Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is JewishWeb.com?

Accepted Answer

JewishWeb.com is a comprehensive online guide to Jewish life and community — covering holidays, customs, kosher living, education, synagogues, community resources, and more.

Question 2

Who runs JewishWeb.com?

Accepted Answer

JewishWeb.com is operated by a dedicated team passionate about connecting Jews worldwide with the information and resources they need.

Question 3

Is JewishWeb.com affiliated with a specific denomination?

Accepted Answer

No. JewishWeb.com serves the entire Jewish community — Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, and unaffiliated Jews alike.

Question 4

Is JewishWeb.com free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All content and directory listings on JewishWeb.com are free for visitors.

Question 5

How can I advertise on JewishWeb.com?

Accepted Answer

Visit our Advertising page for information about banner ads, sponsored listings, and partnership opportunities.

Question 6

How do I contact JewishWeb.com?

Accepted Answer

Use our Contact page to send us a message. We typically respond within 24–48 hours.

Question 7

Can I submit a listing to the directory?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Business owners can create an account and submit their listing for review through our dashboard.

Question 8

What is the JewishWeb Network?

Accepted Answer

The JewishWeb Network includes partner sites like Chanuka.com, Hamantaschen.com, JerusalemGuidebook.com, jHumor.com, JudaicaStore.com, KosherWedding.com, and PassoverGuide.com.

Question 9

How many Jewish holidays are there?

Accepted Answer

There are numerous Jewish holidays throughout the year. Major ones include Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim, Passover, and Shavuot. See our complete Jewish Holidays guide.

Question 10

When does Shabbat start and end?

Accepted Answer

Shabbat begins at sundown on Friday and ends after nightfall on Saturday (when three stars are visible). Exact times vary by location and time of year.

Question 11

What is Rosh Hashanah?

Accepted Answer

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, observed on the 1st and 2nd of Tishrei. It marks the beginning of the High Holy Days and a period of reflection and repentance.

Question 12

What is Yom Kippur?

Accepted Answer

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is the holiest day of the Jewish year. It involves a 25-hour fast, intensive prayer, and repentance. It falls on the 10th of Tishrei.

Question 13

What is Sukkot?

Accepted Answer

Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) is a seven-day harvest festival. Jews build and eat in a sukkah (temporary hut) and shake the lulav and etrog. Learn more at Jewish Holidays.

Question 14

What is Chanukah?

Accepted Answer

Chanukah is an eight-day festival celebrating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Jews light the menorah, eat fried foods, play dreidel, and exchange gifts.

Question 15

What is Purim?

Accepted Answer

Purim celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman's plot in ancient Persia, as told in the Book of Esther. Celebrations include reading the Megillah, costumes, and giving mishloach manot.

Question 16

What is Passover (Pesach)?

Accepted Answer

Passover is an eight-day festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. The highlight is the Seder — a festive meal with symbolic foods and the retelling of the Exodus story. Visit our Passover guide or explore PassoverGuide.com for an in-depth look at the holiday.

Question 17

What is chametz and why is it forbidden on Passover?

Accepted Answer

Chametz is any food product made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt that has been allowed to ferment and rise. It is forbidden to eat, own, or benefit from chametz during the eight days of Passover. Many people sell their chametz before the holiday through a rabbi or online service.

Question 18

What is a Passover Seder?

Accepted Answer

The Seder is a festive ritual meal held on the first two nights of Passover (one night in Israel). It follows a specific order outlined in the Haggadah, including the Four Cups of wine, eating matzah and maror, and retelling the story of the Exodus.

Question 19

How do I sell my chametz before Passover?

Accepted Answer

You can sell your chametz online through organizations like Chabad.org, Oorah, or Tzohar, or contact your local rabbi. See our Passover page for more links.

Question 20

Where can I download a free Passover guide?

Accepted Answer

You can download a free, comprehensive Passover guide at PassoverGuide.com, covering history, seder rituals, food traditions, and the spiritual meaning of freedom.

Question 21

What is Shavuot?

Accepted Answer

Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It is customary to stay up all night studying Torah and to eat dairy foods.

Question 22

What are the Fast Days in Judaism?

Accepted Answer

Major fast days include Yom Kippur, Tisha B'Av, Tzom Gedaliah, Asara B'Tevet, Ta'anit Esther, and Shiva Asar B'Tammuz.

Question 23

What is Tisha B'Av?

Accepted Answer

Tisha B'Av (9th of Av) is a day of mourning commemorating the destruction of both Holy Temples and other tragedies in Jewish history.

Question 24

What is Lag B'Omer?

Accepted Answer

Lag B'Omer is the 33rd day of the Omer count between Passover and Shavuot. It celebrates the end of a plague among Rabbi Akiva's students and the yahrzeit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

Question 25

What is Tu B'Shvat?

