How often had you looked up Shabbat on the internet? What did you find? Most likely a list of the do's as in lighting the Shabbat candles with a prayer, the Kiddush wine prayer and the Motzi prayer over the Challah bread.
Then, that was not enough and you wanted more meaning of Shabbat. What did you fine? The place it exists in the Torah and the lists of what you should not do on Shabbat. For example, light a fire and the other 38 Talmud rules. What do they all mean? How can anyone observe Shabbat for its holy day if there are no guidelines to what it all means.
First, what you thought on how to observe Shabbat is incorrect. For example - what we know of work today is not the work that is referred to in the Talmud. Actually, it was the building of the Tabernacle that God wanted our ancestors to stop building on the seventh day and rest. Fire; back then fire was needed to build. The laws for Shabbat were not given with the future of modern day living as we all know it today.
To learn how to observe Shabbat today, please read Shabbat - Its True Meaning.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Interfaith Jewish Wedding Seeking an Interfaith Rabbi
To All Interfaith Couples planning a Jewish Wedding,
Yes, Rabbi A. Frank officiates Jewish Weddings for the interfaith couple. The couple would need to have decided and chosen Judaism as their faith. To have a Jewish home and to raise their children as Jews in order for Rabbi Frank to officiate their wedding ceremony.
No, the non-Jew of the couple does not need to convert. Unless he or she wants to, but this decision should not be decided lightly. For this is a huge decision that needs to made with confidence in order to move forward to convert. The non-Jew should not make this decision to convert in order to only have a Jewish Wedding ceremony.
The Reform Movement welcomes interfaith couples into our communities. Though, the non-Jew may not be able to receive certain blessings as those who were born Jewish, but overall welcomed to be part of our communities in many other ways. All depends on the Rabbi of the congregation.
The non-Jew of the couple is seen as performing a Mitzvah. I welcome and do not reject, because performing a Mitzvah is a wonderful blessing. For he or she is supporting their future spouse for Judaism is important for himself or herself, for them as a couple, their marriage, their home and their future with their family.
Planning a Jewish Wedding, learn what is needed for the ceremony, view here
Yes, Rabbi A. Frank officiates Jewish Weddings for the interfaith couple. The couple would need to have decided and chosen Judaism as their faith. To have a Jewish home and to raise their children as Jews in order for Rabbi Frank to officiate their wedding ceremony.
No, the non-Jew of the couple does not need to convert. Unless he or she wants to, but this decision should not be decided lightly. For this is a huge decision that needs to made with confidence in order to move forward to convert. The non-Jew should not make this decision to convert in order to only have a Jewish Wedding ceremony.
The Reform Movement welcomes interfaith couples into our communities. Though, the non-Jew may not be able to receive certain blessings as those who were born Jewish, but overall welcomed to be part of our communities in many other ways. All depends on the Rabbi of the congregation.
The non-Jew of the couple is seen as performing a Mitzvah. I welcome and do not reject, because performing a Mitzvah is a wonderful blessing. For he or she is supporting their future spouse for Judaism is important for himself or herself, for them as a couple, their marriage, their home and their future with their family.
Planning a Jewish Wedding, learn what is needed for the ceremony, view here
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Naming Baby Girls, Berit Bat, Simchat Bat – Blessing our Our Newborn Daughters
Naming Baby Girls Ceremonies
The ceremony that celebrates the birth of a daughter and her entry into the covenant of the Jewish people are known as either Berit Bat and or Simchat Bat. They are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our daughters and are an important part of Reform Judaism's egalitarian approach to Judaism. This ceremony has been held for hundreds of years and is similar to the prayers offered for the boy baby during circumcision. The emphasis on heritage is high. It is a celebration of the birth of the child with prayers and blessings expressing for a long and happy life.
The ceremony that celebrates the birth of a daughter and her entry into the covenant of the Jewish people are known as either Berit Bat and or Simchat Bat. They are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our daughters and are an important part of Reform Judaism's egalitarian approach to Judaism. This ceremony has been held for hundreds of years and is similar to the prayers offered for the boy baby during circumcision. The emphasis on heritage is high. It is a celebration of the birth of the child with prayers and blessings expressing for a long and happy life.
