What is Purim and How It is Celebrated by Kids?
Purim is a Holiday that Celebrates the Salvation of Jews in Ancient Persia Purim is one of the most pleasant Jewish holidays. Purim is celebrated on the 14th of Adar, this date More »
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) – A Day of Self Reflection and Repentance
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement is considered to be one of the holiest holidays in the Jewish tradition. Yom Kippur ends the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and More »
So what is the Passover Seder Plate?
The Seder plate is the central object at the Passover table. Since Passover is about commemorating the story of Exodus, many Jewish symbols are used to demonstrate the sufferings of the Israelites More »
Rosh Hashanah – The Jewish New Year and Its Significance
Rosh Hashanah is the holiday that marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Jewish calendar. Rosh Hashanah is the time of the year when we praise the creation of More »
Hanukkah – A celebration of lights!
The fight against oppression The Jewish people have struggled throughout history to preserve their religion as a nation. More than 2000 years ago, king Antiochus, the leader of the Greek Empire, occupied More »
Popular Hebrew Symbols and Meanings
Hebrew symbols have been well-preserved for generations in Jewish history. The use of Jewish and Hebrew symbols has played a momentous part in connecting Jewish populations across the globe.
Most Hebrew symbols are powerfully linked to the Hebrew language and Judaism, and many are exclusive of Judaism (i.e. the Menorah). Several Jewish symbols are prevalent among other cultures too, including the Hamsa hand and the Star of David. Listed are prominent Hebrew symbols in the Jewish culture and their significances.
Hebrew Symbols created from the Hebrew alphabet
The 72 Names of God
Other names of God are written in three letter arrangements and come from the teachings of Kabbalah. These arrangements are known as the 72 names of God and are common in Kabbalah jewelry to draw in powerful energies.
Hebrew Symbols from the bible
Shema Yisrael
The words Shema Israel [שמע ישראל] is one of the most familiar signs for Judaism. The Shema Israel prayer is traditionally adorned on the sanctified document that is positioned in the mezuzah case. The prayer is best known by its first verse, which reads, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.” The belief in one God is the basis of the Jewish religion.
The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments, also known as Decalogue, have become a fundamental moral code in Judaism and Christianity. The Ten Commandments are a list of moral imperatives that were given by God to Moses to convey to the Israelites.
Book of Psalms
Book of Psalms is one of the most holy texts in Judaism and is written as an assortment of sacred songs. Psalms pendants are worn as an asset for blessing and protection.
Chai
A well-known Hebrew symbol is the 2 letter grouping “Chai”(חי). The word “Chai” is Hebrew for life/living. “Chai” equals the number 18 in Gematria, which is a spiritual number in Judaism. Consistent with popular Jewish customs, bonds for Bar mitzvahs and weddings are generally given as multiples of 18. Numerous Jewish people wear Chai pendants for protection.
16th NY Sephardic Jewish Film Festival Brings Award-Winning International Slate to One-of-a-Kind Cultural Event
New York, NY, February 13, 2012 — Free Men, a film by the “best director from the Arab World” (Abu Dhabi Film Festival 2011), is one of a trio of films about Muslim-Jewish connection that will be shown at the 16th New York Sephardic Jewish Film Festival, March 15-22, at the Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16th Street, New York.
The only annual festival of its kind, the New York Sephardic Jewish Film Festival has become one of the largest Sephardic Jewish film festivals in North America, attracting over 30,000 guests in its 15-year history to a major cultural event that calls New York City its home.
Fran Drescher is Back: The Jewish Nanny is Now Happily Divorced
One of the most famous of all Jewish actresses is Fran Drescher. Born Francine Joy Drecsher in 1957, Fran has made a huge splash on both television and the big screen. Her newest television sitcom, Happily Divorced, is based on the true story of her marriage and divorce with Peter Marc Jacobson who came out of the closet after eighteen years of marriage.
The true story behind the show is a touching tribute to true love in its purest form. Even when two people what different things in life does not mean that they are not indeed soul mates. This is one thing that Fran and Peter put out there for their viewers.
What is Purim and How It is Celebrated by Kids?
Purim is a Holiday that Celebrates the Salvation of Jews in Ancient Persia
Purim is one of the most pleasant Jewish holidays. Purim is celebrated on the 14th of Adar, this date is according to the lunar calendar. This year, Purim falls on March 8th 2012, according to the solar calendar.
Story of Purim in Short
In the 4th century, there was a Minister in the Persian Empire named Haman. He hated the Jews and decreed that on the 13th of Adar, all the Jews were to be destroyed.