Accepted Answer

Tu B'Shvat is the New Year for Trees, celebrated on the 15th of Shvat. It is customary to eat fruits, especially the Seven Species of Israel.

Question 26

What are the major Jewish lifecycle events?

Accepted Answer

Jewish lifecycle events include baby naming, Brit Milah (circumcision), Pidyon HaBen, Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah, marriage, and funeral/mourning practices. See our complete Jewish Lifecycle Events guide.

Question 27

What is a Jewish baby naming ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Boys are traditionally named at their Brit Milah on the eighth day. Girls receive their Hebrew name at a Simchat Bat or Zeved HaBat ceremony. Learn more about Jewish baby naming.

Question 28

What is a Simchat Bat?

Accepted Answer

A Simchat Bat ("Joy of the Daughter") is an Ashkenazi ceremony welcoming a newborn girl into the Jewish community. It typically includes blessings, psalms, the Shehecheyanu, and the formal announcement of the baby's Hebrew name.

Question 29

What is a Zeved HaBat?

Accepted Answer

A Zeved HaBat ("Gift of the Daughter") is the traditional Sephardic and Mizrachi ceremony for welcoming a baby girl. It includes Mi Sheberach prayers, Song of Songs readings, and a festive meal.

Question 30

What is the difference between Simchat Bat and Zeved HaBat?

Accepted Answer

Both ceremonies welcome a baby girl and announce her Hebrew name. Simchat Bat is a modern Ashkenazi ceremony (emerged in the 1970s), while Zeved HaBat is an ancient Sephardic tradition practiced for centuries. Families may customize either ceremony.

Question 31

When is a Simchat Bat or Zeved HaBat held?

Accepted Answer

Usually within the first month of life, often on a Shabbat. There is no fixed day — unlike the Brit Milah, which is on the 8th day. Learn more at our Simchat Bat & Zeved HaBat guide.

Question 32

What is a Bar Mitzvah?

Accepted Answer

A Bar Mitzvah marks a Jewish boy's coming of age at 13. He becomes obligated to observe the commandments, can be counted in a minyan, and is called to the Torah.

Question 33

What is a Bat Mitzvah?

Accepted Answer

A Bat Mitzvah marks a Jewish girl's coming of age at 12 (Orthodox) or 13 (Conservative/Reform). Celebrations vary by community and denomination.

Question 34

What is a Brit Milah (circumcision)?

Accepted Answer

Brit Milah is the covenant of circumcision performed on a Jewish boy on the 8th day after birth by a mohel, as commanded in the Torah.

Question 35

What is a Pidyon HaBen?

Accepted Answer

Pidyon HaBen (Redemption of the Firstborn) is a ceremony held on the 31st day after the birth of a firstborn son, in which the father redeems his son from a Kohen with five silver coins.

Question 36

What is a Jewish wedding like?

Accepted Answer

A Jewish wedding includes a ketubah (marriage contract), bedeken (veiling), chuppah (canopy), seven blessings, breaking the glass, yichud, and a festive celebration.

Question 37

What is shiva?

Accepted Answer

Shiva is the seven-day mourning period observed after a Jewish funeral. Family members sit on low chairs, mirrors are covered, and the community visits to offer comfort and bring food. Learn more about Jewish mourning practices.

Question 38

What is Kaddish?

Accepted Answer

The Mourner's Kaddish is recited for 11 months after the death of a parent and 30 days for other close relatives. Despite being associated with mourning, it praises God and affirms faith. See Jewish Funerals & Mourning.

Question 39

What is a yahrzeit?

Accepted Answer

A yahrzeit is the annual anniversary of a loved one's death, observed according to the Hebrew calendar. Mourners light a 24-hour candle and recite Kaddish. Learn more at Jewish Funerals & Mourning.

Question 40

Should I bring flowers when visiting a house of mourning?

Accepted Answer

No — never bring flowers to a Jewish house of mourning. Instead, bring food such as prepared meals, baked goods, or fruit platters. A charitable donation in memory of the deceased is also appropriate. See mourning etiquette.

Question 41

What is the chevra kadisha and what is tahara?

Accepted Answer

The chevra kadisha ("holy society") is the volunteer Jewish burial society that watches over the body (shemira) and performs tahara — ritual washing, purification, and dressing in plain white shrouds. See our full Jewish Burial & Mourning Guide.

Question 42

Can someone with tattoos be buried in a Jewish cemetery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is a myth with no basis in Jewish law. Tattooing is prohibited, but a tattoo never disqualifies a person from Jewish burial — Holocaust survivors with camp numbers are buried in Jewish cemeteries worldwide. More in our Burial & Mourning Guide.

