Jewish Life
How to Bake Sufganiyot for Hanukkah
Together with latkes and rugelach, sufganiyot is a favorite Hanukkah treat. Sufganiyots, also known as Hanukkah jelly doughnuts are usually ball-shaped and are deep fried then filled with either jelly or custard. This doughnut is topped with confectioners sugar or cinnamon. Many bakeries sell sufganiyots but nothing beats a fresh homemade sufganiyot for Hanukkah. Here’s how:Mix the dry ingredients first: 1 pack of dry yeast, ...
Read MoreHow to Play the Shofar
A Shofar is a ram’s horn traditionally played on the month of Elul (last month in the Hebrew calendar) and on the first ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Shofar is blown in synagogues to indicate the end of the Yom Kippur fast and in four occasions in the prayers of Rosh Hashanah. The sound of the shofar is said ...
Read MoreHow to Act Properly When Attending a Jewish Wedding
Jewish weddings are typically full of rituals representing the importance of the relationship of husband and wife and their obligations to a Jewish lifestyle. As a guest, it is of much importance to understand the basics of Jewish weddings and to behave properly. I have listed below some tips on how to act appropriately when attending a Jewish wedding.Observe proper dress code. Most ...
Read MoreHow to Bake Kugel (Jewish Noodle Pudding) for Shabbat
The Jewish Noodle Pudding, also known as Kugel is an absolute favorite during Jewish celebrations. It is usually made from egg noodles and potatoes although some variations are made from spinach, broccoli, cranberry or apples. Kugel is usually served as a side dish during Shabbat.Boil 1/2 bag of egg noodles until tender. Drain the noodles and set aside.Preheat the oven to 350 ...
Read MoreHow to Make a Jewish Beef Brisket
Jews love brisket. Brisket is a favorite entree in many Jewish holiday meals. In traditional Jewish cooking, brisket is prepared as a pot roast. Here are some tips in preparing a Jewish brisket.Choose a good quality of brisket. Brisket is a meat cut from the lower chest or breast. The term ‘brisket’ refers to beef or veal. A good brisket ...
Read MoreGreeting Jewish Family and Friends on Passover
Passover is a widely celebrated Jewish holiday. It is a holy day commemorating the story of Exodus in which ancient Jews were freed from Egypt. A seder is a part of the celebration. The Passover Seder is when the family gathers together and enjoy a festive meal. It is also a great time to catch up and greet friends and relatives. Here ...
Read MoreHow to Make Matzo (Unleavened Bread) for Passover Seder
It is customary to serve Matzo (cracker-like unleavened bread) during Passover Seder. Matzo is the substitute for leavened bread during Passover. Eating chametz (leavened products) are prohibited during this Jewish holiday. Matzo is eaten during Passover to commemorate the ancient Jews exodus from Egypt. Matzo is a symbol of redemption and freedom and serves as a reminder of our humility to God. ...
Read MoreThings to Consider When Planning for a Jewish Wedding
Planning for a Jewsih wedding can be exciting and stressful at the same time. Aside from the usual wedding details, the bride and groom need to consider important factors with regard to the wedding ceremony. Whether you’re planning for an Orthodox, Conservative or Reform wedding, the list below will help you plan for a beautiful and meaningful Jewish wedding.Choose your ...
Read MoreHow to Observe Passover
Passover is one of the most important Jewish holidays. It is during this time of the year that we celebrate the freedom that God gave to ancient Jews from slavery in Egypt through the prophet Moses. Passover starts at sundown on the 15th of Nisan and ends on the 22nd. It is an eight days celebration but is celebrated for seven days ...
Read MoreHow to Organize a Tu Bishvat Seder
A Tu Bishvat Seder is a fun way to celebrate Tu Bishvat. This is similar to the Pesach (Passover) Seder. This tradition started during the Middle Ages. The concept of Tu Bishvat Seder is to eat ten specific fruits and to drink four specific cup of wines in a particular order. Tu Bishvat is a celebration of the trees and ...
Read MoreBecoming a Mohel
A Mohel is a Jewish person trained to perform the mitzvah of Brit Milah. Becoming a Mohel is a serious job. There is a shortage of trained and qualified Mohelim around the world. To become a Mohel, you need to undergo both religious and surgical trainings.Get a medical training relevant to performing circumcision.File your application at the Berit Milah Board ...
Read MoreNetilat Yadayim – The Jewish Ceremonial Washing of the Hands
Netilat Yadayim is a traditional washing of the hands with a cup. This practice is commonly observed in Orthodox Judaism. Netilat Yadayim is usually done upon rising in the morning and before eating challah.Netilat Yadayim is a ceremonial cleansing. Your hands should already be clean before doing this ritual.Fill a large cup with water and pour water twice on each ...
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