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ב"ה

Household Mitzvot

Certain mitzvot are intended to lend an air of holiness to the home, and its inhabitants by extension. Here are the basics, in short bite-size pieces...

Hachnasat Orchim: Hospitality
Look who’s coming for dinner!
When the Roman emperor Julian ordered the establishment of hostels for transients in every city, he referred to the example of the Jews “in whose midst no stranger goes uncared for.”
Meat, Dairy and Pareve
The Kosher Kitchen
Kosher foods are divided into three categories: meat, dairy and pareve. One of the basic principles of kashrut (the laws of kosher) is the total separation of meat and dairy products.
Kosher Meat
Meet the Meat!
It's simple. If you want kosher meat, you go to a kosher butcher or maybe even find some in your supermarket's freezer section. But what IS kosher meat?
Kosher Miscellaneous
In addition to the basic kosher laws (such as the kosher species of meat and fish, and the separation of meat and dairy), there are several other kosher considerations. Here are some of them . . .
House Full of Books
Create an environment
Your home is also defined by its contents. Aside from those who live there, the most significant items are the Torah books lining the shelves and scattered about.
The Separation of "Challah"
Got Dough?
You thought challah refers to the two braided loaves of bread reserved for Shabbat meals? It does, but mainly, challah is the small chunk of dough we tear off and burn . . .
The Mikvah
A spa for the soul
There’s a building whose construction takes precedence over a synagogue. In fact, a synagogue may be sold to raise funds for this building. This is a mikvah . . .
Immersing Utensils
Do the Kosher Dip in the Mikvah
We don’t usually think of the kitchen as a holy space. Yet eating, when done mindfully, is a holy act which renders all your cooking utensils divine instruments . . .
The Mezuzah
It’s not a Jewish doorbell. It’s a home security device called a mezuzah. The software inside this gadget is a scroll with the words beginning, “Hear O Israel, the L‑rd is our G‑d; the L‑rd is one” . . .
Divine Homebuilding
Having a place to call home is one of our innate human needs. Did you know that it’s a Divine “need” as well?