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Judaism Unpacked

Rabbi Benjy Brackman prepares for altar for the service of Yom Kippur.

Why do Jewish people hold break fasts? Unpacking 5 Yom Kippur customs

There are a number of different Yom Kippur customs and traditions observed by Jewish communities around the world.

Jewish prayers for Israel — one year after the October 7 attacks

At a time when words elude us, these prayers attempt to capture our profound grief, anger and sorrow.

Rosh Hashanah guide 2024: How and when to celebrate the Jewish New Year

Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and how to celebrate it.
A shadow of a man seen on a wall covered with photos of hostages held in the Gaza Strip as he rides a bicycle on August 15, 2024 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Tu B’Av in the shadow of war: The Jewish day of love is a little more sorrowful this year

Freed hostage Noa Argamani addressed a Tu B’Av message to her partner, Avinatan Or, who is still being held hostage in Gaza, wishing to be reunited.

Prayers and readings for peace to add to your Passover seder

Passover will undeniably feel different this year in a post-Oct. 7 world. Here are some prayers and readings you might incorporate into your seder.

The Jewish holidays in 2025

The ultimate guide to Shabbat

Shabbat is central to Jewish life and culture. Jewish philosopher Ahad Ha’am famously noted, “More than the Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews.”

The spiritual significance of Hebrew letters

Using the chart below, plug in your Hebrew name, if you have one, to see what messages the letters convey to you about yourself.

Everything you want to know about Hanukkah sufganiyot

Here’s a deep (fried) dive into the history of this iconic Hanukkah treat.

8 spiritual facets of Hanukkah to make every night meaningful

Beyond the surface-level festivities of Hanukkah lies a deeply spiritual holiday and time of reflection.

Jewish wisdom for navigating anxiety

The goal of these practices is not to get rid of anxiety, but to understand and befriend it so we don’t get overwhelmed.

The history of the bar and bat mitzvah

The bar and bat mitzvah as we know it today began in the 12th century and has evolved significantly through the centuries.

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