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“What is the Yizkor Service?” Yizkor, which translates to “remembrance” is a special Jewish memorial service and prayer to honor the deceased. It is most commonly said for a parent, child, sibling or spouse, but can also be recited for any relative or close friend. With the belief that the soul is eternal, participating in … Continued

“Taking a Deeper Look into the Tribes of Israel” The Twelve Tribes of Israel are descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob, who was later called Israel. Reform Jews do not believe that any congregation should have a different type of status compared to another. However, for Conservative and Orthodox Jews, the very foundation of … Continued

“Can You be Buried in a Jewish Cemetery with Tattoos?” Tattoos. Body ink. Body art. These are uncommon words in Jewish culture because there is a belief among many Jewish people that one cannot be buried in a Jewish cemetery if they have a tattoo. This belief is purely a myth. While the Torah states … Continued

“Why Jewish Mourners Cover Mirrors And Sit On Low Stools?” Considered one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world, Judaism is rich in history with time-honored rites and rituals passed down for centuries including those practiced during the time of mourning known as shiva. The traditions observed during shiva help those left behind deal … Continued

The 1993 film Schindler’s List portrayed the story of a German businessman who saves the lives of hundreds of Jews during World War II. A scene at the end of the film depicts the surviving group of people Schindler saved from Nazi persecution (the “Schindler Jews”) each paying their respects for him by placing a … Continued

Here are important questions to consider: When was the last time you had an estate planning attorney perform a full review of your long-term plans for your financial affairs, your family, and your legacy?   For that matter, have you ever sought out such a review? Have you taken the necessary steps to keep your estate … Continued

Expressing your condolences at a time of loss is a very personal matter. While Jewish tradition does not encourage the sending of flowers, it is perfectly acceptable to express your sympathy in other ways. The most important thing is to be sincere, be thoughtful, and to keep the needs of the bereaved in your mind. … Continued