Bris, Berit Mila, The Jewish Ritual of Circumcision, Naming Your Baby
“And God spoke to Abraham saying... This is my covenant which you shall keep between me and you and thy offspring after you; Every male child among you shall be circumcised." (Genesis. 17:12)
Naming Your Baby Ceremony for Boys
On the eighth day of a baby boy’s life, he will not only receive his Hebrew name, but his parents will bring their child into the divine covenant between God and the Jewish people with a Berit Mila (in Hebrew), the Covenant of Circumcision; also known as the Bris.
Naming Your Baby Ceremony for Boys
On the eighth day of a baby boy’s life, he will not only receive his Hebrew name, but his parents will bring their child into the divine covenant between God and the Jewish people with a Berit Mila (in Hebrew), the Covenant of Circumcision; also known as the Bris.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Aliyah, Auf Ruf - a Pre-Wedding Jewish Custom
A “Auf Ruf” is an Aliyah, for the honor of being “called up” to the Torah during a worship service at a temple, synagogue and or a location where the entire family can gather together for this pre-wedding Jewish custom.
This is a pre-wedding Jewish custom for the bride and grooms to be blessed a week, two weeks or the week of their wedding day on Shabbat.
Auf Ruf a beautiful Jewish custom to celebrate and blessing for the couple soon to be married.
This is a pre-wedding Jewish custom for the bride and grooms to be blessed a week, two weeks or the week of their wedding day on Shabbat.
Auf Ruf a beautiful Jewish custom to celebrate and blessing for the couple soon to be married.
Wedding Officiant Fee Guide
Most rabbis will charge a fee for officiating at a wedding ceremony when either the rabbi or the couple is not affiliated with a synagogue or temple. A Wedding Officiant, including Rabbis, are the least paid of most wedding professionals present at your wedding when included with all wedding vendors used to create your special day. Yet, you need that one person for your wedding ceremony more than anyone else there, or . . . you wouldn't be married.
The Guide will give you more insight.
The Guide will give you more insight.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Matchmaker, Matchmaker - Make me a Match!
Matchmaker, make me a Match! The well known phrase from the movie Fiddler on the Roof. Dolly, of the movie Hello Dolly was one. Crossing Delancy, Amy Irving's character met her match with the help of her grandmother who hired one. God created man and made a match by creating woman.
Arranged marriages go back in history as far back as the Torah. Parents of two families would make a “Shidduch” a match.
Tired of the dating web sites that technically match you, or a business mogul not finding the "right person" among all those charity events?
Rabbi Matchmaker can assist!
Arranged marriages go back in history as far back as the Torah. Parents of two families would make a “Shidduch” a match.
Tired of the dating web sites that technically match you, or a business mogul not finding the "right person" among all those charity events?
Rabbi Matchmaker can assist!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Ketubah Samples - View Artist's Expression of Ketubahs
Jewish artists have created Ketubahs as works of art. The colors so vibrant. The amazing detail intertwining the traditional texts that a Ketubah needs to display.
View a few samples here and they will take you directly to the artist's page and description.
View a few samples here and they will take you directly to the artist's page and description.
Ketubah - The Jewish Wedding Contract
Learn the history of the Ketubah and as far back when the Jewish people received the Torah, woman's rights were put in place.
Today, the texts for the Ketubah conform for all couples, read the historical text and choose the text that is fits you both.
Today, the texts for the Ketubah conform for all couples, read the historical text and choose the text that is fits you both.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Could a Rabbi having an online Congregation?
I am often wondering just this. Most of us were raised to attend the services at our neighborhood temple. Be one with the community, participate, a home away from home. Then, for some reason or another our parents stopped going. We were too young to know why. Other parents may not have stopped, but our generation would only go when needed.
The computers, the internet has grabbed us in a way that now a day without it, it feels awkward. Our cell phones have become our mini computers until we can arrive home to see all on the larger LCD screen. As tired as we may be, we turn it on to check emails the very least.
