The Book of Ruth and the Power of Names
The story of Ruth, read on the holiday of Shavuot, teaches that respect for others begins with recognizing their names.
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 ...
Next Torah Portion
Summary
In this Torah portion, God tells Moses to conduct a census of all the Israelite men over the age of 20. Moses takes up a second census to count all of the Levite men. God gives specific instructions to the Levites about their roles in the Tent of Meeting.
Featured Commentary
Be The Wilderness
With uncertainty comes unparalleled potential for expanding our horizons.
Videos
Why Do Jews Put Stones on Graves?
Learn the reasons for this distinctive mourning practice.
Why Dairy on Shavuot?
A survey of the many explanations given for the tradition of eating milk products.
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.
More From MJL
Ritual Objects in the Jerusalem Temple
Menorah, altar, incense stand, showbread table, and more.
Summary of the Book of Ruth
The Book of Ruth is one of five megillahs that are part of Ketuvim, or Writings, the last third of ...
9 Things You Didn’t Know About Shavuot
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.
What Happens on Shavuot?
Rituals for the holiday of Shavuot, which celebrates the giving of the Torah.