Judaism

Shabbat

(also: shabbes; shabbas) Shabbat or sabbath is the day of rest, the seventh day, recalling the Biblical creation narrative in which God rested from the labors of creation on the seventh day. In the Jewish tradition, the Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday and runs through sundown on Saturday. For observant Jews it is a day of family and communal worship, study, and rest from labor, following the commandment found in Exodus (Shmot) 20:8-10. “Six days you shall labor, and do all your work; but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; on it you shall not do any work.” Christians... Read more about Shabbat

covenant

A covenant (or brit) is a mutual promise or compact between two parties. In the Jewish and Christian traditions, covenant is of deep significance in describing the mutual relationship of God and the people of faith. The major covenants in Jewish scriptures are God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15) and the Sinai/Moses covenant (Exodus 19-24) between God and Israel. For Jews, the covenant is an eternal bond between God and the people of Israel grounded in God’s gracious and steadfast concern, and calling for obedience to the divine commandments (mitzvot) and instruction (... Read more about covenant

Joshua

Joshua was the leader Moses appointed to succeed him after his death, laying his hands upon Joshua and committing to him the leadership of the people of Israel. According to biblical history, Joshua led the Israelites, who had been tested for forty years in the desert, across the River Jordan and into the promised land of Israel.

Reform Judaism

Reform Judaism is one of the major modern Jewish movements, originating in 19th century Europe and coming to flower in the United States. It emphasizes the legitimacy of change, the commanding importance of ethical monotheism, and the liberal Jewish commitment to ethical teachings above ritual observances. The central academic institution of American Reform Judaism is the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, and it is institutionally represented by the Central Conference of American Rabbis.

cantor

In Judaism, a cantor or hazzan/chazzan is one who recites, chants, or sings prayers or liturgical passages in the synagogue.

Isaiah

Isaiah was an 8th century BCE Hebrew prophet whose spiritual vision is recorded in the biblical book of Isaiah, although part of the book (usually said to be ch. 40-55) is commonly held to have been written by a second author of the 6th century BCE, referred to as Deutero-Isaiah.

rabbi

Rabbi means “my master,” an authorized teacher or master of the Torah and the classical Jewish tradition. After the fall of the second Temple in 70 CE and the scattering of the Jewish people in exile, the role of the rabbi became very important in gathering the people, teaching the tradition, and passing the lamp of learning from generation to generation.

Yiddish

Yiddish is the language of Ashkenazi or Eastern European Jews, based primarily on German with words taken from Hebrew and many Slavic languages, and written in the Hebrew alphabet.

On the eve of Rosh Hashana, fewer are paying for High Holy Day seats

September 27, 2019
Congregation B’nai Amoona in St. Louis is expecting some 3,000 people for Rosh Hashana services next week, and the 137-year-old congregation, which prides itself on inclusion, wants to be welcoming. The building is fully accessible to people with disabilities. It has a wheelchair ramp leading up to the bimah, or sanctuary stage, and Bluetooth headsets for the hearing impaired. This year, it’s also taking another step toward inclusion. For the first time anyone can remember, nonmembers will not be required to buy tickets for High Holy Day services. Source: ... Read more about On the eve of Rosh Hashana, fewer are paying for High Holy Day seats

For synagogues, High Holidays welcome is complicated by security needs

September 27, 2019
On a Friday night not long after 11 people were killed by a gunman at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh last October, Edmund Case was standing in the entryway of Temple Shalom in Newton, Massachusetts, having volunteered to act as an usher for that night’s services. A man Case didn’t know, and whose look struck Case as “off,” entered the building and asked, “Could I look around?” Internally, Case felt a zing of alarm. “Why would someone come on a Friday night and want to look around?” he thought. The man turned out to be new to town and looking for a synagogue to join. For Case, the... Read more about For synagogues, High Holidays welcome is complicated by security needs

Who is a Jew?

Who is a Jew?The question “Who is a Jew?” is complicated in the United States. Traditionally, Jewish identity was determined by matrilineal religious commitments. However, the major Jewish denominations vary in whom they consider Jewish. Even further, new Jewish movements like Jewish Renewal and Jews for Jesus have expanded and complicated the definition of Judaism itself.... Read more about Who is a Jew?

American Jews and Israel

American Jews and IsraelParticularly after the Six Day War in 1967, many American Jews have felt a strong religious and political obligation to support Israel. However, since Israel has become more secure and powerful, and tension with Palestinians has increased, some American Jews have tempered their support for Israel.... Read more about American Jews and Israel

Facing Antisemitism

Facing AntisemitismJews disagree on the extent to which antisemitism has existed and currently persists in the United States. Nevertheless, nearly all Jews hold the Holocaust as a definitive event in Jewish history, requiring memorialization and remembrance.... Read more about Facing Antisemitism

Politics: The Liberal Tradition

Politics: The Liberal TraditionAmerican Jews have, for all of American history, tended to be politically liberal. Possible reasons for this trend are found in biblical sources, historical factors, and immigration trends. This liberalism has led to strong Jewish support for religious freedom, progressive economic policies, and social justice.... Read more about Politics: The Liberal Tradition

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