Bar Mitzvah: A Soulful Transition
The term “Bar Mitzvah” refers to two things: As soon as a Jewish boy turns 13 years old he automatically becomes a “Bar Mitzvah”, and is recognized by Jewish tradition as having the same moral and ethical responsibilities for his decisions and actions as a full grown man. However, the term “Bar Mitzvah” also refers […]
Jewish Wedding Customs and Traditions
A traditional Jewish wedding is a unique and beautiful ceremony full of ancient customs and traditions, symbolizing the new spiritual and physical bond of a husband and wife. Let’s take a look at the main Jewish wedding traditions: The Wedding Day The day before the wedding should ideally be a relaxing and introspective one for […]
Ana Bekoach: The Mystical Prayer
The Ana Bekoach is a mystical prayer written in the 1st century by the great Kabbalist, Rabbi Nehunia Ben Hakannah, (who was also the author of “The Bahir”, one of the most important of all classical kabbalah texts). A prayer for Israel’s redemption from exile, the Ana Bekoach is composed from a unique formula of […]
Shema Yisrael: A Declaration of Faith
Shema Yisrael Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad (“Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One”) (Deuteronomy 6:4) are the first words of the Jewish prayer known as the Shema Yisrael. The most famous of all Jewish sayings, no other prayer defines the essence of Judaism more than the Shema. It is the […]
