Holidays
“Hodu” This Year in Israel
There is a lovely children’s book called Rivka’s First Thanksgiving by Elsa Okon Rael (Margaret K. McElderry Books; 2001). Set in 1910’s, it is the story of a little girl on... Read More »
Why You Should Never Explain Sukkot to a Gentile
To the outside world, we Jews are crazy, and Sukkot is the icing on the cake. Wait, so … you mean to say that you just fasted for a full... Read More »
Quick Pre-Fasting Tips & Tricks
I am not the best faster in the world. So to prepare, I have learned a few tips and tricks to help ease the 24+ hours of fasting needed for... Read More »
Multi-Denominational Rabbis Weigh in on the Days of Awe
To prepare ourselves for introspection and new commitment on Yom Kippur, we want to acknowledge the diverse sentiment of our communities’ Rabbinic leadership. Jewneric has asked Rabbis of any Jewish... Read More »
No Shul for Me
Erev Yom Kippur is meant to be a day that culminates the spiritual preparations of the past 8 days – one where we really psych ourselves up for the fast... Read More »
Proper Etiquette When Going to the Mikveh
Remember that 16-bit game where you had to choose which urinal your character should go to in the men’s room based on where other men where standing? No…? Well, you... Read More »
Listening to the Call of the Shofar
“Awake, sleepers from your sleep, and slumberers arise from your slumber!” -Mishneh Torah, Laws of Repentance The shofar is one of the most recognized Jewish ritual objects, one that has... Read More »
Are We Missing the Point? High Holiday Questions to Ponder
As time goes on, are modern Jews starting to forget what the purpose of the High Holidays was meant to be? This special block of time, set aside from the... Read More »
The Dreaded 3 Day Yom Tov (aka Foodfest)
It’s the dreaded three day yom tov – one that I usually get to avoid as a Jerusalemite (yup, I’ve got no issue lording it over y ‘all in the... Read More »
Best Gift Ever – A Jewneric Channuka Contest: ENDED
As we approach the end of the Gregorian year we find many reasons and occasions to give. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa or Channuka we all need to think about... Read More »
The Symbolism of a Diamond Dreidel
Last Monday, Mervis Diamond Importers unveiled the world first ever Diamond Dreidel. When I saw this piece of Judaica, I first thought about what a Dreidel meant to me, followed... Read More »
Stock Up on Wine Before the New Year
Rosh Hashana is fast approaching. Don’t get caught having to run to the local story an hour before the holiday only to find the selection is tiny. While the banner... Read More »
KosherFest 2008 … a fresser’s delight!
Kosherfest is similar to any other convention held at any other convention center. The only difference, kosher food. Wait, wait, FREE Kosher food. The sound of that makes any observant... Read More »
Not Your Average Jewneric Succah Hop
As the final days of Succot (The Jewish Holiday of huts) rapidly approach I came to thinking about the different Succahs I have eaten in this year. Some were made... Read More »
Welcome Sadness
I used to hate Tisha B’Av. I hated its sadness and discomfort. I must be getting older because now I long for it to begin. A friend of mine died... Read More »
Soapbox Hobo
You’ve probably seen him more often in TV, Movies and other visual media than you have on the street where he belongs. He’s the guy with the sign that says:... Read More »
Haman’s Cup Found Under 70 Year Old Briton’s Bed
OK, that headline was just to grab your attention. I have no way of proving the Cup belonged to Haman from the Purim story in Megillath Esther (or from my... Read More »
Don’t Eat a Peach or Raisins and Almonds because Carrot Juice is Murder
We are on the approach to the Pentecost, also known as Shavuot. On the holiday of Shavuot there is a well known custom not to eat any meat. There is... Read More »
Musings on Yom Ha’Atzmaut
It’s hard for me to imagine; my mother-in-law was born into a world in which Israel did not exist. For two entire years of her life, there was no Jewish... Read More »
Israel Hits 60!
Tonight, celebrations for the 60th birthday of the State of Israel commenced with a torch lighting ceremony on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem and will continue tomorrow with many more celebrations... Read More »
