Printed fromMyCheder.com
ב"ה

Mitzvahs & Traditions

Jewish traditions and mitzvah observances

Shabbat, kosher, mezuzah, tefillin, mikvah . . . The essence of Judaism is in its rituals and observances. A selection of websites offering information and guidance on some of the most basic mitzvot.

Filter by Topic
Show all
Kosher
Eating Jewishly
What is kosher? How to keep kosher? What does it mean? All that and more, including stories, essays, videos and classes.
Shabbat
Tranquility. Awareness. Jewish identity. Family . . .
Shabbat: the island of time that defines the Jew’s week. The rituals, the practices, the do’s, and the don’ts of the Jewish Sabbath—and how you can experience it all for yourself.
Tefillin
Binding mind, heart and deed
The Mitzvah that binds our minds with our hearts and deeds, and allows a daily reunification within ourselves and with G-d. Tefillin: the what, the why, and the how-to.
Mezuzah
The Scroll Placed on Jewish Doorposts
What is a mezuzah and what is its significance in the Jewish home? A full guide exploring the meaning of mezuzah, its laws, and how to affix one in your own home
Prayer
Tefillah: Reconnecting. Refocusing. Rejuvenating.
Jewish Prayer: How do we converse with God? When is the proper time to do so? What's the objective? Explore the world of Jewish prayers -- as illuminated by the teachings of kabbalah and chassidism.
Brachot: Blessings for Food & Other Occasions
Before putting anything in our mouths, we pause for a moment, recite a few words to ourselves, and only then proceed with our eating. We have transformed the most prosaic of acts into something holy...
Tzedakah: Charity
How to give, how much to give, and the uniquely Jewish perspective on charity
Learn the Torah view on giving tzedakah with a site full of stories, how-to guides, questions & answers, audio classes, videos, essays, texts, and much more.
Mikvah
The key to the sanctity of marriage and family purity
The most important institution of Jewish life, next to the home, is the mikveh and its cycle of separation and union between husband and wife...
Tallit and Tzitzit
The Jewish Prayer Shawl
This is no fringe mitzvah! The tallit and tzitzit serves as constant reminders of our obligations to G-d and our fellows.
The Synagogue
A synagogue is a place of Jewish worship. In addition to housing a sanctuary for services, synagogues (most notably Chabad centers) serve as the centerpoint of Jewish life.
Honoring Parents
“Kibud Av Va-em”
One of the Ten Commandments, and a mitzvah that mirrors the bond between us and G-d.
Kiddush Levana: Sanctification of the Moon
Said outdoors at night, Kiddush Levana ( Sanctification of the Moon) is a ritual highlighted by a Hebrew blessing, selections of Psalms and other prayers, and is often followed by joyous dancing.
More Mitzvahs & Traditions
Laws and customs concerning daily activities such as dressing and eating, and special events such as visitintg the sick, moving to a new home, and Rosh Chodesh.
What to Expect at . . .
What you need to know when attending Jewish events
The 613 Commandments (Mitzvot)
The Talmud tells us that there are 613 commandments in the Torah; 248 Positive Commandments (do's) and 365 Negative Commandments (do not's). Here's a complete list --as compiled by Maimonides.
Ten Mitzvahs
The Rebbe's 10-point mitzvah campaign
Mitzvah Minutes
Just Do It!
Bottom line: how is the mitzvah done? This section gives you the basics of Jewish observances, short and to the point—each mitzvah in about 300 words.
Halachah for Life
A new series on Jewish law that speaks to our modern lifestyle