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Around The Table

Informative Articles & Videos

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Women and Zimmun

This two page article by Jennifer Breger summarizes the complicated subject of a women’s participation in a “Zimmun,” (literally, “invitation”)

Introduction to the Grace After Meals

This thorough and informative article explains the structure, content, and development of the Grace After Meals, as well as some

JOFA: The Women’s Role in Kiddush, HaMotzi & Havdallah

The following excerpt from the article “Halachot of Kiddush, HaMotzi and Havdalah, printed by The Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA),

Eishet Chayil Q&A

This excerpt from an article by Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky presents and responds to both technical and philosophical questions about specific words and

A Love Letter to the Woman of Valor

In this scholarly article, Dr. Malka Simkovich describes her evolving relationship to the song Eishet Chayil. While she once disregarded

On Labor Day, Let’s Consider a New ‘Woman of Valor’

This article, posted on Labor Day by Lana Adler, criticizes Eishet Chayil for celebrating a woman who works only for

Women of Valor: An Evolving Role Model

In this article, Jordyn Rozensky explores the concept of valor from a modern, feminist perspective, challenging readers to think about what it means

Exploring the Controversial Aspects of Shalom Aleichem: Idolatry & Domestic Relations

In this provocative article, Atar Hadari explores some of the more controversial aspects of the song “Shalom Aleichem,” explaining why

Happy to Skip Eishet Chayil: A Modern Feminist Critique

In this personal critique, Lauren Kramer challenges the traditional custom of singing Eishet Chayil to the woman of the house

Standing or Sitting for Shalom Aleichem and Eshet Chayil?

This short post states that there is no uniform custom for whether the songs “Shalom Aleichem” and “Eshet Chayil” should be sung

A Valorous Woman: A Feminist Critique of Eishet Chayil

This blog post by Ellie Kahn challenges the impossible standards to which women have always been held, from Biblical times (as

An Introduction to Shalom Aleichem

The Wikipedia entry about Shalom Aleichem includes an explanation of the origins and background of the custom of singing ‘Shalom

Friday Night: Angels in My House

In this personal article, Jewish educator Amy Deutsch suggests an original understanding of what type of angels we are welcoming into

Why Do We Wash Our Hands Before Eating Bread?

This short post explains the biblical origins behind the ritual hand-washing before bread, which is based on the ancient purity

Hand-Washing & Silence on Shabbat

This home video explores the custom of refraining from speaking between washing one’s hands and making the blessing over the bread.

Why Do We Not Speak Inbetween Washing Our Hands and Eating Bread?

In this clear video, Orthodox Rabbi Simon Harris of Wembley United Synagogue describes the halachic development of the custom of

Braided Challah: Integrating the Mundane & the Holy

This article explores the meaning behind the braiding of the Shabbat challah, suggesting that it symbolizes the weaving of our

Six Strand Braided Challah: The Unity of Shabbat

This article explores the meaning behind the custom of braiding of the Shabbat challah with six strands, suggesting that it

Shabbat Home Ritual: Challah

In this short post, Sarah Fishman describes the basics of the challah ceremony, as part of an article introducing the

A Brief Introduction to the Grace After Meals

This short post offers a basic overview of the Grace After Meals, including its biblical sources, an explanation of its

Why Say Bircat Hamazon? A Halachic and Spiritual Approach from Maimonides

In this ten-minute video featured on Chabad.org, Rabbi Mendel Kaplan discusses the halachic and spiritual significance of the Grace After

“Benching” 101: The Origin, Stucture, Customs and History of the Grace After Meals

This comprehensive introductory article by Kate Palley provides a thorough explanation for people of all knowledge levels on the origin, structure, customs, and history

An Esoteric, Historical and Halachic Analysis of the Grace After Meals

This 46 minute lecture from Chabad.org is an in-depth exploration of some esoteric, historical and halachic ideas around the Grace After

OneTable Shabbat Dinner Guide

Created by OneTable, a grassroots organization whose goal it is to help people enjoy Shabbat dinners together, the guide (39 pages) to

Zemirot: An Introduction

The word ‘zemer’ (plural – ‘zemirot’) actually means ‘song’ in Hebrew. It has become the word used almost exclusively to

Eishet Chayil: A Template for Modern Women

In this article, a modern woman who lives by Jewish tradition explains why she feels that Eishet Chayil is very

How Eishet Chayil Shaped One Woman’s Evolving Jewish Identity

In this personal article, Sarah Zell Young shares how her religious journey is reflected in her evolving relationship with the words

Origins and Interpretations of Proverbs 31

This brief article from Wikipedia offers an introduction to Proverbs 31, the Biblical source for Eishet Chayil. It provides both literal and

Which Biblical Woman Was the Original Eishet Chayil?

