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Before the Wedding
Aufruf is a German word meaning "calling up" and refers to a synagogue celebration.
What You'll Need at a Jewish Wedding
Flowers? Check. Band? Check. Now learn about the chuppah, ketubah, and rings that you will need for your wedding.
Planning Your Jewish (or Jew-ish) Wedding
Selecting a date and venue, choosing your officiant, and what to expect during pre-marital meetings with your officiant.
A Brief History of Marriage
Although no wedding ceremony is described in the Torah, the institution of marriage began with Adam and Eve. The Book of Genesis portrays God as saying: "It is not good that man should be alone-I will make him a helpmate" (Genesis 2:18).
History: The Hanukkah Story
Although according to Jewish custom Hanukkah is considered a “minor” Jewish festival, today it ranks—along with Passover and Purim—as one of the most beloved Jewish holidays, full of light and joy and family celebration.
Hanukkah: Customs and Rituals
Learn about the music, rituals, and food associated with the celebration of Hanukkah.
Ner Shel Tzedakah: Candle of Righteousness
Hanukkah can be a time for us to rededicate ourselves to the Jewish value of tikkun olam, repair of the world.
Tu BiShvat: Customs and Rituals
The Jewish mystics of the 17th century, the Kabbalists, created a special ritual—modeled after the Passover seder—to celebrate God's presence in nature. Today in modern Israel, Tu BiShvat has become a national holiday, a tree planting festivaTu BiShvat is not mentioned in the Torah. Scholars believe the holiday was originally an agricultural festival, corresponding to the beginning of spring in Israel. But a critical historical event helped Tu BiShvat evolve from a simple celebration of spring to a commemoration of our connection to the land of Israel. After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 C.E. and the exile that followed, many of the exiled Jews felt a need to bind themselves symbolically to their former homeland. Tu BiShvat served in part to fill that spiritual need. Jews used this time each year to eat a variety of fruits and nuts that could be obtained from Israel. The practice, a sort of physical association with the land, continued for many centuries.l for both Israelis and Jews throughout the world
B'rit Bat: Ceremony for Welcoming a Baby Girl
Originally, Judaism had no special home celebration to welcome female infants into the covenant.