Jewish Rituals and Symbols

I plan to attend Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur services this year for the first time. Will I be expected to donate money during the service, like in a church service? If so, what’s the "right” amount?

You will not be expected to give money during the Rosh HaShanah or Yom Kippur services. In fact, it is customary to not exchange money on Shabbat or major Jewish holidays.

Jewish Rituals and Symbols

Are we supposed to touch the mezuzah when we enter the room? What can we do for those who can’t reach the mezuzah?

Rabbi Joseph B. Meszler

How do we enable a person who uses a wheelchair to show their reverence and gratitude by kissing the mezuzah and show their feelings like Jacob?

B'reishit

6 Things to Know About Sh'mini Atzeret and Simchat Torah

Jane E. Herman

Just as Sukkot ends, Reform Jews enjoy the two-in-one-day holiday of Sh’mini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Here are six things to know about this celebration.

Hanukkah

Does a menorah have to have a specific design?

Rabbi Julie Zupan

I want to make a menorah as a gift for a good friend of mine. If, due to design constraints, I cannot make the candle holders vertically uniform, would that be an issue?

Jewish Rituals and Symbols

What are sufganiyot?

Sufganiyot are donuts, usually jelly-filled, that commemorate the miracle associated with the oil that burned for eight days in the Hanukkah story. Foods cooked in oil are traditionally eaten during Hanukkah. Watch this Bimbam video to learn more: