August 2009
Salt - An Old Tradition Becomes ReNEWed
Submitted by Administrator on Thu, 08/13/2009 - 07:58Salt -
It is customary that salt is one of the first items we bring into a new home along with bread and wine. As salt is one of the essential ingredients in a good meal along with bread and wine for celebration!
Blessings and When and Where for a Tallit
Submitted by Administrator on Wed, 08/12/2009 - 17:01Details - Old and New Traditions for the Tallit
When praying or reading Torah, the custom is to wear a prayer shawl with tzitzit (fringes). There are different customs as to when this is done.
It is the tiny details and reasons that make so many of our traditions unique and interesting.
Here are just a few:
Most will not wear a tallit before the age of bar or bat mitzvah. It is part of the ritual when one first reads Torah to start wearing a tallit when praying and reading Torah.
About the Hamsa
Submitted by Administrator on Wed, 08/12/2009 - 08:26Hamsa (Khamssa)
is a hand-shaped amulet, with the palm facing out, the fingers spread open, in essence blocking the evil eye. It is commonly used by Jews and Muslims to ward off evil spirits.. Today, the hamsa is perceived as a "good luck" charm. Somehow, a trinket to bring on good luck is more positive in spirit than one protecting from evil spirits. The hamsa can be seen on necklaces, bracelets, hanging from a car rearview mirror etc.
Torah Quiz Tic Tac Toe
Submitted by Administrator on Tue, 08/11/2009 - 23:00Play Torah Quiz Tic Tac Toe ! 
Great Judaica Game for Kids - Quiz on symbols and then they can mark the spaces...
Here are the key to the questions.
and
Here are some boards and a symbol key!
with these you can have lots of fun with your class or at a jewish youth group party!
Mah Jong A Jewish Tradition?
Submitted by Administrator on Tue, 08/11/2009 - 23:00
Why is this Chinese game an American Jewish tradition? It just so happens that in the 1920's there was a popular song, "Since Ma is Playing Mah Jong" by Eddie Cantor (who was Jewish), but it was in the 30's when it became very popular game among Jewish women. Jewish women founded the National Mah Jongg League in 1937, and published the first American mahjong rulebook, Maajh: The American Version of the Ancient Chinese Game.
Red Ribbon - Protect the Babies!
Submitted by Administrator on Tue, 08/11/2009 - 23:00Tie a red ribbon on the babies carriage or crib for protection.
This comes from a very old superstition and folklore about keeping the evil spirits away from the children. There is "magic" in the color red and the quote from Psalm 121 and the the 3 angels Sanvai, Sansanvai and Semanglof. All which is represented in the ribbons we offer!
Build A Sukkah - Sukkot Sept 22-30
Submitted by Administrator on Mon, 08/10/2009 - 23:00
Sukkot is one of the three pilgrimage festivals. Linked to the harvest and a time for celebration. It starts the 5th day after Yom Kippur, Tishri 15.
After Yom Kippur you have just enough time to build a sukkah. Here is a link to a plan for one like the one shown here. The Plan.
Jewish Holiday Quiz
Test your knowledge of Jewish holidays!
You can download:
Questions
Game Board
This game is targeted for all ages there are some easy questions and some harder ones.
Great to play as a family on one of those Hanukkah nights!
Teaching Ideas
These are fun ideas and projects for teaching about Jewish Traditions.
A Pen for A Bar Mitzvah
Submitted by Administrator on Mon, 08/10/2009 - 22:23
Why a Fountain Pen for Bar/Bat Mitzvah?
OK so it is almost a joke now to give a Fountain Pen. It has been said:, "Today, I am a fountain pen," instead of "Today, I am a man."
