Archive for September 2017

The Meaning Behind the Flames

The Meaning Behind the Flames

In this comprehensive article, Rhona Lewis shares many of the deep spiritual and kabbalistic teachings behind the mitzvah of lighting

An Academic Approach to the Meaning of Shabbat Candles

An Academic Approach to the Meaning of Shabbat Candles

In this highly sourced academic article, Dr. Ismar Schorsch explores how and why lighting Shabbat candles is of paramount importance in

Shabbat Candles: Why is it Called ‘A Women’s Mitzvah?’

Shabbat Candles: Why is it Called ‘A Women’s Mitzvah?’

This article, reprinted on My Jewish Learning from JOFA, the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, mentions a variety of candle lighting customs,

Personal Prayer and Meditation For Candle Lighting

Personal Prayer and Meditation For Candle Lighting

This short article explains the tradition of reciting personal prayers during the time of candle lighting and also suggests meditating on

Traditional Prayer for the Family Following Candle Lighting

Traditional Prayer for the Family Following Candle Lighting

This prayer for the family is often recited after lighting the Shabbat candles, an auspicious time for prayer, according to

Conservative Ashkenazi Grace After Meals (Audio + Text)

Conservative Ashkenazi Grace After Meals (Audio + Text)

In this audio recording, Rabbi Barry Kenter of the Greenburgh Hebrew Center sings the Shabbat version of the Grace After Meals according

Laws and Customs Practiced in Preparation for the Grace After Meals

Laws and Customs Practiced in Preparation for the Grace After Meals

In this halachic discourse, Rabbi Dr. Asher Meir of the Orthodox Union, discusses the obligations and customs Jews practice before

Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi’s Creative Interpretation of the Grace After Meals

Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi’s Creative Interpretation of the Grace After Meals

This innovative translation of the Ashkenazi Grace After Meals by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, the father of the Jewish Renewal movement, brings

Piamenta’s Rock Song Inspired by the Grace After Meals

Piamenta’s Rock Song Inspired by the Grace After Meals

This video presents Yosi Piamenta’s original rock song inspired by the Grace After Meals. Although most of this 8 minute long song is

Menucha Ve-simcha

Menucha Ve-simcha

Often printed as the first of the Friday night repertoire of table songs (zemirot), this composition of unknown origin praises