Many Jewish parents have the custom of bringing their young “Upsherin boys” to a rebbi (Jewish Teacher) to begin the study of Torah.1 The rebbi introduces the young boy to […]
Judaism 101
Understand the meaning behind Jewish commandments and how they connect to daily life and purpose.
While parents prepare for their children’s Upsherin, they may find themselves somewhat confused. They may be wondering, “Yes, my child is of age to enjoy the excitement of a birthday […]
My friend took their three-year-old boy to their rabbi on the day of his Upsherin for a blessing. Should I do that too? This is a beautiful thing to do […]
These halachic guidelines are relevant for the Upsherin or any other haircut. (See illustrated guide here) One should not be ashamed of his pe’ot, rather he should carry them with […]
What is the most appropriate age for the Upsherin haircut? In most communities, the Upsherin (haircut) is done on the son’s third birthday. Like A Tree We find a source […]
And Sit There The verse in this week’s Torah reading, Parshat Vayishlach, says (35:1), “And God said to Yaakov (Jacob), “Get up and go up to Beit-El and sit there, […]
Why is the first haircut so significant in Jewish tradition? When a Jewish man receives a haircut, he must be sure not to completely remove his pe’ot (side locks). The […]
First Haircut Chalakah or Upsherin1 refers to the Jewish custom of cutting a boy’s hair at his third birthday.2 In many Jewish communities, they refrain from cutting a young boy’s […]
Power Prayers On each day of Chanukah, we recite the full Hallel during Shacharit prayers. This beautiful tefillah, often sung, is a heartfelt expression of praise and gratitude to Hashem […]
How? On the first night of Chanukah, one candle is lit. Each night after that, one candle is added to the menorah so that by the eighth night, eight candles […]