We perform shopping, searching, banking, reading, plan a vacation, see the world through web cams.
Being part of a community? There are forums on particular subjects, though at times, the conversations tend to not be on the subject at hand. The chit and chatter becomes a personal conversation while others read and become bored and leave the forum. Others may look at it as others are meeting one another and without this forum would most likely never have met.
Could there be an online congregation? What is your idea of a congregation? It could be difficult to offer a live Shabbat service and to be able to pray online - or would it be?
For those that feel they should return to a congregation, but really is not that into it - would an online congregation be more suitable? Would it offer the opportunity to feel connected through a modem? Through a live audio feed? I often wonder - could it be?
The computers, the internet has grabbed us in a way that now a day without it, it feels awkward. Our cell phones have become our mini computers until we can arrive home to see all on the larger LCD screen. As tired as we may be, we turn it on to check emails the very least.
We perform shopping, searching, banking, reading, plan a vacation, see the world through web cams.
Being part of a community? There are forums on particular subjects, though at times, the conversations tend to not be on the subject at hand. The chit and chatter becomes a personal conversation while others read and become bored and leave the forum. Others may look at it as others are meeting one another and without this forum would most likely never have met.
Could there be an online congregation? What is your idea of a congregation? It could be difficult to offer a live Shabbat service and to be able to pray online - or would it be?
For those that feel they should return to a congregation, but really is not that into it - would an online congregation be more suitable? Would it offer the opportunity to feel connected through a modem? Through a live audio feed? I often wonder - could it be?
Jewish Weddings - When Not to Marry
Jewish Weddings, When Not to Marry - Picking the Right Date when Planning a Jewish Wedding.
Becoming engaged is an exciting time for each couple. The couple are so in love and have now made the commitment to share life together. Then that moment arrives when they sit down and discuss the plans for their wedding day. What season, what month, what day of that month. Most couples do not know, when using their congregational rabbi or searching for a rabbi, a few dates are needed, not just one. Having a few dates ready, leaves less going back to the beginning of deciding yet again. Then the couple needs to look at a Jewish calendar and make sure that a Jewish Holiday or Yizkor is on or around that date. If it does, the big question, "Can we have a Jewish wedding on that date?"
Becoming engaged is an exciting time for each couple. The couple are so in love and have now made the commitment to share life together. Then that moment arrives when they sit down and discuss the plans for their wedding day. What season, what month, what day of that month. Most couples do not know, when using their congregational rabbi or searching for a rabbi, a few dates are needed, not just one. Having a few dates ready, leaves less going back to the beginning of deciding yet again. Then the couple needs to look at a Jewish calendar and make sure that a Jewish Holiday or Yizkor is on or around that date. If it does, the big question, "Can we have a Jewish wedding on that date?"
A Chupah Story
This bride's story will inspire any future bride while planning their Jewish Wedding.
Read the entire story on Jewish Wedding Rabbi - A Chupah Story - Inspirational
Read the entire story on Jewish Wedding Rabbi - A Chupah Story - Inspirational
Monday, September 24, 2007
Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Ceremony Guide and Alternative Options
Read all about the traditional and alternative Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Ceremonies for children, special needs children, adults and those that have reached 83 years young.
Alternative options are possible
Alternative options are possible
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Jewish Holidays, the Hebrew Calendar’s Cycle at a Glance
When looking at the Jewish Holidays on the Jewish Calendar it can be confusing, but there is hope here you will see what each one is and when it is held in a glance.
A glance is a start to understanding what month, what day and briefly what they stand for in Jewish History. The Jewish calendar will not be a mystery any longer.
The Jewish Hebrew month is Nissan. Isn't there a car manufacturer with the same name?
A glance is a start to understanding what month, what day and briefly what they stand for in Jewish History. The Jewish calendar will not be a mystery any longer.
The Jewish Hebrew month is Nissan. Isn't there a car manufacturer with the same name?
Avoid Wedding Debt - A Guide
Today, weddings can be costly. The average, traditional, wedding can cost $20,000.
