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Using a Mikvah (Jewish Ritual Bath)
People immerse at a mikvah to celebrate moments of joy, to heal after times of sorrow or illness, or to commemorate transitions and changes.
How You'll Know You're Ready to Convert to Judaism
A conversion process that is long enough and profound enough will allow you to identify yourself as Jewish before the act of converting. How will you know when you're ready?
Divorce: A Last Resort
Judaism exalts the beauty and sanctity of marriage and family life. Ye thousands of years ago, the Jewish people made provisions for the painful, yet sometimes necessary act of divorce.
History of Reform Judaism and a Look Ahead
Reform Judaism has now surpassed its 200th anniversary. Looking back, I believe it is possible to identify three stages through which our Movement has evolved and to see the beginnings of a fourth.
Birth of a Synagogue Movement: Reform Worship Through the Years
An interview with Rabbi Daniel Freelander on the history of Reform innovations in worship.
Becoming Whole Again
As Jews, we affirm the concept of marriage as holiness, kiddushin. However, we wisely do not preserve the legal family at all costs. Mosaic law does not subscribe to the view that "what therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." When the basic ingredients of love, communication, respect, and emotional support are missing, this holy union is terminable. Divorce may be a tragedy, but if the marriage is a mere formality -- an empty form devoid of spirituality -- preserving it is pointless.
The Mishnah
The Mishnah is studied both because it is part of the canon of Jewish literature and because it is the foundation of the Talmud.
Lag BaOmer: History
Lag BaOmer is a shorthand way of saying the 33rd day of the Omer. (The numerical value of the Hebrew letter lamed is 30, and the value of gimel is three; lamed and gimel together are pronounced “lahg.”) In addition to tracking the agricultural cycle, the Omer marks the seven-week period from Passover, which commemorates the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt, to Shavuot, which commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
Counting of the Omer: Blessings for Each Day
The period between Passover and Shavuot is called the “Counting of the Omer” ( Sefirat Ha'omer).
Purim: History
The story of Purim is found in the Book of Esther, one of the books in the Ketuvim (Writings) section of the Bible. It is set in the land of Persia (current day Iran) at the time when Ahashverosh was king. King Ahashverosh held a banquet in the capital city of Shushan and ordered his queen, Vashti, to come and dance before his guests. She refused to appear and lost her royal position.