Judaism 101

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Hebrew Alphabet
Kosher Dietary Laws
Signs & Symbols
Bar and Bat Mitzvahs
Jewish Calendar
Jewish Holidays - Introduction
Current Calendar

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Ideas

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Pages discussing abstract concepts about Jews and Judaism

What Is Judaism? Basic
Is Judaism a religion, a race, an ethnic/cultural group, or something more?
What Do Jews Believe? Basic
The basic Jewish beliefs, including Maimonides' 13 Principles of Faith, the importance of actions over beliefs, and the importance of relationships in Judaism.
The Nature of G-d Intermediate
Discusses fundamental Jewish beliefs about the nature of G-d and His relationship with the universe and with humanity.
Human Nature Advanced
Discusses the Jewish understanding of human nature, what it means to be created in the image of G-d, free will, and the good and evil in all of us.
Mashiach: The Messiah Intermediate
Traditional Jewish concept of the messiah (mashiach): what he will be like, what he will do, what the messianic age will be like, and why Jews do not believe Jesus was the messiah.
Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism Advanced
A discussion of Jewish mysticism and the mystical school of thought known as Kabbalah. Provides a sample of kabbalistic thought and suggestions for further reading.

People

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Pages discussing Jewish people and their relationships with non-Jews: what makes a person Jewish, how many Jews there are, different kinds of Jewish people, and Jewish historical figures

Who Is a Jew? Basic
A Jew is any person whose mother was a Jew or any person who has gone through the formal process of conversion to Judaism.
Jewish Genealogy Basic
Learn how to research your Jewish family tree
Jewish Population Basic
Most estimates I have seen suggest that there are about 13 million Jews in the world. The vast majority of these Jews live in either the United States (about 6 million) and Israel (about 5 million).
Movements of Judaism Basic
Sects or denominations of Judaism are referred to as movements. This page discusses Jewish movements of the past and present in the US, Israel and the UK.
Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jews Basic
Learn about the differences between Sephardic (Spanish/Middle Eastern) and Ashkenazic (German/Eastern European) Jews, and other cultural subgroups of Judaism.
Jewish Attitudes Toward Non-Jews Basic
Judaism does not maintain that Jews are better than other people. This page explains the Jewish attitudes towards non-Jews.
The Role of Women Intermediate
The position of women under traditional Jewish law is not nearly as lowly as many modern people think. This page discusses the role of women in traditional Judaism.
Rabbis, Priests, and Other Religious Functionaries Basic
Discusses the role of rabbis, chazzans (cantors), gabbais, kohanim (priests), Levites, rebbes and tzaddiks in Jewish life.
The Patriarchs and the Origins of Judaism Basic
The story of the origins of Judaism, from Abraham to the Children of Israel, discussing the lives of the Patriarchs.
Moses, Aaron and Miriam Basic
The story of Moses, Aaron and Miriam, the leaders of the Children of Israel at the time of the Exodus from Egypt.
Prophets and Prophecy Intermediate
Discusses the meaning of the term 'prophet' and identifies the prophets of the Jewish scriptures.
Sages and Scholars Intermediate
Information about Jewish sages and scholars, including Hillel, Shammai, Rabbi Akiba, Judah Ha-Nasi, Rashi, Maimonides and the Baal Shem Tov.

Places

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Pages discussing places of importance to Jews and Judaism

The Land of Israel Basic
Discusses the importance of the land of Israel to Judaism, the rise of Zionism and the formation of the state of Israel.
Synagogues, Shuls and Temples Basic
A discussion of Jewish places of worship, including modern synagogues and the Temple of ancient times.

Things

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Pages discussing physical objects and symbols of importance to Jews and Judaism

Signs and Symbols Basic
Learn about various Jewish signs and symbols, including the mezuzah, tefillin, tzitzit and tallit, yarmulke, menorah, Star of David, and chai.
Jewish Cooking Basic
Learn about the nature and significance of various traditional Jewish foods. Includes recipes for many of them.

Words

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Pages discussing written and spoken words significant to Jews and Judaism, including languages, names, expressions, prayers and scriptures