Do you really want to be that couple when celebrating your one year wedding anniversary to say, "we are paying off our wedding, then we can afford a home."
Rabbi Frank offer a small guide with important points that could assist in avoiding wedding day debt.
Do you really want to be that couple when celebrating your one year wedding anniversary to say, "we are paying off our wedding, then we can afford a home."
Rabbi Frank offer a small guide with important points that could assist in avoiding wedding day debt.
Jewish Ceremony, Jewish Wedding Part II
Pre Jewish Ceremony Meeting with the Rabbi
When a bride and groom-to-be decide to have a Jewish wedding with a rabbi, they need to meet with the rabbi. This meeting will consist of the couple and the rabbi getting to know each other. It will allow the rabbi to prepare the ceremony so that it reflects the couple on their wedding day
The wedding day ceremonies are in three parts.
1 Pre Jewish Ceremony: Ketubah signing and Badeken
2 Wedding Ceremony under the Chuppah
3 Wedding Reception
Read about all 3 parts here
When a bride and groom-to-be decide to have a Jewish wedding with a rabbi, they need to meet with the rabbi. This meeting will consist of the couple and the rabbi getting to know each other. It will allow the rabbi to prepare the ceremony so that it reflects the couple on their wedding day
The wedding day ceremonies are in three parts.
1 Pre Jewish Ceremony: Ketubah signing and Badeken
2 Wedding Ceremony under the Chuppah
3 Wedding Reception
Read about all 3 parts here
Jewish Wedding
Did You Know?
A New York State marriage license is valid for 60 days from the time a couple receives the license? However, a couple must wait a full 24 hours before their marriage ceremony can be performed. (Exception: active military personnel are extended to 180 days).
If you live out of New York State, check with the city of which you love Clerk's office. There the information about your state's marriage license will be available to you.
A Jewish wedding have certain rituals that take place during the wedding ceremony. Those rituals require some specific items.
Be prepared, find out ahead of time what it needed.
A New York State marriage license is valid for 60 days from the time a couple receives the license? However, a couple must wait a full 24 hours before their marriage ceremony can be performed. (Exception: active military personnel are extended to 180 days).
If you live out of New York State, check with the city of which you love Clerk's office. There the information about your state's marriage license will be available to you.
A Jewish wedding have certain rituals that take place during the wedding ceremony. Those rituals require some specific items.
Be prepared, find out ahead of time what it needed.
The Yahrzeit Lighting Dates according to the Hebrew Calendar
You now know why and for whom you light a Yahrzeit memorial candle. You will need the Yahrzeit Lighting Dates according to the Hebrew Calendar's Month and Day.
The Hebrew calendar is the annual calendar used in Judaism. Also known as the Jewish calendar. The Jewish calendar primarily uses the moon to calculate the beginning of each month. This is often also called a Lunar Calendar and each Hebrew Calendar month begins with a new moon. Rosh Chodesh, the new moon, the new month and means head of the month.
Need a 20 Year Yahrzeit Lighting Calendar?Sunday, September 2, 2007
The Best Affiliate Program!
I am not a sales person, I am a Rabbi, but rabbi's do pass on good information whether it be in their devar Torah, Midrash and or workshops.
Do I have your attention?
The "affiliate model" has mushroomed since Amazon.com first brought it into public prominence in 1997. Millions of affiliates send billions of visitors to tens of thousands of companies in return for a payment. Major research houses like Forrester Research project the affiliate model to grow exponentially over the next few years.
Most companies treat their affiliate programs as cheap marketing supplements. They gain customers who will deliver a lifetime of sales. They only pay a small, one-time amount to affiliates.
Did I happen to mention.....
The program is free to join.
No Web site... No problem!
Offline tools and guidance to assist you. The best affiliate program in the world shows you other ways to build your business.
Reading and researching with no strings attached
Do I have your attention?
The "affiliate model" has mushroomed since Amazon.com first brought it into public prominence in 1997. Millions of affiliates send billions of visitors to tens of thousands of companies in return for a payment. Major research houses like Forrester Research project the affiliate model to grow exponentially over the next few years.
