The Jews of Kaifeng: China’s Only Native Jewish Community
Tolerance and assimilation led to the near-disappearance of a Chinese Jewish community over 1,000 years old.
What Are Kohanim, or Jewish ‘Priests’?
Descendants of the biblical figure Aaron, kohanim enjoy special privileges.
Ask the Expert: Sitting With the Dead
The practice of shmirah ensures a body is never left alone before burial.
The Story of “Oy Vey”
Half Hebrew, half Aramaic, this classic lament is all Jewish.
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
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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:
Was Noah Just God’s Favorite?
With humanity all but destroyed, depictions of Noah emerge and diverge.
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.
MORE from MY JEWISH LEARNING
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.
