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Why Jews Put Stones on Graves

Although the custom of placing them on a grave probably draws upon pagan customs, the stones also symbolize the permanence of memory.

Jews' close connection to healing, both as patients and physicians, is ancient and rooted in both theology and history.

An act of will is required to turn our thoughts back to the sacred after a bodily event has focused our attention on the very physical here-and-now.

In the Middle Ages, a Jewish woman's social well-being was considered important, but her life was strictly guided by Jewish law.

Considering the role of gender in producing knowledge about Judaism.

Traditional Judaism can--and should--embrace feminism to allow for greater equality in Jewish religious life.

Over time the rabbis increased the wife's power in a marriage, yet maintained the absolute right of the husband to grant a divorce.

Biblical divorce law provided some protection for women by setting limits on a man's absolute power to divorce.

Divorce is meant to take care of the wife. But occasionally, a husband will manipulate the system.

Either the groom or the couple is called up to the Torah for an aliyah on the Sabbath before their wedding.

Following shiva, the sheloshim period of less intensive mourning lasts until the 30th day after the funeral.

Judaism's openness to newcomers has varied, depending on how strong and self-confident Jews have felt.