Kashrut: The Basics
Kosher is not a kind of food. It is a system of laws governing what may be eaten, how it must be prepared, and what may be combined.
Jewish Living
Kashrut, judaica, and the practice of a Jewish life
Your First Shabbat
Shabbat at home—candles, kiddush, challah, a meal—is the gateway to Jewish life. Start small.
Continue reading →Kippah
A small head covering worn as a constant reminder of Hashem above.
Tallit and Tzitzit
The fringed garment commanded in the third paragraph of the Shema — worn in prayer and (in the form of the tallit katan) all day.
Tefillin
Two leather boxes containing parchment scrolls of biblical passages, worn on the arm and head during weekday morning prayer.
Mezuzah
A parchment scroll of the Shema affixed to the doorpost, fulfilling the command to write God’s words “on the doorposts of your house.”
Shabbat Candlesticks and Kiddush Cup
The two essential pieces of Shabbat judaica: candlesticks to welcome the day and a kiddush cup to sanctify it.
Sukkah
The temporary dwelling that is itself a mitzvah — a roof of stars under which the Jew dwells for seven days.
Lulav and Etrog (The Four Species)
The lulav, hadasim, aravot, and etrog — the four species waved during Sukkot.
Hanukkiah (Menorah)
The nine-branched candelabrum lit on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah — one of the most distinctive pieces of Jewish judaica.
Shaatnez (Wool & Linen)
Status: User-written article — body preserved verbatim.