What Ruth Can Teach Us About Celebrating Shavuot
The Jewish people accepted the Torah in fear of God's overwhelming power. Ruth accepted it out of love and loyalty.
Shavuot 101
Shavuot commemorates the spring harvest and the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.
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Nine Words That You Didn’t Know Come From Aramaic
You might be surprised to discover that you speak a few words of Aramaic and you didn't know it.
Maimonides’ Medical Writings
Considered by many to be the most influential Jewish thinker of all time, Moses Maimonides inspired passionate followers and equally ...
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Understand the Roots and Reach of Anti-Semitism
Anti-Semitism has been described as the world’s oldest hatred. Take a deep dive into the roots and reach of anti-Semitism, ...
Sign Up For “There Was None Like Maimonides”: A Look At the Legendary Jewish Thinker
“From Moses to Moses, there arose none like Moses.” So reads the inscription on the gravestone of Rabbi Moses ben ...
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Get to know fascinating personalities from the Jewish Bible, and learn how you can be like them. Take a deep ...
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Summary
In the Torah portion Behar, God describes the laws surrounding resting the land and crops every seven years, as well as the Jubilee year every 50 years. God permits the use of slaves but provides stipulations including the obligation to eventually free your slaves. In Bechukotai, God tells the people of Israel that if they follow God’s commandments, they will be provided with rain to feed their crops. God then describes the long list of punishments that will be inflicted on the Israelites if they do not follow God’s laws.
Featured Commentary
Parashat Behar-Bechukotai: The Dark Side of Torah Ethics
Engaging with difficult passages in the Torah requires sitting with complexity and tension.
Videos
Why Do Jews Put Stones on Graves?
Learn the reasons for this distinctive mourning practice.
Tallit (The Prayer Shawl)
The corner fringes on this ritual garment remind the wearer of all the commandments in the Torah.
Recipes
Koofteh (Persian Meatballs) in Tomato Turmeric Broth Recipe
Koofteh are Persian meatballs with many different variations, including lima beans or meatballs mixed with only rice, or in this ...
How to Make Perfect Cheesecake 5 Ways
Cheesecake is the iconic Shavuot dessert, as sacrosanct as a Hanukkah latke or Passover matzah ball.
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Ritual Objects in the Jerusalem Temple
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Why some synagogues use paper-cuts as decorations, how Israelis celebrate with water, and other lesser-known facts about this springtime holiday.
Guide to the Synagogue Sanctuary, From Ark to Yad
An introduction to the parts that make up a synagogue sanctuary.
Shiva: What You Need to Know
Questions and answers about traditions for the seven-day Jewish mourning period.