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The “What Is” of Judaism

Learn all about Judaism’s special mitzvahs, beautiful traditions and inspiring holidays, their meaning, and the first steps to start doing Jewish.

7:55
What Is Judaism?
By Hershey Sufrin
Want to know what Judaism is? Start with this fun video.
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30 Comments
5:17
What Is Shabbat?
By Hershey Sufrin
Learn the basics of the Sabbath, the Jewish day of rest since Biblical times, how it is observed and what it means.
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5:15
What Is Moshiach?
By Hershey Sufrin
The messianic era is central to Jewish belief, but few people actually understand it. Here is what the Jewish texts have to say.
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10 Comments
6:08
Why Do We Light Shabbat Candles?
By Hershey Sufrin
Learn the inner reasons, historical context, and basic how-to instructions for lighting Shabbat candles.
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24 Comments
4:56
What Are Tefillin?
By Hershey Sufrin
What are we to make of this ancient Jewish ritual and what do they mean to us today?
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12 Comments
6:22
What Is Kosher?
By Hershey Sufrin
What do you know about kosher? What makes some foods kosher, and what does kosher mean? Get the answers here!
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9 Comments
4:04
What Is a Mezuzah?
By Hershey Sufrin
Learn the basics of this special mitzvah: showing what’s inside, where to place it, how to do it, and its extraordinary impact.
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10 Comments
4:02
Why Jews Study Torah
By Hershey Sufrin
Torah, G-d's instruction manual for life, allows every Jew to rise above the day-to-day and connect to our heritage, our souls, and our Creator.
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3 Comments
4:39
What Are the Seven Noahide Laws?
By Hershey Sufrin
Judaism does not expect everyone to become Jewish. Here’s what Judaism means to non-Jews.
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42 Comments
6:23
Mikvah: Exposing the Hidden Mitzvah
By Chani Shemtov and Hershey Sufrin
Learn the secret of the hidden Mitzvah that is the bedrock of Jewish life and the tempo to which the Jewish marriage dances.
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5 Comments
4:17
What Is Ahavat Yisrael?
By Hershey Sufrin and Tzvi Freeman
We all know the mitzvah to love your fellow Jew, but how do you love another as yourself?
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12 Comments
4:29
What Is Real Jewish Education?
By Hershey Sufrin
Conventional education is about feeding information and skills. Chinuch means much more.
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1 Comments
4:06
Why Celebrate Your Jewish Birthday?
By Hershey Sufrin
This is the day on the Jewish calendar that celebrates you and your unique mission on earth. Discover the Jewish way to celebrate your birthday.
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2 Comments
4:55
Why Do Jews Have So Many Books?
By Hershey Sufrin
The Jewish people may be called the People of the Book; but why do Jewish homes have so many Torah books? And what makes a book a holy Sefer?
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3 Comments
4:44
What Is Tzedakah?
By Hershey Sufrin
Giving charity is the quickest, simplest way to have an impact on the world. Most people think tzedakah is the Hebrew word for charity, but there’s a big difference. Learn what Judaism says about tzedakah.
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14 Comments
3:58
What Is Chitas?
By Hershey Sufrin
Get the inside scoop on the daily study program, which includes Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya.
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1 Comments
3:18
What Is Hakhel?
By Hershey Sufrin
Every seven years, on the holiday of Sukkot, every single Jew would gather in Jerusalem and listen to the king read from the Torah. Why was this so special and how is it relevant today?
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3:01
What Is Yom Kippur?
By Hershey Sufrin
What is Yom Kippur all about? Unpack layers of meaning embedded in the requirement that we neither eat nor drink for the duration of this most holy and solemn of days.
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2 Comments
5:13
What Is Sukkot?
By Hershey Sufrin
Sukkot is a Jewish holiday celebrated by taking off work, celebrating in a hut, and waving unusual bouquets. This video will give you the whole story.
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5 Comments
3:23
What Is Simchat Torah?
By Hershey Sufrin
Once a year the synagogue becomes a dance floor and the Torah becomes our dance partner.
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5 Comments
3:43
What IS Hanukkah?
(It's not what you think it is)
By Hershey Sufrin
We know the facts on why we celebrate Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. But is that all? Could it be that the inner meaning of the holiday has been hidden from plain sight?
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22 Comments
3:34
The Story of Chanukah
By Hershey Sufrin
What is the story behind this popular Jewish holiday? Watch this short 3-minute video to learn how good overcame evil, light won over darkness, and miracles triumphed over morass.
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9 Comments
4:54
The Purim Story in Miniature
By Hershey Sufrin
Who says puppets are just for kids? Learn the Purim story, plus a life-lesson from an adorable team of animated puppets.
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9 Comments
5:08
What Is Passover?
By Hershey Sufrin
Your one-stop primer on Passover’s rituals, history, meaning, and more.
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8 Comments
3:56
What Is Shavuot?
By Hershey Sufrin
Unpack layers of Biblical and rabbinic text to understand the inner mechanics of this sometimes-overlooked but super-important holiday.
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15 Comments
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The Friendship Circle Philadelphia Region South - A registered 501c3 organization serving Philadelphia, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware Counties. 754 South 9th Street Philadelphia, PA 19147 Founded by Chabad- Lubavich