Articles on Judaism and Jewish Practice

For many, the tallit often referred to as a prayer shawl is one of the iconic symbols of religious Jews. The purpose of the tallit, however is often misunderstood. The principal purpose or function of the tallit is to serve as the the four corners from which to hang the tzitzit (the fringes) in compliance with the Torah’s prescription in Bamidbar (Numbers. 15:37-40).

Bar and Bat Mitzvah

Jewish texts from the time of the codification of the Mishnah (circa 200 CE) convey the idea that along with puberty comes responsibility for one's own actions. This responsibility for personal actions and more importantly adherence and fidelity to the covenant of Torah is generally applicable to girls at age twelve and boys at thirteen.

The History of the Hebrew Language

The Hebrew language is spoken by more than six million people primarily in the state of Israel. It is also spoken by Jewish communities around the world and by expatriate Israeli communities in varying levels of proficiency in the form of liturgy as well as in its conversational form.

Tips for Learning Modern Hebrew

While modern Hebrew is somewhat different than the historical language known to many as the language of the Hebrew Bible, learning Hebrew means you will be learning a language that has been used since Biblical times.

Jewish Interpretation of the Bible

One of the principal concerns of classical Jewish thought is the importance of biblical texts and their interpretation. Another focal concern of classical Judaism is the implementation and application of "halakhah" (Jewish Law) as derived from biblical and rabbinic sources.

Kabbalah and the Divine Names of God

In the Kabbalah, the divine name of God in Hebrew written in four Hebrew characters YHVH, represents the concept of Midat HaRachamim ( God’s Attributes of Mercy). In contrast, the more generic name used, Elokim represents, Midat HaDin( the Divine Attribute of Justice). In the first chapter of the book of Genesis, the name Elokim is exclusively used.

Jewish Identity during the Biblical Era

The Bible never mentions the subject of Jewish identity as directly as later Jewish texts do.It only addresses it circuitously. The patriarch Abraham for example, the founder of Biblical faith, does not appear until the end of chapter eleven in the book of Genesis; interestingly, yet others with a relationship with God are mentioned before his appearance.

Hebrew Resources