Category Archives: Prayers and Rituals
White for Yom Kippur
A link to the question of the week – why wear white and sneakers on Yom Kippur.
Get Ready for Sukkot
Right after Yom Kippur we start building our Sukkah! Sukkoth begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Tishri, which is 5 days after Yom Kippur. The festival of Sukkot, also known as Chag’ha Succot, the “Feast of Booths” … Continue reading
Havdalah
Havdalah is a ceremony to mark the end of Shabbat! The name havdalah comes from the Hebrew word l’havdeel, which means to distinguish or separate. Havdalah is a ceremony that separates the Sabbath day and the secular work week. It is … Continue reading
Hagbah
Some people point their little finger at the Torah when it is held up after reading so the whole congregation can see. One explaination of this tradition is: Rabbi Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg, shlita,gave the following explanation: The Torah lists the … Continue reading
The Shabbat Service
The Sabbath Service Friday Night The Service begins in song. Everyone is encouraged to join in the songs… most of the words are transliterated in the prayer book. BARECHU The beginning prayer to set the mood. The leader asks … Continue reading
Blessings for Various Occasions
On seeing Lightning and other natural wonders Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam oseh ma’aseh vereshit. We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe, Source of creation and its wonders. Upon recovery from serious illness or upon escape from … Continue reading
The Shema
Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad. Hear Oh Israel, Adonai our God, Adonai is One. “The watchword of our faith” transcends the literal translation to become an all encompassing prayer of spirituality, comfort, hope and gratitude. The V’ahavta reminds us … Continue reading
