With Hanukkah less than a month away – starting this year at sundown on Sunday, December 14, 2025 – there’s no better time to rediscover the incredible story behind the holiday! Every year when we light the Hanukkah menorah, we’re commemorating one of the most inspiring stories of courage and faith in Jewish history. But […]
If you’ve ever wondered why some menorahs have seven branches while others have nine, you’re not alone – it’s one of the most common questions we get from our readers, especially around Hanukkah time! The answer takes us on a journey from the ancient Temple in Jerusalem to your modern Hanukkah celebration, revealing how two […]
Hanukkah has become known for gift-giving around the world, and it’s many Jews’ favorite holiday tradition today. With the Festival of Lights coming up soon and taking place from December 14th through December 22nd, now’s the perfect time to learn how Hanukkah became the ultimate Jewish holiday for giving gifts! Where exactly does this custom […]
The Lion of Judah, or אריה יהודה, Aryeh Yehudah in Hebrew, is a powerful and ancient Jewish symbol. It represents the Tribe of Judah, Jerusalem, and the Jewish people. Read on to learn more about where it came from, as well as its deeper significance both historically and today! A depiction on a synagogue […]
If you’re an English speaker, you’ve probably heard or used these popular sayings and idioms. But did you know that they all originate from our most holy Jewish text? Check out some of the most commonly used phrases from the Hebrew Bible, or Tanach, along with their original context. And take a moment to take […]
From exquisite Judaica to meaningful jewelry and Jewish art, Israeli artists are keeping centuries-old traditions alive through handmade craftsmanship. This week, we’re spotlighting 5 exceptional creators whose works connect you to the Land of Israel and make unforgettable gifts for every occasion!
After the intensity of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, it’s time for the joyous holiday of Sukkot! For 7 days in Israel or 8 in the diaspora, we relax in beautifully decorated Sukkahs, shake our Lulavs and Etrogs, and eat delicious meals outdoors under the stars and sky. Arriving in the early fall when […]
Looking for meaningful ways to stand with Israel and the Jewish people at this critical moment? Nearly two years have passed since the horrific October 7, 2023 massacre, and Israel is still fighting a difficult multi-front war against Hamas, Iran, and other enemies sworn to its destruction. At the same time, Jews around the world […]
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the Jewish year: a time of reflection, forgiveness, and renewal. In 2025, it begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 1, and lasts through the following evening. Marked by fasting, prayer, and other austere restrictions, Yom Kippur is often seen as solemn, yet it also […]
The Jewish calendar is unlike any other. While most of the world runs on the Gregorian solar calendar, Jewish life follows a unique lunar-solar system that has guided Jewish holidays, rituals, and traditions for thousands of years. That’s why the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, falls in September or October (in 2025 occurring September 22-24) […]
Rosh Hashanah is one of the most beloved Jewish holidays, celebrated by communities everywhere with prayers, festive meals, and hopes for a sweet new year. While many American Jews are most familiar with apples dipped in honey, round challah, and the sound of the ram’s horn shofar, Jewish communities across the world bring their own […]
Why Do Jews Eat Apples and Honey on Rosh Hashanah? Honey is one of the central foods enjoyed by the Jewish people during Rosh Hashanah. Popularly incorporated into cakes, cookies, meat glazes, challah, and other foods, honey is also enjoyed on its own with apples throughout the High Holidays. Honey has become an iconic symbol […]
Rosh Hashanah, also known as the Jewish New Year, is a two-day holiday, which this year will occur from sundown on Monday, September 22nd, till sundown on Wednesday, September 24th. The holiday is traditionally marked with festive meals with friends and family, which include various symbolic foods to symbolize a wish for a sweet and […]
