CANDLESTICKS The candle is very significant in Jewish life. Fire is one of the basic elements of the world. It is frightening, as well as

Welcome to the Jewish Symbols section of our website. To learn about a Jewish symbol, please click on a link in the Table of Contents

Over the course of a Jewish year, there are a number of fast days. Two of these fast days, Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and

Hamantashen This is probably the most popular food eaten on Purim. It is a triangular, three-cornered pastry that is usually filled with either a poppyseed

The Scroll of Esther – ‘the’ Megillah, or Megillat Esther The Megillah, also known as Megillat Esther or the Scroll of Esther, tells the story

What is Purim and when do we celebrate it? Purim is a joyous festival. It celebrates the story from the Book of Esther in which

When do we observe the Fast of Esther? The Fast of Esther, called Ta’anit Esther in Hebrew, is observed before Purim, usually on the 13th of the

Origins of the Tu BiSh’vat Seder During the 16th century, Safed (Tsfat in Hebrew) became the centre of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism). Kabbalists developed new meanings

The fast of Tevet is observed on the 10th day of the Hebrew month of Tevet (Asarah b’Tevet) – this usually falls in December or

Throughout Chanukah, one recites the Full Hallel, after the morning Amidah.  Al HaNisim (For the Miracles) is added to each Amidah prayer and to the

Lighting the Chanukiah The only specific mitzvah involved with Chanukah is the lighting of the chanukiah (Chanukah menorah or candelabrum) on each of the eight

Symbols Chanukiah (Chanukah Menorah) The term ‘menorah’ means ‘candelabrum’ and refers to the candelabrum found in the Temple in ancient Jerusalem. Some people also speak