Just six months from the massive trauma of the massacre by Hamas of Israelis on 7th October, 2023, there is a dreadful echo of the letters sent on behalf of Haman “to destroy, to slay and to exterminate” the Jews of Persia…

Reaching the 30-day mark after death is a meaningful moment for Jewish grieving. The secondary period of ritual mourning – following shiva – is lifted for anyone who has lost a family member. This particular shloshim is a national one, not just a personal one.

‘More than we Expected’ tells the story of the journey with his son, Nadav, a twin born with a congenital heart defect who died at the age of five. “Despite these difficult circumstances, More Than We Expected is not a tragedy. Instead, this memoir offers valuable lessons about the privilege of parenthood and the practice of medicine…”

The Jewish festival of Shavuot (literally ‘weeks’) occurs seven weeks after Pesach/Passover.  Shavuot was one of the three pilgrim festivals in ancient Israel, where Jews made their way to the Temple in Jerusalem.

If you’re in the mood for a little musical nostalgia this Passover, do enjoy these gems from Theodore Bikel. Bikel has been called ‘one of the most versatile and respected actors and performers of his generation’.

Rev Dr Nigel Woodley explains the deep significance of Israel to him and how it is fundamental to his religious beliefs

David Shenkin gives a personal and frank account about growing up Jewish in Auckland; how he moved away from his roots as a teenager; the struggles on his journey back to Judaism as he found his faith once more.

This part of the Jewish Lives website is a series of short articles to help our visitors to negotiate the complexities of Jewish faith and its various and many expressions.

In Judaism, it is believed that adherents must serve God by study, prayer and the observance of the commandments laid out in the Torah. Here, Miriam Bell outlines the key rituals of Jewish faith.

The most important Jewish festivals and holidays, which are observed at various times throughout the year, derive from Biblical mitzvot (commandments) and rabbinical mandate.

Converting to Judaism, the religion of the Jewish peoples, is a decision which cannot be made lightly. The conversion will impact on every aspect of the candidate’s life from their lifestyle to their relationships

Food has always played an important part in Jewish life and many popular dishes are associated with the Jewish kitchen. But what makes Jewish food particularly Jewish? The answer would have to the Jewish dietary laws known as ‘Kashrut’ or kosher.

Judaism is a monotheistic religion, which means that it is defined by a belief in one God. Miriam Bell outlines the different movements and expressions of the Jewish faith.

A glossary of the key terms, definitions, individuals and places of the Jewish Faith, described and compiled by Rabbi Samuel Altschul, Rabbi Mendel Goldstein, Miriam Bell and John Kooperberg.