The Rituals & Practices of a Jewish Life

An inspiring how-to guide to help you understand
and participate in a Jewish spiritual life.

Across the spectrum of Jewish observance, people are seeking ways to give higher meaning to their spiritual lives—but how do you know where to begin, and what should you do first?

This easy-to-use handbook explains the why, what and how of ten specific areas of Jewish ritual and practice. Each chapter provides you with guidance and background if you are just beginning to explore Jewish ritual and practice, and offers creative ways to deepen the meaning of Judaism in your daily life, even if you are experienced with ritual observance.

All of the chapters have personal stories of people who have taken on Jewish ritual, and will inspire you to consider how to infuse your life with the wisdom of Jewish tradition.

An inspiring how-to guide to help you understand
and participate in a Jewish spiritual life.

Across the spectrum of Jewish observance, people are seeking ways to give higher meaning to their spiritual lives—but how do you know where to begin, and what should you do first?

This easy-to-use handbook explains the why, what and how of ten specific areas of Jewish ritual and practice. Each chapter provides you with guidance and background if you are just beginning to explore Jewish ritual and practice, and offers creative ways to deepen the meaning of Judaism in your daily life, even if you are experienced with ritual observance.

All of the chapters have personal stories of people who have taken on Jewish ritual, and will inspire you to consider how to infuse your life with the wisdom of Jewish tradition.

Foreword VANESSA L OCHS Acknowledgments Introduction 1 Tefillin RABBI KERRY M OLITZKY 2 Tallit and Tallit Katan HAVIVA NER-DAVID 3 The Broad Spectrum of Kashrut RABBI MARK SAMETH 4 Entering Shabbat RABBIS DANIEL JUDSON and KERRY M OLITZKY 5 Daily Prayer DR MARK KLIGMAN Contents 6 Torah Study RABBI RUTH M GAIS 7 Blessings throughout the Day RABBI NINA BETH CARDIN 8 Covering the Head RABBI DANIEL JUDSON 9 Upon Rising and Going to Bed: Traditional Morning and Evening Blessings RABBI ANDREW VOGEL 10 Mikvah DEBRA NUSSBAUM COHEN Notes Glossary Suggestions for Further Reading About the Contributors About Jewish Lights