Birth
Jewish males traditionally undergo this medical procedure at 8 days old as part of their religious tradition.
What is a circumcision?
The bar/bat mitzvah ceremony traditionally takes place when a child reaches this age of adulthood.
Wedding couples stand under this traditional canopy during their ceremony.
What is a chuppah?
This prayer is recited for the first time at the burial of a loved one.
What is Mourner's Kaddish?
This is the life cycle event in which someone chooses to become Jewish, often studying for a year with a community and a rabbi.
What is Conversion?
This Hebrew word for 'covenant' is part of the official ceremony name for a Jewish boy's ritual circumcision.
What is bris/brit?
Bar/Bat Mitzvah literally means this phrase.
What is son/daughter of the commandments?
During a Jewish wedding ceremony, the groom traditionally performs this act right before the MAZEL TOV!
What is stepping on a glass?
When a Jewish person dies, they are typically buried within this amount of time, unlike many non-Jewish burials which can take place a week or more after death.
What is within three days (or as soon as possible!). (Will also accept: within 24 hours)
In order to convert, candidates must traditionally dip in this holy water to mark their 'rebirth' as a member of the tribe.
What is the mikveh?
This 'father' of the Jewish people was the first in our history to undergo a brit milah ceremony - he did it to himself at the ripe old age of 100!
Who is Abraham?
On this special day, Jewish children bless and read from the Torah, and wrap themselves in this ritual garment for the first time.
What is a tallit?
This is the only time of the week when Jews CANNOT get married.
What is Shabbat?
This tradition is often referred to as the 'greatest mitzvah' one can do for another person, since it is an act that can never be repaid.
What is placing earth on a casket/helping to bury someone?
People who choose Judaism have these all-star ancestors listed in their Hebrew name as their mother and father.
(For example: David ben ____ and _____)
Who are Abraham and Sarah?
This naming ceremony for girls is used by egalitarian Jews as a way to welcome female babies into the covenant.
What is a Simchat Bat?
This coming of age ceremony was adopted from a Protestant ritual, and takes place when a child is in high school.
What is Confirmation?
This sacred act often done during traditional weddings symbolizes the bride 'binding' herself to her new husband.
What is circling?
Parents, siblings, and children of the deceased often participate in this ritual, in which a black ribbon is torn to mark them as mourners.
What is kriah?
The 'hatafat dam brit' is symbolic of this other life cycle event, and marks a man's official covenant with God during the conversion process.
What is brit milah/circumcision?
This special prayer, used in many life cycle events, is first recited over a child at his or her naming ceremony -it thanks God for allowing us to reach this special moment in our lives.
What is Shehechiyanu?
What is Haftorah?
These blessings, referred to by this Hebrew phrase, are the central part of the wedding ceremony, and include hopes for friendship, peace, children, and joy.
What are the sheva brachot?
While Jews don't believe in Heaven or Hell, there is mention of this place in our sacred literature.
What is Olam Ha'bah/The World to Come?
At the end of the conversion process, students meet with a group of three rabbis, otherwise known as THIS, to answer questions about their journeys and ensure that they are ready to take the plunge.
What is a beit din?