Why We Do the Work We Do
Six times a year, the RAC staff has the opportunity to work with incredible groups of high school students from across the country at our Bernard and Audre Rapoport L'Taken Social Justice Semi
10 Ways to Welcome Teens at the High Holidays
Looking for innovative opportunities to engage your teens around the High Holidays? These 10 ideas come directly from the source – youth professionals across North America.
I have a chai pendant that I love because it was a bat mitzvah gift. But what does “chai” mean and why is it such a popular Jewish symbol?
What does chai mean, and why is it such an important Jewish symbol?
Why do some Jews say “l'chayim” when making a toast? What does the word actually mean?
“L'chayim,” means “to life,” and is a classic Jewish toast.
Why do Jews give gifts and charitable donations in multiples of 18?
What is the significance of the number 18 in Judaism?
What is a Hamsa? Is it a Jewish Symbol, a Middle Eastern Symbol, or Something Else?
The hamsa is a palm-shaped symbol historically used by both Jews and Muslims in Arab countries as an amulet to ward off evil forces, particularly the “evil eye.”
What is an appropriate honorarium for the rabbi or cantor who performs our wedding?
Wedding honoraria vary widely by geography and circumstance, so it’s not possible to give a definitive answer.
What if my ketubah witnesses don’t know how to sign their names in Hebrew?
If your witnesses aren’t comfortable writing in Hebrew, consult your officiating rabbi or cantor for their practices and preferences
Should we invite our officiating rabbi or cantor – along with a partner or spouse – to our wedding reception?
Your officiating rabbi or cantor – along with a partner or guest – will certainly appreciate an invitation to your reception. It’s a thoughtful gesture on your part, and some consider it proper etiquette.
I was asked to be a ketubah witness at my friend’s wedding. What do I need to know?
The wedding partners honor two friends by asking them to sign the document as witnesses. Usually, the witnesses are expected to sign their names in Hebrew. If you aren’t sure how to do that, ask the wedding couple for guidance and they can speak with their clergy about how to make that work.