Judaica Knowledge Base

Havdalah is the ceremony that marks the conclusion of Shabbat and the transition back into the regular week. The word “Havdalah” comes from a Hebrew root meaning “separation,” … read more

A Shabbat table set refers to the traditional arrangement of ritual items and festive foods prepared before the beginning of Shabbat. Thoughtfully setting the table helps create a calm, welcoming env … read more

The Shema is one of the most important and widely known prayers in Jewish tradition. Its opening words, “Shema Yisrael,” call upon listeners to hear and affirm the belief in one God. Reci … read more

A mezuzah is most often associated with Jewish homes, but the tradition can also extend to workplaces. Many Jewish-owned businesses place mezuzahs on the doorposts of offices, stores, and other comme … read more

A mezuzah case is the outer container that holds the mezuzah scroll and allows it to be mounted on a doorpost. While many people refer to the entire object as a “mezuzah,” the mezuzah act … read more