Frequently Asked Questions

When is Yizkor recited? The memorial service is recited 4 times a year — Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, and the last days of Pesach and Shavuot (which are different in Israel and the Diaspora). Here is a list of upcoming Yizkor dates. (added 2012-01-30)
What is the significance of breaking a glass at a wedding, and what can we do with the pieces?
What is the Lieberman clause included on some ketubot?
How do I hang a mezuzah?
What is a Miriam's Cup?
When should I observe Yahrtzeit to mark the anniversary of a loved one’s death?
When do the Jewish holidays fall this year? (Look here to view as a calendar page rather than a list.)
Do you have a monthly calendar showing candle-lighting times, Jewish dates, and Torah portions? (Look here if using a text-only browser.) Or, if you'd prefer, we even have a Jewish month page (text-only). We also have a list of candlelighting times for the whole year.
What are the Torah aliyot and haftarah for a given day? You can find this out by clicking on the day in the monthly or yearly calendars above; we also have a complete list of all aliyot and Haftarahs.
Any great recipes? Yes, for Blintz Soufflé and Garlic Cheddar Kugel, and complete instructions for preparing challah (added 2011-11-25).
What are the candle lighting blessings for Shabbat and Festivals? The link shows them in Hebrew, transliterated Hebrew, and English, as well as a recording of each blessing.
Cornbread for Tashlich? (added 2009-09-16)
What are the candle lighting blessings for Chanukah? The link shows them in Hebrew, transliterated Hebrew, and English, as well as a recording of each blessing. (added 2009-11-13)
What are the rules for playing dreidel (added 2009-11-13)?
How do I count the Omer? (added 2009-11-13)
Why a two-handled washing cup? (added 2010-06-23)
What is a pidyon ha—ben? It is the ceremony whereby a father redeems a firstborn son from priestly service. There are many exemptions; here is a more complete explanation of the ritual. (added 2011-08-16)