Hebrew Alphabet Basic
See illustrations of the letters and vowel points of the Hebrew alphabet in print, script and Rashi script. Learn the names and numerical values of the letters. Also discusses transliteration (writing Hebrew in English letters).
Hebrew Language: Root Words Intermediate
An introduction to the concept of root words in the Hebrew language and the structure of Hebrew words.
Yiddish Language and Culture Basic
Yiddish was the international language of Jews from Central and Eastern Europe until the middle of the 20th century. Learn about the history of the Yiddish language, as well as its alphabet, literature, theater and music.
Expressions and Greetings Basic
What is the appropriate greeting on a Jewish holiday? What is the Jewish way to congratulate someone? This page provides a list of common Jewish expressions and greetings, along with their explanations.
Jewish Names Basic
Learn about Jewish names and naming customs, including surnames, given (first) names and Hebrew names. Some material here may be of interest to Jewish genealogists.
The Name of G-d Basic
Learn about several of the more important names of G-d in Jewish tradition, and learn the rules regarding writing and pronouncing these names. Learn why we write 'G-d' that way.
Torah Basic
Learn about the concept of Torah, the books of Jewish scriptures and other sacred Jewish writings.
Torah Readings Intermediate
Learn about the Jewish practice of weekly Torah and Haftarah readings. Provides a list of readings.
Prayers and Blessings Intermediate
Learn about the importance of prayer in Judaism and the form and content of prayers and blessings.
Jewish Liturgy Intermediate
Learn about the history and structure of the traditional Jewish prayer service.

Deeds

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Pages discussing Jewish law and the actions it demands of us

Halakhah: Jewish Law Intermediate
Learn what Jewish law is and what it is derived from. Distinguishes between laws from the Torah and different classes of laws made by the rabbis.
Aseret ha-Dibrot: The "Ten Commandments" Intermediate
Learn about the Jewish understanding of the Ten Commandments, known in Judaism as Aseret ha-Dibrot. Provides a Jewish perspective on the controversy surrounding public use of this text.
Love and Brotherhood Basic
Learn about the Jewish perspective on the importance of love, brotherhood, and the proper treatment of your fellow man.
Speech and Lashon Ha-Ra Intermediate
Learn about the sins of wronging people through speech.
Kashrut: Jewish Dietary Laws Intermediate
Learn about the Jewish dietary laws of kashrut (kosher), why we observe these laws, the various foods and combinations that are forbidden, and the certification of kosher foods.
Kosher Sex Intermediate
Learn about Jewish law regarding sexual relations, contraception, abortion, and the separation of a menstruating woman.
Tzedakah: Charity Intermediate
Tzedakah (charity) is a fundamental part of the Jewish way of life. Learn about the meaning of tzedakah and the obligation to give tzedakah.
Treatment of Animals Intermediate
Learn about Jewish law regarding the proper treatment of animals and against cruelty to animals, which is called in Hebrew tza'ar ba'alei chayim (suffering of living creatures).
Qorbanot: Sacrifices and Offerings Advanced
Learn about the ancient Jewish practices of sacrifices and offerings. Discusses the nature and purpose of these practice, and explains why these rituals are no longer observed.
A List of the 613 Mitzvot (Commandments) Advanced
A list of the 613 mitzvot (commandments) that are binding on Jews.

Times

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Pages discussing the Jewish calendar and sacred time, including the sabbath and holidays

Jewish Calendar Basic
Learn about the Jewish calendar, its background and history, the numbering of Jewish years, the months of the Jewish year and the days of the Jewish week.
The Jewish Calendar: A Closer Look Intermediate
A closer look at the mathematics behind the Jewish Calendar, explaining how Hebrew dates are calculated. Provides sample JavaScript code to show how the calculations work.
Shabbat Basic
Learn about the Jewish sabbath and its observances. Includes a description of a typical sabbath and a recipe for cholent, a traditional Jewish sabbath dish.
Special Shabbatot Intermediate
Learn about some Shabbatot (Sabbaths) that have a special additional reading or significance.
Jewish Holidays Basic
Learn about Jewish holidays generally. Includes a list of all Jewish holidays and their dates for the next five years. Provides links to pages about each specific holiday.
The Month of Tishri Basic
Learn about Tishri, the most holiday-intensive month of the Jewish year.
Rosh Hashanah Basic
Learn about the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah.
Days of Awe Basic
Learn about the period of introspection from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, known as the Days of Awe.
Yom Kippur Basic
Learn about the Jewish Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur.
Tips for Yom Kippur Fasting
Some tips for fasting on the Jewish Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur.
Sukkot Basic
Learn about the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles.
Know Your Etrog Intermediate
Learn about the etrog (citron) fruit used in Jewish rituals during the festival of Sukkot (Tabernacles). Includes photographs of an etrog and an etrog tree.
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah Basic
Learn about the Jewish holidays at the conclusion of Sukkot: Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.
Chanukkah Basic
Learn about Chanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. Learn the rules for playing dreidel and a recipe for latkes (potato pancakes).
Tu B'Shevat Basic
Learn about the holiday of Tu B'Shevat, the Jewish Arbor Day, the New Year for Trees.
Purim Basic
Learn about the Jewish holiday of Purim, from the Book of Esther. Includes a recipe for hamentaschen (traditional holiday cookies).
Pesach: Passover Basic
Learn about the Jewish holiday of Passover, known to Jews as Pesach. Includes an outline of the seder (the family holiday ritual meal) and a recipe for charoset (a traditional seder food).
Pesach Seder: How is This Night Different Intermediate
Learn about the Pesach (Passover) seder in the context of traditional Jewish practice, explaining how the rituals in the seder fit into traditional Jewish life.
Pesach (Passover) Cooking Tips Basic
Suggestions and tips to help you plan meals for Pesach (Passover). This page focuses on the many things that you can eat, instead of the usual focus on things you can't eat.
The Counting of the Omer Basic
Learn about the counting of the omer, a Jewish observance counting the days between the festivals of Pesach (Passover) and Shavu'ot.
Shavu'ot Basic
Learn about the Jewish festival of Shavu'ot, the festival of the giving of the Torah,
Tisha B'Av Basic
Learn about the fast of the ninth of Av, a day commemorating the tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people.
The Month of Elul and Selichot Basic
Discusses the Jewish month of Elul, a time of repentance, and the recitation of Selichot, prayers for forgiveness and mercy, during that period
Minor Fasts Basic
Learn about the minor fasts of the Jewish calendar and their significance.
Rosh Chodesh Basic
Learn about the minor festival of Rosh Chodesh, the first day of the new month.
New Holidays Basic
Learn about the holidays that were added to the Jewish calendar to commemorate historical events of the last century.
Birkat Hachamah: Blessing the Sun Basic
Learn about the once-in-28-years recitation of the blessing of the sun, birkat hachamah
A Gentile's Guide to the Jewish Holidays Gentile
Provides a basic, minimal awareness of the holidays most commonly observed by American Jews and the accommodations that Jews may require for these holidays.

