Less than a week ago Jews around the world commemorated the most solemn day on the Jewish calendar: Yom Kippur. It is a day of fasting following 10 days of introspection in which observant Jews believe their names being written in the Book of Life are on the line. (See Israel Shuts Down for Yom …
Category: Judaism
Israel Shuts Down for Yom Kippur
Empty highway during Yom Kippur Yom Kippur (which began at sundown Tuesday, October 8 this year) is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. It follows the 10 Days of Awe in which Jews are particularly focused on repentance, prayer, fasting and acts of charity. According to Jewish tradition, it is believed the righteous (tzaddikim) …
10 Days of Awe: What do They Mean?
I drive through a Jewish neighborhood each day on the way to and from work. This week, I see many Jewish families walking to a neighborhood synagogue. That is not an unusual scene, except that it is currently happening every single day. What's going on? Jews worldwide celebrated Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets) last Sunday …
Why is it Customary to Eat Pomegranates on Rosh Hashanah?
Pomegranates are in season in Israel...just in time for Rosh Hashanah. But what's the connection? We'll get to that, but first let's talk about the significance of Rosh Hashanah, the 5th of 7 major feasts of Israel. At sundown tomorrow in Israel, Jews will celebrate Rosh Hashanah ("head of the year"), their civil New Year. …
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