Answers to Jewish Questions

an image of a calendar with white pages and black numbers and a stop watch

Is Passover 7 or 8 days?

Answered by

Ben Dreyfus

When does Pesach end? Why do some calendars say it ends after seven days and others after eight? Most Reform Jewish communities celebrate Passover for seven days, but the history is complicated.

At a Jewish wedding, why does the couple stand under a canopy?

Answered by

Rabbi Victor S. Appell

The canopy under which Jewish couples stand when they are married is called a chuppah . The chuppah represents the new home a couple establishes through their marriage.

How do I talk to my kids about the current situation in Israel?

Answered by

Rabbi Victor S. Appell

A few years ago, an Israeli rabbinic student, Alona Nir, was visiting with Reform Jewish teen leaders. Alona showed the teens a short video of Israeli school children participating in an air raid drill. The lyrics were written by a social worker and the song is taught to young children

Is there a Jewish prayer that can be said on behalf of one’s country?

hand holding a lit sparkler in front of an American flag

Answered by

Rabbi Victor S. Appell

Yes, Jews always participate fully in the life of the country of which they are citizens. Many congregations include a prayer on behalf of the country in Shabbat services. This prayer, from Mishkan T'filah, is especially appropriate as the United States and Canada celebrate their independence. O Guardian of life

I'll be traveling soon. Is there a Jewish prayer I can say before I embark on my trip?

Answered by

Rabbi Victor S. Appell

Judaism offers us the opportunity to bless both our everyday moments and special occasions.

My child is going to sleepaway camp. Is there a prayer or blessing that I can say?

Answered by

Rabbi Victor S. Appell

Sleep away camp is a wonderful experience for children. It is an opportunity for them to grow, learn new things, and become more independent.

I have heard that in Jewish tradition, parents are responsible for teaching their children to swim. Is that true?

Swimming pool with an inflatable inner tube floating on top

Answered by

Rabbi Victor S. Appell

The Talmud (Kiddushin 29a) outlines fathers’ responsibilities to their sons.

I’ve been invited to an aufruf for a friend's wedding. What is that?

Answered by

Rabbi Daniel B. Syme

Aufruf (pronounced "owf-roof," or more colloquially "oof-roof ") is a German word meaning "calling up" and refers to a synagogue celebration on the Shabbat preceding the wedding.

What is Confirmation and what is its connection to Shavuot?

Confirmation is a Reform-originated ceremony for teens that is tied to the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. It constitutes an individual and group affirmation of commitment to the Jewish people. Confirmation, one of the “youngest” Jewish lifecycle ceremonies, began less than 200 years ago.