Beliefs & Practices

Beliefs & Practices

Must a Jew Believe in God?

The centrality of God in Judaism may not be as straightforward as you think.

Beliefs & Practices

Mitzvah: A Commandment

There are 613, not just 10, commandments, or mitzvot.

Keeping Kosher

Kosher Food: What Makes Food Kosher or Not

The word "kosher" literally means "fit" or "appropriate."

Jewish Perspectives on End-of-Life Care

Jewish approaches to medical decision-making for the terminally ill.

What Do Jews Believe About Jesus?

How Judaism regards the man Christians revere as the messiah.

Why Do So Many Orthodox Men Have Beards?

The Jewish reasons for facial hair, including sidelocks (payot).

The Prohibition Against Studying Torah on Tisha B’Av

Why would learning sacred Jewish texts be forbidden on this day of fasting and mourning?

Did God Write the Torah — and Does it Matter?

For many Jews, the Torah's authority does not derive from being a divine document.

When Do Jews Fast?

In addition to Yom Kippur, there are many public and private fasts in Judaism.

What Is the Meaning of Chai?

The Hebrew word for life is a popular symbol and toast — and is linked to the number 18.

A Guide to Jewish Acronyms and Abbreviations

Common Hebrew (and Aramaic) shorthand translated and explained.

Why Jews Read Torah on a Yearly Cycle

The history of the weekly portion — and the different schedules on which it's done.

Can A Jew Get Body Piercings?

While most Jewish authorities believe ear piercing is fine, the matter grows somewhat more complex with other body parts.

What Is the Torah Portion?

How the Five Books of Moses are divided up into weekly portions.

Jewish Ritual Objects: A Guide

From challah covers to yahrzeit candles, what they are used for, how they look and where you can find them.