Answers to Jewish Questions

I was invited to celebrate a bar mitzvah for an 83-year-old. Where does this tradition come from?

It's never too late for a Jewish person to celebrate becoming bar, bat, or bet mitzvah! Many Jews celebrate as adults, if they didn't have the opportunity to celebrate when they were 13.

Where can I find the dates of the Jewish holidays for next year?

Answered by:

Rabbi Julie Zupan

If you are planning a simchah (joyous occasion) or significant event and want to find the corresponding date on the Jewish calendar, check out our Jewish Holiday Calendar. To learn more about any individual holiday’s significance and customs, simply click on its name. As Shabbat and all Jewish holidays begin

What Is Elul?

Elul is the Hebrew month preceding Rosh HaShanah, during which one engages in self-reflection and evaluation in preparation for the High Holidays. Traditionally, the shofar is blown each day during the month.

My loved one has died during this time of pandemic. What mourning rituals can we do from home?

Answered by:

Rabbi Julie Zupan

“Under our current COVID-19 related restrictions, neither my sister nor I will be able to attend the funeral our father, who died in another state. Instead, we’ll be watching it live-streamed from the funeral home’s website. What are some mourning rituals we might be able to do from our homes?”

My partner and I had to postpone our wedding due to COVID-19. How can we mark our original date?

Answered by:

Rabbi Miriam Wajnberg

Right now, you may be feeling grateful for the health of loved ones, frustrated or resentful of the situation you find yourself in, disappointed to have to postpone your celebration, and/or worried about the resulting consequences of doing so.