Monthly Archives: febrero 2025

As Chassidism spread throughout Eastern Europe, its followers encountered a very strong opposition movement from the majority of the more traditional rabbis. They were called the Mitnagdim (contrarians). The leader of the Mitnagdim was undoubtedly Rabbi Elijah ben Shlomo Zalman, … Seguir leyendo →

In the 18th century, the Jews of Eastern Europe, mainly in Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine and other surrounding areas, were in a state of great depression as a result of the massacres of the Cossack Bohdan Khmielnicki, the persecution of the … Seguir leyendo →

The history of Jews in Poland dates back more than a millennium. For centuries, Poland was home to the largest and most significant Jewish community in the world. Poland was the center of Jewish culture, thanks to a long period … Seguir leyendo →

The idea that God rewards those who fulfill His commandments and punishes those who do not, is mentioned continuously in the Bible. These mentions are made despite how difficult it is to prove, since in many cases the righteous suffer … Seguir leyendo →

The Yizkor service is commemorated four times a year: on Yom Kippur, on Shemini Atzeret, the second-to-last day of Sukkot, on the last day of Pesach, and on the second day of Shavuot. The main purpose is to remember our … Seguir leyendo →

Isaac Abravanel was born in Lisbon in 1437. He was the son of Yehuda Abravanel, treasurer at the court of King Alfonso V of Portugal. He was a student of Yosef Hayim, chief rabbi of Portugal. He studied Talmud and … Seguir leyendo →

1. The formal side. Orthodox and Conservative Jews define being Jewish as being the son of a Jewish mother. Reform Jews accept as Jewish anyone who is the son of a Jewish mother or father. All three accept as Jewish … Seguir leyendo →

Jewish tradition requires women to cover their hair as an act of modesty before men and men to cover their heads as an act of humility and reverence before God, even though there is no explicit commandment in the Torah … Seguir leyendo →

In 1492 the Jews of Spain were expelled by royal decree, and five years later the Jews of Portugal suffered a similar fate. Iberian Judaism had lived in peace with its Muslim and Christian neighbors for hundreds of years. They … Seguir leyendo →