What is the Jewish expression to refer to someone who has died?
In Judaism, when someone has died, it is customary to add the expression, “May their memory be for a blessing” after mentioning the deceased by name. In Hebrew, the expression is “zichrona livracha” (feminine, “zichrono livracha” (masculine), or “zichronam livracha” (plural or gender-neutral) and is typically abbreviated as z”l when writing. This serves a similar function as describing someone as “the late [insert name here].” Alternatively, the honorifics “aleha hashalom” (feminine) or “hashalom alav” (masculine)
Why is it customary to visit loved ones' graves before or during the High Holidays?
Jewish tradition gives structure to many aspects of mourning as a way to create order at a time when mourners may feel unmoored.
How do we help children cope with tragedies that occur in our communities and in the news headlines?
What does Judaism teach us about helping our children to cope with terrible news that even we, as adults, find challenging to understand or process?
My child is graduating from college. Is there a prayer or blessing I can say?
At such a poignant milestone, this prayer captures both the emotion in parents’ hearts and their hopes for their child’s future
I'll be attending a church Mass for the first time when I attend a friend's wedding. What should I expect?
Jews may attend the worship services of other religions.
How does Reform Judaism say we should best honor our mothers in today’s world?
While Judaism does not have an equivalent to the secular Mother’s Day, Reform Judaism has been at the forefront of including women in religious life as equal partners.
Can Jews get married on Shabbat?
For centuries, Jewish custom has prohibited marriages at specific dates and times during the Jewish year.
Why do we read this week’s Torah portion over two different weeks?
At the end of the week of Passover, a fifth question arises as we look at the Torah portion for this week: Why is this week different from all other weeks?
Do we do anything special because seder falls on a Friday night this year?
When the seder falls on Friday evening, we acknowledge both Shabbat and the holiday of Passover.
Why do some people include an orange on the seder plate?
Many have incorporated new rituals as part of the Passover seder. Many seder plates include an orange, which is attributed to Susannah Heschel, professor of Jewish studies at Dartmouth College. Heschel included an orange in recognition of gay and lesbian Jews, and others who are marginalized in the Jewish community.
I want to observe Shabbat. Where do I begin?
The best way to begin observing Shabbat is by starting small and adding to your Shabbat observance as you grow more comfortable. If you are interested in ritual, try learning the blessings of the Shabbat table.
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