What Is A Hamsa?
Although it may derive from Islamic or pagan culture, the hamsa today has become a Jewish and Israeli symbol.
How to Acquire the Right Mental State for Prayer
The pursuit of proper kavanah, the Hebrew term for directed attention, has long concerned Jewish thinkers.
Shehechiyanu: A Meditation on this Moment
This blessing, traditionally recited for firsts, can be said anytime — since every moment is new and unprecedented.
Birkat Hagomel, a Jewish Prayer of Gratitude
A prayer said after recovering from a serious illness or surviving a dangerous journey.
Shalom: Peace in Hebrew
Along with truth and justice, peace is among the most hallowed Jewish values.
Next Torah Portion
Summary
In this Torah portion, God punishes the wicked in the world by causing a giant flood. God saves Noah and his family, who will repopulate the world. We are also introduced to Abram and his wife, Sarai.
Featured Commentary
Parashat Noach: How Societies Collapse
The story of the flood is an object lesson in the kinds of crimes that pose existential social threats.
Kaddish Minyan With Rabbi Rachel Isaacs (Mondays)
Hosted by: My Jewish Learning
Daf Yomi
A global project of Talmud study, Daf Yomi covers the entire 2,711 pages of the Talmud in 7.5 years of daily study. Click below to join by signing up for our Daily Dose of Talmud newsletter and to see our most recent Daf Yomi essays.
STUDY RESOURCES
Recharge Now
Our weekly Shabbat newsletter, Recharge, features a thoughtful, timely essay to enrich your Shabbat. Here are a few of our recent pieces:
Creation Is Ongoing, and Everyone Has a Role To Play
When life unravels, imagination is what’s needed.
Shared Space Means Shared Responsibility
We can’t assume that someone else will fix what’s broken.
We Evolve. So Does God.
The mystics saw the days following Yom Kippur as a period when the crowning heights of the Day of Atonement descend to the earthly realm.
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Ask the Expert: Blue Strings On Tzitzit
Why do some Jews wear tzitzit woven with a blue string?
Conspiracy Theories and the Jews
From medieval blood libels to the attacks of September 11, Jews have been a favorite subject for conspiracists.
What Judaism Says About Reincarnation
The notion that souls can be reborn after death figures prominently in Jewish mysticism.
Shabbat Blessings for Friday Night
Lighting the candles, saying Kiddush and other Shabbat dinner rituals.
