kaifeng Jewish community? What is the state of Jews in Kaifeng China today?
Am I Jewish?
With a Jewish father and a non-Jewish mother, am I Jewish? Does Matrilineal or Patrilineal Descent determine Jewish identity?
Hebrew Names for Girls - I
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter I. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Hebrew Names for Boys - P
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter P. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Ask the Rabbi - Clothing Worn by Jews
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about clothing worn by Jews.
Hebrew Names for Girls - P
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter P. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Reform Judaism
Reform Judaism, a progressive branch of Judaism, differs from more ritually observant forms of Judaism in its belief that Judaism has evolved and adapted over the centuries and that it must continue to do so. Reform Judaism is the largest Jewish movement in North America today.
Hebrew Names for Boys - Z
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter Z. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
High Holy Days
What are the Jewish High Holidays, or Judaism's High Holy Days? Are the Days of Awe and Ten Days of Repentance the same? Are Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur part of Yamim Noraim?
Haredi Jews
Haredi Judaism is often translated as ultra-Orthodox Judaism, although Haredi Jews themselves object to this translation. Haredi Jews consider themselves to be the true Jews, and consider all the more liberal forms of Judaism to be unauthentic. Learn more about Haredim.
Sweet Brisket
This sweet brisket recipe is in the spirit of celebrating a sweet Jewish New Year (Rosh HaShana).
Hebrew Names for Boys - O
Find Hebrew names for boys that begin with the letter O. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
All about God
Judaism's belief in one, all-powerful God made the Jewish People unique in ancient times. And the Jewish concept of God is Judaism's legacy to the Western world. What is God in Judaism?
Hebrew Names for Girls - O
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter O. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Jewish Wedding Ring
Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner explains why, during the Jewish wedding ceremony, the groom puts the ring on the bride's index finger.
Bedtime Shema
Did you have a busy and stressful day? Did you fail to find quality time with your child today? There is no need to end the day without turning things around. This three minute bedtime ritual - reciting Judaism's Shema Yisrael prayer together - will enable your child to go to sleep feeling loved and protected and you to regain your balance via a refreshed sense of connection and inner-peace. What is the bedtime Shema prayer and how is it recited?
Hebrew Names for your Jewish Children
Learn why Jews worldwide give Hebrew names to their children. Use this list of popular Biblical names and modern Israeli names to find a Hebrew name for your son or daugther.
Why some Jews spell God, "G-d"
Reform Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser explains why some Jews spell God, "G-d."
Why Cup Elijah
Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner explains why there is a cup of wine for Elijah during the Passover Seder.
What is Sukkot?
Learn about the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, Judaism's Feast of Tabernacles.
Rosh HaShana Glossary
What is the meaning of the term Rosh HaShana? Why is everyone saying L'Shanah Tovah Tikatevu and what does that mean? What is the difference between Machzor and Siddur prayer books? This Rosh HaShana Glossary of Terms will make your holiday more enjoyable.
Ask the Rabbi - Heaven, Hell, Afterlife in Judaism
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about heaven, hell and afterlife in Judaism.
Jew can't believe in Jesus - 1
Bruce James (Baruch Gershom) provides a clear and comprehensive explanation to why Jews can't believe in Jesus. In Part I of the Primer, he explains how the idea of a New Covenant de-legitimizes Covenant between God and the Jewish People.
Rosh Hashanah Shofar
On the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah, Jews are commanded by God (mitzvah) to hearing the blowing of the Shofar - a ram's horn.
Death in Judaism
Death and Burial in Judaism.
Rosh Hashanah Prayers
Learn about the prayers and Torah readings in the Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year, prayer service.
Jerusalem's Temple Mount
The Temple Mount, past home to the Jewish Temples and current home to the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque, is one of today's most contested religious sites.
Auf Ruf
Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner describes the auf ruf pre-wedding ceremony.
John Kerry's Jewish Roots
The story of Senator John Kerry’s Jewish past is of interest because it reflects the story of many European Jews who shed their Jewish heritage en route to America at the turn of the century.
Hebrew Calendar
While the secular (also referred to as Gregorian) calendar is based on the earth's rotation around the sun, the Hebrew calendar calculates months according to the moon and years according to the sun.
Shiva - Period of Mourning
In Judaism, Shiva is the seven day mourning period observed by Jews after the funeral.
Ask the Orthodox Rabbi
Orthodox Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers questions about Judaism from the perspective of Orthodox Judaism.
What is a Menorah?
What is a Menorah? What is the difference between a Menorah and a Chanukiah (Hanukkah Menorah)?
Hebrew Names for Girls - K
Find Hebrew names for girls that begin with the letter K. The meanings of the names are included. See images of the names written in Hebrew letters.
Fasting on Yom Kippur
The Yom Kippur Fast - why we fast, how we fast, how to prepare for the fast, pre-fast meal (seudah mafseket) menu and recipes.
Kaddish - Mourner's Prayer
What is kaddish prayer recited by Jews in mourning

Explore Judaism

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Religion & Spirituality
  3. Judaism

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.