Author Archives: Lisa Weinberger

The Western Wall

The Western Wall or the Kotel is the wall which remains standing in the Old City of Jerusalem. The wall is the only standing structure from the destruction of the second temple (Temple Mount) and has stayed fully together since 70 C.E. The Kotel is considered the holiest spot in all of Israel. Jews will go and pray at the wall all of hours of the day and night. At the wall, there is a divider which separates the men from the women while praying. Besides going to the Wall to daven or pray, many people will go to the … Continue reading →

Birthright Israel

For young Jewish adults between the ages of 18 to 26, the organization of Birthright Israel gives them the opportunity to visit Israel for free. The program is considered a combined gift from the local Jewish Federations and communities throughout the United Jewish Communities, Keren Hayesod and The Jewish Agency for Israel. What is the big deal about going to Israel? Because Judaism is such a historic culture, thousands of people visit each year. Many who visits decide to stay and make aliyah (to become an official Israeli citizen). Birthright is a 10 day program allowing individuals to explore Israel … Continue reading →

The Internet and Judaism

In my full time job, I am on the internet close to 18 hours per day conducting research for my copywriting business. Through my searching, I stumble upon many interesting and disturbing websites. Have you ever typed in the word Jew or Judaism and seen the search results which appear? For a person trying to look up information about the Jewish religion, they may have to really take a closer look. Without promoting any of these websites, many of the sites which appear are Anti-Semitic sites, claiming to give real researched information. It is quite disturbing to still encounter this … Continue reading →

Conversational Hebrew vs Traditional Hebrew

The Hebrew Alphabet or Alef-Bet is one of the hardest languages to understand for an English speaker and reader when they first begin. The frustrations can sometimes be so overwhelming, the child or adult, will just throw their hands up in the air and say, “Forget it!” For children at a young age, around 3 years old, are exposed to any different language, they tend to pick it up quite easily. At least, the conversational part of the language but what happens when they have to learn the Hebrew letters and vowels and then try to put them all together? … Continue reading →

Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jews

If you have ever heard of these two words when speaking about Judaism, Ashkenazic and Sephardic, but were never quite sure what they meant, this will be a simple explanation. Ashkenazic Jews are the Jewish people and ancestors who came from France, Germany, Russia, and Eastern Europe. Sephardic Jews are the Jewish people who came from Spain, Portugal, North Africa and the Middle East. Sephardic Jews are often subdivided into Sephardim, from Spain and Portugal, and Mizrachim, from the Northern Africa and the Middle East. Ashkenazic Jews have certain customs and traditions that are different from Sephardic Jews. For example, … Continue reading →

Rabbi and Cantor

For first time temple goers, many may have questions regarding the set up of the Jewish religion and prayer services. Most synagogues or temples will have a Rabbi and a Cantor to lead prayer services. The word Rabbi means teacher. A Rabbi is considered the leader of a Jewish community and looked upon for advice, console, and can perform many rituals and customs like baby naming, B’nai Mitzvot, or a Marriage ceremony. A Rabbi is simply a teacher, a person who decided they wanted to become educated in Jewish law or halakhah. With their studies, Rabbi’s also study and practice … Continue reading →

Yom Hazikaron / Yom Hashoah

On the 4th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar, is a day of remembrance for all the fallen. The name of this day is called Yom Hazikaron or “The Day of Remembrance.” This day can be considered in the American calendar as Veterans Day. Another day, which comes before, is called Yom Hashoah or Holocaust Remembrance Day on the 27th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan or this year April 25th. This holiday comes 7 days after the 7th day of Passover and a week before Yom Hazikaron. This day has been set to remind us to never … Continue reading →

Visiting Israel for the First Time

Growing up, I remember friends asking me about my family background; where did my ancestors come from and the countries. I remember my answer was, “I am Jewish.” My friends would always be confused as being Jewish was my religion, or so we thought. As I became older, I found I was not the only one who would answer this question this way and began realizing that the religion I was brought up in was Judaism but the ethnic and cultural background had a lot to do with being a practicing Jew. For Jewish people, besides the religion of Judaism, … Continue reading →

Why do I have to go to Hebrew School?

Ahhhhh, the famous question that is asked to parents at least once a week! “Why do I have to go to Hebrew School? My friends don’t have to go and learn another language and study for hours, so why do I have to go?” This is a question which has plagued Jewish families from the existence of Hebrew School time. Some answers which sound good to adults but not to children can be: “You need to learn about your religion and where you come from.” (Yea, while the child is rolling their eyes) “Because I said so.” (Never a good … Continue reading →

What is a Kippah?

A Kippah or yarmulke is a head covering worn by Jewish men. Some men will wear their kippah all the time while other Jewish men will only wear one while at synagogue or a special occasion which shows respect toward the host and occasion like a Shabbat lunch or a Passover Seder. Wearing a kippah is said to be a reminder of G-d or the higher being. According to Exodus 28:4, wearing a kippah in temple is required. The Code of Jewish Law also states that a head covering should be worn always in public. Obviously there are certain times … Continue reading →