Most companies treat their affiliate programs as cheap marketing supplements. They gain customers who will deliver a lifetime of sales. They only pay a small, one-time amount to affiliates.
Did I happen to mention.....
The program is free to join.
No Web site... No problem!
Offline tools and guidance to assist you. The best affiliate program in the world shows you other ways to build your business.
Reading and researching with no strings attached
Pet Funeral for Pet Owners - Unconditional Love
In the first book of Moses, Genesis, many species of animals were created by God. In the story of Noah, God commanded Noah to build an ark with specific dimensions to protect the animals.
Our pets are part of our family. We interact with them daily as our family members. When they are sick, we are worried. When we leave our home for work, errands, or vacation, we miss them. When they pass on, it hurts and that hurt becomes a terrible loss.
From the time we are children, we learn to care and be responsible for another life. Dealing with death is not taught or passed on from generation to generation
Our pets, an unconditional love
Our pets are part of our family. We interact with them daily as our family members. When they are sick, we are worried. When we leave our home for work, errands, or vacation, we miss them. When they pass on, it hurts and that hurt becomes a terrible loss.
From the time we are children, we learn to care and be responsible for another life. Dealing with death is not taught or passed on from generation to generation
Our pets, an unconditional love
How to have a Kosher Style Wedding Reception
Shocked! A rabbi is offering key points and ideas on how to have a kosher style wedding reception. Yes, you read correctly. Why would a Rabbi offer such a guide on a kosher style wedding reception? I wrote this article due to the fact I have heard from many couples admitting that forbidden foods according to Jewish law, as stated in one of the Five books of Moses; the Torah, were served during their wedding reception?
Read here the easy to understand lessons how to have a kosher style wedding reception
For some reason the wedding reception falls short resembling a kosher style anything when the “Jewishness” is not incorporated. Granted, the Kiddush (blessing over the wine) and the Motzi (blessing over the Challah bread) is recited by a beloved family elder, but most often, that is where the “Jewishness” ends. Granted, the cost of a wedding reception is a huge factor in choosing the right caterer. The menu that is offered is based on what the caterer has organized for their business.
Whether it is the average wedding day reception or a more elaborate one, where is the “Jewishness”? Why not kosher, why not kosher style?Read here the easy to understand lessons how to have a kosher style wedding reception
Remembering the Yahrzeit – Why to Light a Yahrzeit Memorial Candle?
Yahrzeit is defined as “Remembering the souls of the past.” Before I can answer the question directly I need to exhibit how “light” in Judaism is significant. I guarantee it will be “illuminating” to say the least.
Creation:
“And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. And God saw that the light was good.” Genesis 1:1
Blessing for Shabbat Candle Lighting :
“Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with his Commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Light of the Holy Shabbat.” Exodus 31:16-17
Blessing of Fire from the Havdalah Prayer:
“Blessed are you, Adonai, King of the Universe, who creates the illuminations of fire.” Havdalah ends Shabbat on Saturday at sundown using the twisted Havdalah double wick candle.
Excerpt on Kindling the Chanukah Lights:
We kindle these lights to commemorate the saving acts, miracles, and wonders which you have performed for our forefathers, in those days at this time.”
The Book of Proverbs (Chapter 20, Verse 27):
"The soul of man is the light of God." Just as a flame is never still, the soul also continuously strives to reach up to God. Thus, the flickering flame of the candle helps to remind us of the departed soul of our loved one.
“Thus, the flickering flame of the candle helps to remind us of the departed soul of our loved one.” Beautiful!
Judaism recognizes that death is a part of life, and it is the duty of the living to remember the dead. We honor the memory of those no longer with us in life.
Who do you light a yahrzeit memorial candle for? - read on
Creation:
“And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. And God saw that the light was good.” Genesis 1:1
Blessing for Shabbat Candle Lighting :
“Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with his Commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Light of the Holy Shabbat.” Exodus 31:16-17
Blessing of Fire from the Havdalah Prayer:
“Blessed are you, Adonai, King of the Universe, who creates the illuminations of fire.” Havdalah ends Shabbat on Saturday at sundown using the twisted Havdalah double wick candle.
