If One Member of a Couple is Jewish, but the Other Isn't, is Their Child Considered Jewish by the Reform Movement?
Historically, since the Rabbinic period (post 70 CE), Jewish status was passed down by the mother.
Is quinoa kosher for Passover?
Quinoa, a grain-like crop grown in South America, is not one of the grains considered chametz (wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt, or their derivatives). Some medieval Ashkenazi rabbis ruled that kitniyot (legumes) could not be eaten during Passover because they could be confused with chametz products. Some authorities consider quinoa to be kitniyot, while others do not.
Do Jews celebrate Valentine’s Day? Is there a Jewish holiday similar to Valentine's Day?
The origins of Valentine’s Day are linked to a saint, though, the connections are dubious and even the Catholic Church has removed Valentine's Day from the church calendar.
What is a Ketubah?
Ketubah means “written” and has come to refer to the Jewish marriage contract. An ancient document, the ketubah represented an advancement in women’s status by protecting the rights of the bride.
Why do some Jews write "G-d" instead of "God"?
Writing "G-d" instead of God is a fairly recent custom in America. Here are its origins.
Where Did The Purim Carnival Come From?
Though Purim is a minor holiday on the Jewish calendar, it is widely observed and a favorite of children.
What is the Reform position on clergy officiating at the wedding of a Jew to a person brought up in a different faith?
I’m Jewish and my partner is not. We’d like to have a Jewish wedding and plan to raise a Jewish family. Will a Reform rabbi or cantor officiate at our wedding?
Do Reform Jews Believe in the Messiah?
In the Jewish prayer book, the siddur, there are references to an “end of days”: the Temple in Jerusalem will be rebuilt, the dead who were righteous will be resurrected, and a figure known as the Messiah, or in Hebrew the Moshiach, will restore Israel to new-found glory.
Is it Jewishly permissible for us to bury our beloved pet with my late mother? The dog meant a lot to her.
There are Jewish practices that can support those who experience the loss of pet.
I'm preparing to make aliyah (move to Israel) and was surprised to read that I need to present a "Jewish certificate." I’ve been Jewish my entire life, but I’ve never heard of a certificate that proves it! How do I obtain that?
Your first step should be to approach the organization Nefesh B'Nefesh, which works with the Israeli government and The Jewish Agency for Israel to “remove or minimize the financial, professional, logistical and social obstacles of aliyah and the move to Israel.” They will walk you through the process.