Why is the Kaddish such an important prayer?
During our prayers we praise God constantly, but in the Kaddish we excel in expressing our praise to God, more than in any other...
BERIT MILA: The steps of circumcision (Part 1)
The procedure of circumcision:
1. Sterilization: Although the public nature of the ceremony makes complete sterility virtually impossible, the Mohel (ritual circumcision surgeon) does everything...
The blessing Shehecheyanu (Part 2)
Previously, we have explained that our rabbis established a blessing to be said when something happy happens to us. When we acquire something new,...
The blessing Shehecheyanu
We Jews pray three times a day. Establishing a daily personal connection with our Creator. The rabbis of the Talmud established also a series...
BERIT MILA: Choosing the right Mohel
Today is the 23 of Tamuz, 5771
In the following lines, I present some guidelines to help the parents realize what is important to check...
Why do we fast on the 17 of Tamuz?
Five tragedies happened to the Jewish people on the 17 of Tammuz:
1. In Biblical times, Moses descended from Mount Sinai and upon seeing the...
The Fast of 17 of Tamuz
Today is the 16 of Tamuz, 5771
Tomorrow Tuesday July 19th is a fast day, shiba'asar betamuz (Tamuz 17th).
The fast begins at 4:12 AM and...
EMET and SHEQER: Of faith and witnesses
The Torah's commands us to "stay far away from falsehood" (Shemot 23:7) midebar sheqer tirchaq. Falsehood (sheqer), is regarded as something repulsive. Therefore, when...
THE HISTORY OF THE MASHADI JEWISH COMMUNITY
Anussim of MashadBy: Bernard LiviIn the Beginning (1746 - 1839):When we study the history of the Jewish people, we encounter many oppressed and...
Berit Milah Ceremony
While the father is holding the baby, he says:
שָׂשׂ אָנֹכִי עַל אִמְרָתֶךָ, כְּמוֹצֵא שָׁלָל רָב: זִבְחֵי אֱלֹהִים רוּחַ נִשְׁבָּרָה. לֵב נִשְׁבָּר וְנִדְכֶּה, אֱלֹהִים לֹא...
