Why Do Jews Eat Fried Foods to Celebrate Hanukkah?
One of the most recognizable and tastiest Hanukkah traditions is cooking (and eating) fried foods. While frying up a fresh batch of Hanukkah treats is certainly delicious, this practice is also deeply rooted in the meaning of the holiday.
Can a Reform Jew believe the Torah is the word of God?
In answer to your question, "Can a Reform Jew believe that God gave the Torah at Sinai?" I think that the most honest answer is, "Yes, but..." Let me start with that "but.
Does listening to a podcast count as study? Is it OK to say the blessing if I’m listening to commentary without reading or hearing the Torah portion?
Listening to the podcast definitely counts as Torah study. It’s an opportunity to learn a bit of Torah and start to think about the weekly Torah while also incorporating some modern-day thinking into the traditional message.
What might I expect when making a shiva call? What should I bring?
Shiva is a time when we reminisce, remember, recapture memories of a loved one. As such, what we usually do during a condolence call is to listen to those memories that the mourner wishes to share or to talk about other subjects initiated by the mourner that may have nothing to do with his or her loss.
My new son-in-law has expressed interest in Judaism; where can we find a community that will welcome him and help him learn about Judaism?
Reform Jews are committed to the principle of inclusion.
Why is it customary to visit loved ones' graves before or during the High Holidays?
Jewish tradition gives structure to many aspects of mourning as a way to create order at a time when mourners may feel unmoored.
How do we help children cope with tragedies that occur in our communities and in the news headlines?
What does Judaism teach us about helping our children to cope with terrible news that even we, as adults, find challenging to understand or process?
My child is graduating from college. Is there a prayer or blessing I can say?
At such a poignant milestone, this prayer captures both the emotion in parents’ hearts and their hopes for their child’s future
I'll be attending a church Mass for the first time when I attend a friend's wedding. What should I expect?
Jews may attend the worship services of other religions.
How does Reform Judaism say we should best honor our mothers in today’s world?
While Judaism does not have an equivalent to the secular Mother’s Day, Reform Judaism has been at the forefront of including women in religious life as equal partners.
Can Jews Get Married on Shabbat?
For centuries, Jewish custom has prohibited marriages at specific dates and times during the Jewish year.