My loved one has died during this time of pandemic. What mourning rituals can we do from home?
“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 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.
I have a chai pendant that I love because it was a bat mitzvah gift. But what does “chai” mean and why is it such a popular Jewish symbol?
What does chai mean, and why is it such an important Jewish symbol?
Why do some Jews say “l'chayim” when making a toast? What does the word actually mean?
“L'chayim,” means “to life,” and is a classic Jewish toast.
Why do Jews give gifts and charitable donations in multiples of 18?
What is the significance of the number 18 in Judaism?
What is a Hamsa? Is it a Jewish Symbol, a Middle Eastern Symbol, or Something Else?
The hamsa is a palm-shaped symbol historically used by both Jews and Muslims in Arab countries as an amulet to ward off evil forces, particularly the “evil eye.”
How Are Hebrew Names Formatted?
We talk about the customary format for Jewish or Hebrew names, plus options for individuals who do not use gendered designations.
What is an appropriate honorarium for the rabbi or cantor who performs our wedding?
Wedding honoraria vary widely by geography and circumstance, so it’s not possible to give a definitive answer.
What if my ketubah witnesses don’t know how to sign their names in Hebrew?
If your witnesses aren’t comfortable writing in Hebrew, consult your officiating rabbi or cantor for their practices and preferences