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A bris, a Jewish ritual circumcision, part of the lifecycle.

LIFECYCLE RITUAL: Marking Life Changes

Though Judaism has long focused on rituals for major life events like birth, marriage, and death, contemporary communities have developed both public and private ways of acknowledging other major lifecycle events, from miscarriages to leaving for college to healing from abuse.

LATEST ARTICLES: JEWISH LIFE

  • Mixed Dancing

    Jewish men and women didn't always dance together. Some of them still don't.

  • Ending Shiva

    Getting up and walking around the block marks the end of a week of mourning.

  • Shabbat Experiences

    A majesty all its own.

  • Chuppah

    A Jewish wedding canopy.

  • Mezuzah

    On the doorposts of houses and rooms.

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    President Obama’s comments on gay marriage provoked much comment and consternation.  In the Jewish world, while one national Democratic leader endorse......

  • The Magic of Summer Camp

    When my ten year old daughter heads to sleep-away camp this summer she will follow a family tradition that began the summer after World War II....

  • Green Apple Blintz

    Blintzes have had a long and happy relationship with Shavuot....

  • Reciprocal Receiving on Rosh Chodesh

    The Western Wall beckoned at the beginning of the new Hebrew month of Kislev, 5760. I was studying at the Conservative Yeshiva for a month and resi......