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Explore our RA bookstore, articles on Exploring Judaism, teshuvot of the Committee on Jewish Law & Standards (CJLS), our Tzedek Center, holiday guides, and more.
You Shall Strengthen Them: A Rabbinic Letter on the Poor
You Shall Strengthen Them: A Rabbinic Letter on the Poor, was derived from earlier published essays
Ushpizin
This ready-to-use text, which includes commentary and kavanot, has been excerpted from Or Hadash: A Commentary on Siddur Sim Shalom.
Seder N'tilat Lulav
This ready-to-use text, which includes commentary and kavanot, has been excerpted from Or Hadash: A Commentary on Siddur Sim Shalom.
Hakafot
This ready-to-use text, which includes commentary and kavanot on the Hakafot for Simhat Torah, has been excerpted from Or Hadash: A Commentary on Siddur Sim Shalom.
Simhat Torah Songsheet
This ready-to-use songsheet was compiled by Ashira Konigsburg, Assistant Director of Rabbinic Services, RA.
Purim Song Sheet
This 1-page song sheet, prepared by Yossi Hoffman, contains the text, transliteration, and translation of popular songs for Purim.
Death and Mourning
November 26, 2019
Hevrah Kadisha
Taharah and Shmirah
Organ Donation
Funerals
Cemetery and...
The Mitzvah of Organ Donation
November 26, 2019
by Rabbi Joseph H. Prouser
From The United Synagogue Review, Spring 1997
The inestimable value of human life is a cardinal principle of Jewish law. This principle includes an obligation for maintenance of our own health and for...
Cemetery and Burial
November 26, 2019
Jewish Cemeteries – Green and Greener
by David Zinner
What is a Jewish Cemetery and how to make it green(er)
Relevant Teshuvot:
Burial
Morris Feldman, "May a Mausoleum Be Used for Jewish Burial?" YD...
Guide to Jewish Funeral Practice
November 26, 2019
Introduction
A Jewish funeral is a sacred rite and should be invested with both dignity and simplicity as taught by Jewish tradition.
The family of the deceased should consult the Rabbi when death occurs. Preplanning is encouraged. (See 7.12...
Organ Donation
November 26, 2019
The Mitzvah of Organ Donation
by Joseph H. Prouser
From The United Synagogue Review, Spring 1997
Organ Transplants and Donor Cards
by David Golinkin
Responsa for Today
Relevant Teshuvot:
Leonard...
A Time to Grieve, A Time to Teach
November 26, 2019
by Dr. Joshua Elkin
A Challenge to Parents and Educators: Teaching Children about Death and Dying
We live during a time when parents and educators are searching for ways in which to instill a sound value system within the minds and hearts of...
Guide to the Hevrah Kadisha
November 26, 2019
Preamble
The Guide to the Hevrah Kadisha is to be regarded as complementary to the Guide to Funeral Practices of the United Synagogue. The Hevrah Kadisha is the name given to the congregational committee or organization whose...