Excerpt on Kindling the Chanukah Lights:
We kindle these lights to commemorate the saving acts, miracles, and wonders which you have performed for our forefathers, in those days at this time.”
The Book of Proverbs (Chapter 20, Verse 27):
"The soul of man is the light of God." Just as a flame is never still, the soul also continuously strives to reach up to God. Thus, the flickering flame of the candle helps to remind us of the departed soul of our loved one.
“Thus, the flickering flame of the candle helps to remind us of the departed soul of our loved one.” Beautiful!
Judaism recognizes that death is a part of life, and it is the duty of the living to remember the dead. We honor the memory of those no longer with us in life.
Who do you light a yahrzeit memorial candle for? - read on
Military Marriage vs. Non-Military Marriage
There is a special connection between military wives, and husbands. Military marriage is not some silly selected segregation. Nobody but a military wife can know the torment that they live through every day. When they are away it hurts, and even when they are home it hurts. If he is serving overseas or simply serving his time in his own country, your military man, or wife, is serving something apart from his own family.
The ways in which each military marriage survives are all personal and unique to their own, but the emotional journey is one that can really be understood only by another military wife. The one thing all military spouses have in common with each other is their ultimate pride in their husbands and wives, and to survive the journey as a military spouse, their shared pride of place alongside their incredible military husbands and wives.
I am sorry, I don’t know who said "The military wife fights the first battle when she kisses her husband good-bye”, but to them I say, “How true”. While this might have been said about the military wife saying goodbye before a husband’s overseas service, it also speaks true of the man and woman who serves their country from home soil.
Read the rest of the article here
The ways in which each military marriage survives are all personal and unique to their own, but the emotional journey is one that can really be understood only by another military wife. The one thing all military spouses have in common with each other is their ultimate pride in their husbands and wives, and to survive the journey as a military spouse, their shared pride of place alongside their incredible military husbands and wives.
I am sorry, I don’t know who said "The military wife fights the first battle when she kisses her husband good-bye”, but to them I say, “How true”. While this might have been said about the military wife saying goodbye before a husband’s overseas service, it also speaks true of the man and woman who serves their country from home soil.
Read the rest of the article here
Monday, July 16, 2007
Before Setting the Date - Check first with a Rabbi.
Before Setting the Date - check with a Rabbi first. Did you know that most rabbis will not be able to marry you on certain days, certain evenings, certain Jewish holidays?
Before setting the date, before leaving that deposit at the caterer - check first with a Rabbi.
When you are not a member of a congregation it is normal to seek out a Rabbi. Today, the Internet is your best resource. Rabbi Andrea, an Ordained Reform Rabbi, can assist you both. How many Rabbis do you know that enjoy weddings as much as Rabbi Andrea? Lets celebrate together and meet under the Chuppah!
Don't hesitate to
New York wedding ceremonies
Destination wedding ceremonies
Before setting the date, before leaving that deposit at the caterer - check first with a Rabbi.
When you are not a member of a congregation it is normal to seek out a Rabbi. Today, the Internet is your best resource. Rabbi Andrea, an Ordained Reform Rabbi, can assist you both. How many Rabbis do you know that enjoy weddings as much as Rabbi Andrea? Lets celebrate together and meet under the Chuppah!
Don't hesitate to
New York wedding ceremonies
Destination wedding ceremonies
Wedding Guidance - Families Taking Over!
Mother of the bride wants control of her daughter's, the bride-to-be, wedding. The son's, groom-to-be, mother has hurt feelings because she is not being included. The family spending the most money is using money as the control factor. The bride-to-be and her groom-to-be are not enjoying this wonderful time in their lives - planning THEIR wedding day.
STOP! Brides and Grooms, TAKE THE CONTROL BACK NOW and seek from Rabbi Andrea, the Jewish Wedding Rabbi.
STOP! Brides and Grooms, TAKE THE CONTROL BACK NOW and seek from Rabbi Andrea, the Jewish Wedding Rabbi.
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