Jewish Practice

1 month ago | chabad.org | Jewish Practice |Yehuda Altein

The Book of Esther—often simply called the Megillah—is the biblical book that tells the story of Purim. Reading it from a handwritten scroll is one of the four mitzvahs of the holiday. Read on for 13 facts about this riveting book and its role in the Purim celebration. 1. It Tells a Story of Palace IntrigueSet in ancient Persia in the 4th century BCE, the Book of Esther recounts the dramatic events that led to the Jewish people's salvation from the plot of the wicked Haman.

2 months ago | chabad.org | Jewish Practice |Yehuda Shurpin

Unlike what some may believe, the 15th of Shevat (orTu BiShvat, as it’s commonly called) isn’t some Jewish version of Arbor Day. Infact, the 15th of Shevat doesn’t even fall out during the planting season inIsrael. And as we’ll see below, “the new year for planting” as (opposed to the“new year for fruits of the tree”) is actually on the first of Tishrei.

Aug 7, 2024 | chabad.org | Jewish Practice |Mendel Adelman

Pidyon shevuyim is the redeeming of captives. Throughout our history, many Jews have been taken captive and ransomed or sold as slaves. There is an obligation upon Jews and Jewish communities to ensure the release of Jewish captives. Usually, this meant paying their ransom. It also extends to other efforts to free people who have been incarcerated. Who Is a Captive? There are two categories of captives:War captives. This refers to anyone captured by an enemy army, bandits, or slave raiders.

Aug 7, 2024 | chabad.org | Jewish Practice |Mendel Adelman

Chesed (חסד) is the Hebrew word for “kindness.” It can refer either to acts of kindness taken to help another, or a Kabbalistic sefira, the first of the seven emotions or Divine attributes, associated with the right side. As one of “the three pillars upon which the world stands,” chesed stems from the responsibility of each individual to help others in need. Classic acts of chesed (kindness) in Torah literature include visiting the sick, helping to bury the dead, and inviting guests.

Jun 18, 2024 | chabad.org | Jewish Practice |Menachem Posner

The prohibition of eating the gid hanasheh, the sciatic nerve, of kosher mammals, is a Biblical commandment derived from the story of Jacob’s struggle with the angel, where it is written: “Therefore the children of Israel may not eat of the gid hanasheh, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day; because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the gid hanasheh.”After wrestling with an angel all night, Jacob emerges victorious.