However, Haman and the King didn’t know that Esther, the young new Queen of Persia, was Jewish. Esther’s uncle Mordechai discovered Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews and told Esther about it.
Top 10 Modern Mezuzah Cases that Make Unique Jewish Gifts
A modern Mezuzah – not what you had in mind!
Modern Judaic artworks make a wonderful source of unique Jewish gifts that carry symbolic significance. Contemporary Jewish artists skillfully deliver an ancient Jewish heritage while adding a modern twist and their own imagination. One of the most popular Judaica objects is the Mezuzah. Online Judaica stores offer you a broad selection of decorative Mezuzah cases to match your personal style. Here I will bring you unique modern Mezuzahs, all handmade in Israel by renowned Israeli artists.
1. Mezuzah Case by Agayof - Agayof has quickly gained a name of himself as one of the most intriguing names in the field of modern Judaica. Made from metal, Agayof’s piece carries the ultimate modern touch. The size is 1 x 6 inches. Find more details at this Judaica Store.
2. Arched Mezuzah by Ester Shahaf- Ester Shahar lives and works in Binyamina, a small and picturesque town in Israel, where she creates her remarkable Judaic artworks. This arched Mezuzah case is one of her most unique art works. The piece is sold by Most Original – Handmade Judaica Online!.
Popular Jewish Charms for Luck and Protection
Jewish charms have been used by Jewish men and women all across the world for many generations. Jewish charms include several prominent motifs that are believed to draw blessing and protection to the bearer. One of the most popular Jewish crams is the Hamsa hand which features many kinds of Jewish jewelry accessories. There is a wide selection of Jewish charms available on the web. Today, contemporary Jewish artists give new interpretations to ancient Jewish charms and turn them into fashionable items that also have symbolic significance. Here we would like to introduce you with several prominent Jewish charms.
Star of David – a famous Jewish symbol and one of the most popular Jewish Charms
The Star of David or Magen David is probably the most significant Jewish symbol and also one of the most popular Jewish charms. Star of David means in Hebrew a shield or protector, which might refers to possible origin of the sign. According to tradition, the six pointed star came from King David’s shield. King David’s shield was used by King David and his warriors in battlefield, leading his army to great victories. The shape of the hexagram is also believed by many cultures to draw positive energies, and sometimes you can see non-Jews who wear Star of David pendants.
To this day, many people believe that wearing the Star of David on one’s neck or wrists draws divine protection to the bearer. The Star of David is also one of the most ancient Jewish charms. Although Star of David has become known in the last century, The use of the Star of David as a protective Jewish charm dates back to as early as the Middle Ages. In many ancient cultures, six or five pointed star has been thought to possess powerful energies and has been used to fight off evil spirits and other negative energies. In the field of Jewish jewelry, Star of David necklaces are common Jewish charms worn by Jewish men and women around the world.
Funny, Smart and Jewish! Interesting Facts about Mayim Bialik
You probably remember Mayim Bialik as Jewish actress for her role as Blossom, a successful sitcom back in the 90s. Mayim Bialik has made a big comeback recently thanks to her role as Amy Farrah Fowler, the female equivalent to Jim Parsons’ Sheldon Cooper on the hit TV series, The Big Bang Theory. Here are some other facts about the actress you may not have known about.
– Mayim Bialik’s grandparents immigrated to the United States in the 1930s from Poland and Czechoslovakia/Hungry. She, herself, was born in San Diego, and raised in Reform Judaism. Mayim Bialik is currently involved in Conservadox Judaism.
Interesting Facts about Mayim Bialik
– Bialik’s given name means “water” in Hebrew.
– Bialik’s first film role was in the horror movie, Pumpkinhead, starring Lance Henriksen. Other early roles included guest spots on the TV show The Facts of Life and Beauty and the Beast.
– Bialik’s first recurring role was three appearances on MacGuyver as the character Lisa Woodman.
Mila Kunis: Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the Jewish Actress
You might know a few things about the Jewish actress Mila Kunis. You know she’s best known for her roles as Jackie Burkhart on That ‘70s Show, and as the voice of Meg Griffin on Family Guy, as well as her recent film roles in Black Swan and Friends With Benefits ( plays alongside Justin Timberlake). You also know that she’s been dating fellow actor Macaulay Culkin since 2002. But here are some facts you may not have known about Mila Kunis.
Things you didn’t know about Mila Kunis
– Mila Kunis’ full name is Milena Markovna/Markivna Kunis.
– Mila Kunis is, in fact, Jewish. Her parents raised her in the faith as best they could, despite how religion was suppressed in the family’s native Soviet Union.
