The Jewish Denominations
A quick look at Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and Reconstructionist Judaism — and at other Jewish streams. By My Jewish Learning Jewish denominations — also sometimes referred to as streams, movements or branches — are the principal categories of religious affiliation among American Jews. The denominations are mainly distinguished from one another on the basis of their philosophical […]
Does Judaism Allow Birth Control?
The Jewish tradition encourages procreation, but some forms of contraception are less problematic than others. By Rabbi Ronald H. Isaacs There has been much discussion in recent years among rabbinic authorities on the rights and wrongs of birth control. Almost all of the legal discussions on the subject are concerned with whether it is ever possible […]
The Tattoo Taboo in Judaism
Body ink is a no-no, but it won’t bar you from Jewish life. By My Jewish Learning The Jewish world has a longstanding aversion to tattoos. Even among largely secular Jews, the taboo against body ink remains powerful — a disinclination attributed both to the tattooing of concentration camp inmates during the Holocaust and the myth that tattooed […]
What Is the Temple Mount?
Holy to both Jews and Muslims, this area in Jerusalem’s Old City has been a focal point of inter-religious tension for decades. By My Jewish Learning The Temple Mount refers to the elevated plaza above the Western Wall in Jerusalem that was the site of both of Judaism’s ancient temples. The site is also the third holiest in […]
Viktor Frankl and Man’s Search for Meaning.
In 1942, Nazi guards stripped a psychiatrist of everything—his coat, his name, his life’s work—but they accidentally gave him the one discovery that would change millions of lives. The guards at the concentration camp intake made a calculation. They shaved the 37-year-old man’s head. They tattooed a number on his skin: 119,104. Then they found […]
Protocols of the Elders of Zion
The lie that would not die. By Brigitte Sion circa 1935: The title pages of ‘The Protocols of the Elders of Zion’, a Nazi anti-Semitic text. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) The Protocols of the Elders of Zion is an anti-Semitic pamphlet published in Russia at the end of the 19th century. It purports to be the minutes […]
What Jews Can Learn from the New Testament
A rich source for understanding the history of Judaism and the history of anti-Semitism. Martin I. Lockshin It is daunting to think of the number of books a Jew “must” read in order to achieve Jewish literacy. With trepidation I suggest yet another volume to add to that list: the New Testament (NT). Anyone who […]
Antisemitism and Henry Ford’s “The International Jew”
Henry Ford (1863-1947 was the founder of Ford Motor Company. He was one of the most respected and innovative business leaders in American history. Ford used his position and wealth to promote hatred of Jews. He owned an influential newspaper, The Dearborn Independent, that spread antisemitic ideas to American readers. Antisemitism is prejudice against or […]
Anti-Semitism and the Catholic Relationship with the Jewish Community
Antisemitism is the prejudice against or hatred of Jewish people. It is a form of bigotry and racism. For centuries, antisemites have demonized and dehumanized Jews by spreading antisemitic tropes, stereotypes, and conspiracy theories. Antisemitism is a set of hateful beliefs and ideas about Jews and the Jewish religion, Judaism. It is based on old […]
Elijah
Each Passover, a special cup of wine is filled and put on the seder table. During the Seder, the door of the house is opened and everyone stands to allow Elijah the Prophet (Eliyahu ha-Navi) to enter and drink. At every bris, a chair is also set aside for Elijah. At the conclusion of Shabbat, […]