Is Yiddish easier than German?
Is Yiddish easier than German?
Yiddish is essentially a German dialect with some added vocabulary from other sources (mainly Hebrew and Slavic languages). So, learning Yiddish should be fairly easy for you.
Why do Jews touch the door?
Any Jew can recite the blessing, provided they are old enough to understand the significance of the mitzvah. After the blessing, the mezuzah is attached. Whenever passing through the doorway, many people touch a finger to the mezuzah as a way of showing respect to God.
Why do Hasidic Jews shave their heads?
While some women chose merely to cover their hair with a cloth or sheitel, or wig, the most zealous shave their heads beneath to ensure that their hair is never seen by others. “There is a certain energy to the hair, and after you get married it can hurt you instead of benefiting you,” said Ms. Hazan, now 49.
Why do Jews wear black?
Though a symbol of strict adherence to Jewish law, the wearing of a black hat is custom and not law. In the United States, it was almost exclusively the domain of rabbis and yeshiva students until about 40 years ago. And it is no small statement of fashion, even among a people taught to value modesty and humility.
Why do Jews Rock when they pray?
Every time a Jew engages with the Torah, the light of his or her soul ignites, which is why he or she moves like the flame of a candle. This striking image illustrates the desire of many religious Jews to connect directly with God by learning and praying.
Why do Jews wear big hats?
Hats and head coverings An observant Jewish man will always have this on his head. This is an essential rule, and the purpose is to remind himself constantly that G-d is above him in heaven. With any other hat that an Ultra-Orthodox man wears, he will still be wearing a Yarmulke underneath.
How does a yamaka stay on?
If the wearer chooses a suede kippah, bald heads happily have the advantage of a high coefficient of friction. Should all else fail, the ultimate kippah secret is double-sided fashion tape or a dot of one-sided velcro. Please note: stick the velcro to the kippah, not to your head.
Why do Jews wear suits?
While Hasidic men do not feel the modesty obligation to the same degree, they believe that it is a mark of humility and respect for others to dress formally when encountering the world.
Why do Hasidim wear black?
What do Jews say when the glass is broken?
Breaking the glass After the bride has been given the ring, or at the end of the ceremony (depending on local custom), the groom breaks a glass, crushing it with his right foot, and the guests shout: “Mazal Tov!” (Hebrew: “congratulations”).
Why do Jews wear skull caps?
Most Jews will cover their heads when praying, attending the synagogue or at a religious event or festival. Wearing a skullcap is seen as a sign of devoutness. Women also cover their heads by wearing a scarf or a hat. The most common reason (for covering the head) is a sign of respect and fear of God.
Why do Hasidic females shave their heads?
Why do Jews cover mirrors?
When a creation of God dies, this lessens His image. The death of human beings disrupts the connection between the living man and living God. Since the purpose of mirrors is to reflect such image, they are covered during mourning.
Why is a mezuzah slanted?
His grandson, Rabbenu Tam, felt that mezuzot should be affixed horizontally for the sake of tradition, because the scrolls in their leather cases were originally pushed horizontally into the crevices between the stones around the doorways of homes.
Do you kiss the mezuzah?
It is customary for religious Jews to touch the mezuzah every time they pass through a door and kiss the fingers that touched it. However, kissing the mezuzah has also become customary for many secular Jews who think of the mezuzah as a good luck charm.