Life Cycle

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Pages discussing major life cycle events in Judaism, from birth to death

Birth and the First Month of Life Basic
Learn about Jewish customs relating to birth, naming, circumcision, adoption, and redemption of the firstborn.
Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation Basic
Learn about the Jewish coming-of-age ceremonies: Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation.
Marriage Basic
Learn about the Jewish concept of finding your soul mate, Jewish weddings, the process of acquiring a spouse, and the marital relationship.
Divorce Basic
Learn about the Jewish attitude toward divorce and the procedures involved in Jewish divorce.
Life, Death and Mourning Basic
Learn about the Jewish attitude toward the preservation of life, toward death, and Jewish mourning practices.
Olam Ha-Ba: The Afterlife Basic
Learn about Jewish beliefs regarding the afterlife, the World to Come, resurrection and reincarnation.

Reference

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Pages containing reference material, including a bibliography, the text of common prayers and blessings and the glossary

Recommended Books and Publishers Basic
A list of books for further study and links to Jewish book publishers online.
Common Prayers and Blessings Intermediate
A list of common prayers and blessings that are available on this site for viewing online. Hebrew, transliteration, and English translation are available.
Chanukkah Candle Lighting Blessings
The procedure for lighting Chanukkah candles, the prayers in Hebrew, English and transliterated Hebrew, and the traditional melody.
Havdalah Home Ritual
The blessings recited in the typical conclusion of Shabbat ritual, in Hebrew, English and transliterated Hebrew.
Mourner's Kaddish
The full text of the Mourner's Kaddish prayer, in Hebrew, English and transliterated Hebrew.
Affixing a Mezuzah
The procedure for affixing a mezuzah, and the blessing to be recited, in Hebrew, English and transliterated Hebrew.
Rosh Hashanah Evening Home Ritual
Some prayers for rituals performed in the home on Rosh Hashanah, including candle lighting, Kiddush, Shehecheyanu and the blessing for dipping apples in honey.
Shabbat Evening Home Ritual
Some of the blessings recited in the home at the beginning of the Shabbat, including candle lighting, kiddush, washing hands and motzi. In Hebrew, English and transliterated Hebrew.
Shema
The full text of the Shema prayer, in Hebrew, English and transliterated Hebrew, along with a MIDI file of the tune.
Sukkot Blessings
Some blessings for the Sukkot holiday, including Kiddush, blessings for dwelling in and leaving the sukkah, and for waving the four species, in Hebrew, English and transiterated Hebrew
Donning Tallit and Tefillin
The procedure and prayers for putting on a tallit (prayer shawl) and tefillin before morning services, in Hebrew, English and transliterated Hebrew.
Birkat Hachamah
The blessing of the sun recited once every 28 years. The same blessing is also recited upon seeing or experiencing other significant natural phenomena.
Glossary of Jewish Terminology Basic
Definitions and explanations of Jewish terminology, including Yiddish and Hebrew words, with links to pages that discuss the subject in more depth.

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© Copyright 5756-5771 (1995-2011), Tracey R Rich