Rachael's Centre for Torah, Mussar and Ethics is a not-for-profit pluralistic website dedicated to online Jewish learning
Welcome to our new site. Click here to learn more about Rachael's Centre
Watch & Listen banner
Jewish Holidays

To watch the full version, become a participant today.
Jewish Holidays
Sort By

Apples and Honey at Rosh Hashanah
Video/Audio Image

The most famous tradition around Rosh Hashanah is to eat apples and honey. We say we eat them so we will have a sweet new year, but do you know the reason why we specifically use apples and honey? Why not use strawberries and sugar? They're just as sweet too! Rachael explains the meaning behind the delicious tradition.


top
Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year
Video/Audio Image

Rosh Hashanah is called the "Jewish New Year" but really it is a new year for everyone. Since we believe that all of humanity was created on this day, it is a universal day.


top
Shofar, Sho Good
Video/Audio Image

The Shofar has always been a means of communication for the Jewish people. Today, we use is as an alert to remind us that the High Holidays are upon us.

To watch this Video, please Sign In,
or Become a participant Today!

top
Yom Kippur: Our Day of Atonement
Video/Audio Image

The holiest day of our year, Yom Kippur is also known as the Day of Atonement.

To watch this Video, please Sign In,
or Become a participant Today!

top
What's Not Allowed on Yom Kippur
Video/Audio Image

There are a number of prohibitions we have on Yom Kippur. We all know we're supposed to fast, but there are some that you might not know about.


top
Why do we shake the Lulav and Etrog?
During Sukkot, we take the Lulav and the Etrog, bring them together and shake them. Why do we do it? What's the reason? This answers them all.

To watch this Video, please Sign In,
or Become a participant Today!

top
Why Build a Sukkah?
Video/Audio Image

The Torah commands us to build a temoporary hut called a Sukkah, on the holiday of Sukkot. Putting this commandment aside, why would someone want to build one today? Rachael explains.

To watch this Video, please Sign In,
or Become a participant Today!

top
Shemini Atzeret: The Forgotten High Holiday
Video/Audio Image

After the rush of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and caught in the middle between Sukkot and Simchat Torah, Shemini Atzeret is the forgotten High Holiday. How is this holiday so important to the Jewish people?

To watch this Video, please Sign In,
or Become a participant Today!

top
It's Not a Menorah, It's a Chanukiah
Rachael expands on one of the commonly misunderstood Jewish symbols. Learn more about the branched candelabra that has its origins rooted in the story of Chanukah.


top
The Dreidel Game: Preserving the Tradition
Get into the game! Rachael explains the meaning behind the four-sided spinning top that has several songs in its honour.


top
Jewish Holidays: More Than Surviving & Eating
Video/Audio Image

There's a popular joke that says that all Jewish holidays can be summarized in three points, "They tried to kill us, we survived, let's eat!"
In this video, Rachael explains that each holiday's meaning is actually unique from one another, and that the Jewish holidays should exist on their own, not grouped together.

To watch this Video, please Sign In,
or Become a participant Today!

top
Forgiving and Really Forgetting
Video/Audio Image

Around Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur we are told we should ask for forgiveness to anyone whom we may have hurt or offended over the past year. So what if you are on the receiving end of an apology? Are you able to forgive the person and forget it happened? Rachael explains why you should forgive and forget.

To watch this Video, please Sign In,
or Become a participant Today!

top
Rachael's Centre for Torah, Mussar and Ethics is a not-for-profit pluralistic website dedicated to online Jewish learning. We offer video and audio classes on Jewish themes such as Family, Lifecycle Events, Torah, Jewish Laws and much more. We also feature a Jewish Calendar, Interactive Blog, Video Reflections, Torah Podcasts, and Holiday Insights. We invite you to subscribe to Pathways to Learning and join our growing online community today.
Online Jewish Learning Courses, Torah, Mussar, Jewish Ethics Classes, Jewish Life Lessons Toronto.
© Rachael's Centre for Torah, Mussar & Ethics
Internet Marketing by Techwyse