Question 43

Why does Judaism prohibit cremation?

Accepted Answer

The body remains sacred after death and is returned to the earth intact. Traditional Jewish law requires burial and prohibits cremation, though Reform practice permits it. See burial vs. cremation.

Question 44

How do I find a minyan to say Kaddish?

Accepted Answer

Use GoDaven.com for worldwide minyan times, or our Synagogues & Shuls Directory. Kaddish is recited three times daily at Shacharit, Mincha and Maariv/Arvit.

Question 45

What happens after shiva — shloshim and the year?

Accepted Answer

Shloshim ends on the thirtieth day from burial and concludes formal mourning for all relatives except a parent, for whom mourning lasts twelve Hebrew months with Kaddish recited for eleven. Details in the Burial & Mourning Guide.

Question 46

How much does a Jewish funeral cost?

Accepted Answer

Costs vary by city and cemetery, but Jewish burial is intentionally egalitarian. Free burial societies such as the Hebrew Free Burial Association and local chevra kadisha funds provide dignified burial at no cost to families in need.

Question 47

How is a body flown to Israel for burial?

Accepted Answer

A Jewish funeral director arranges the death certificate, transit permit, sealed container, and reception by an Israeli chevra kadisha — burial often takes place the same day the flight lands, without a casket. See transporting a body and burial in Israel.

Question 48

What are appropriate gifts for Jewish lifecycle events?

Accepted Answer

For babies: kiddush cups, mezuzahs, blankets with Hebrew names. For B'nai Mitzvah: money in multiples of 18 (chai), Jewish books, tallitot. For weddings: Shabbat candlesticks, challah boards, kiddush cups.

Question 49

What is Havdalah?

Accepted Answer

Havdalah is the ceremony marking the end of Shabbat, involving blessings over wine, spices, and a braided candle.

Question 50

What is Kiddush?

Accepted Answer

Kiddush is the blessing recited over wine or grape juice to sanctify Shabbat and Jewish holidays, typically before a festive meal.

Question 51

What is Netilat Yadayim?

Accepted Answer

Netilat Yadayim is the ritual washing of hands performed upon waking, before eating bread, and at other specified times.

Question 52

What is a Mezuzah?

Accepted Answer

A mezuzah is a parchment scroll inscribed with the Shema, placed in a case and affixed to doorposts of Jewish homes as commanded in Deuteronomy.

Question 53

What are Tefillin?

Accepted Answer

Tefillin (phylacteries) are two leather boxes containing Torah verses, worn on the arm and head during weekday morning prayers by Jewish men.

Question 54

What is a Tallit?

Accepted Answer

A tallit is a Jewish prayer shawl with fringes (tzitzit) on each corner, worn during morning prayers and on certain occasions.

Question 55

What does kosher mean?

Accepted Answer

Kosher (kasher) means fit or proper according to Jewish dietary law (kashrut). It governs which foods may be eaten and how they must be prepared.

Question 56

What is the difference between meat and dairy?

Accepted Answer

Jewish law prohibits mixing meat and dairy products. Separate dishes, utensils, and preparation areas are used for each. A waiting period is observed between eating meat and dairy.

Question 57

What makes meat kosher?

Accepted Answer

Kosher meat must come from animals with split hooves that chew their cud (e.g., cattle, sheep). It must be slaughtered by a trained shochet and salted to remove blood.

Question 58

What fish are kosher?

Accepted Answer

Kosher fish must have fins and scales. Common examples include salmon, tuna, cod, and tilapia. Shellfish, catfish, and swordfish are not kosher.

Question 59

What are common kosher certification symbols?

Accepted Answer

Common symbols include OU (Orthodox Union), OK, Star-K, CRC, Kof-K, and many regional certifying agencies. Look for these on product labels.

Question 60

What is pareve?

Accepted Answer

Pareve foods are neither meat nor dairy — including fruits, vegetables, eggs, fish, and grains. They can be eaten with either meat or dairy meals.

Question 61

What is Bishul Akum?

Accepted Answer

Bishul Akum refers to food cooked entirely by a non-Jew. Certain cooked foods require Jewish involvement in the cooking process to be considered kosher.

Question 62

How do you kasher a kitchen?

Accepted Answer

Kashering involves thoroughly cleaning surfaces and utensils, then applying heat (boiling water, blowtorch, or oven heat) according to how each item was used.

Question 63

What is Pas Yisroel?

Accepted Answer

Pas Yisroel refers to bread and baked goods in which a Jew participated in the baking process. Some communities require this year-round; others only during the Ten Days of Repentance.

Question 64

What is Cholov Yisroel?

Accepted Answer

Cholov Yisroel (Jewish-supervised milk) refers to dairy products whose production was supervised by a Jew from milking to packaging.

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