This essay discusses some theories as to which biblical woman the poem, Eishet Chayil, could be referring. The author, Asher Gabbay,

More Precious Than Pearls: A Digital Book of Essays on Eishet Chayil

This 94 page book, “More Precious Than Pearls: A Prayer for the Women of Valor in Our Lives,” is a collection of

The Significance of the Shabbat Angels in Breslov Hassidic Thought

This excerpt from “7th Heaven: Shabbat With Rebbe Nachman of Breslov” explores the significance of angels in Jewish theology, focusing on

Do Jews Believe in Angels?

This comprehensive article, written by Rabbi Louis Jacobs on MyJewishLearning.com, discusses the development of the references and understanding of angels in Judaism from

Introduction to Eishet Chayil: Meaning, Origins, How To, English Text

This detailed article by Chaviva Gordon-Bennett provides a thorough introduction to Eishet Chayil, including the meaning, origins, and practical how-to’s of singing this song

How To Read Eshet Chayil: Reflections from a Feminist Scholar

This reflection by feminist scholar, Dr. Wendy Zierler, traces her evolving relationship with the words of Eshet Chayil over the course of

Shalom Aleichem: Various Customs and Explanations

In this short article, Devorah Channah outlines the origins of Shalom Aleichem, as well as several different customs of why and how

Friday Night & Beyond: Insights on Shalom Aleichem (Plus Text & Audio)

This thorough excerpt from “Friday Night and Beyond” by Lori Palatnik provides meaningful explanations as to why Shalom Aleichem is recited at the

Maimonides’ Ten Levels of Angels

In this article, Whitney Hopler elaborates on the ten different types of angels found in Jewish literature according to Maimonides (Rabbi Moses

The Role of Angels in Judaism

This comprehensive article from Chabad.org provides a survey of the Jewish understanding of angels and the role they play within Jewish

Different Orthodox Shalom Aleichem Customs

In this short article, Rabbi Simcha Weinberg, founder of the leading Torah website, The Foundation Stone, briefly presents the unique “Shalom

Alone Time: Why We Usher the Shabbat Angels Out

In this article from Chabad.org, Rabbi Elly Krimsky explores why we bid farewell to the accompanying angels in Shalom Aleichem, focusing on

A Scholarly and Contextual Approach to the Identity of the Eshet Chayil

This scholarly article argues that there is no single answer to the question “Who is the Eishet Chayil?” because the interpretation

Why We Recite Eishet Chayil on Friday Night

In order to explain why Eishet Chayil is traditionally sung on Shabbat, this detailed article by Rabbi Yehuda Shuprin offers insight into

A Complete Guide to Eishet Chayil

This thorough article offers a complete introduction to the custom of singing Eishet Chayil on Friday night, including the reasons behind

Why Repeat Shalom Aleichem Three Times?

This responsum from the “Ask the Rabbi” column of the Ohr Somayach website provides several explanations for the popular custom of

Washing for a Meal: The Practical, The Philosophical & The Mystical

In these three long video lectures, Chabad Rabbi Mendel Kaplan breaks down the mitzvah of Netilat Yadayim at mealtime, with an

Chabad: Origins, Customs, and Meanings Behind Shalom Aleichem

In this 9:15 long video from Chabad.org, Rabbi Pinchas Taylor gives a thorough and detailed explanation of the origins, customs and meanings behind singing

Introduction to the Blessing over the Bread

This short article offers a brief introduction to the blessing over the bread, including an explanation of the purpose of

The Mitzvah of Separating Challah

This introductory article by Rabbi Mendy Hecht explains the commandment of ‘Hafrashat Challah’ (‘separating challah’), complete with the English transliteration and

Friday Night & Beyond: Insights on HaMotzi

This thorough excerpt from “Friday Night and Beyond” by Lori Palatnik includes spiritual explanations for many of the customs surrounding the HaMotzi ritual

Challah Kabbalah: How to Make Mystical Bread for Shabbat

This short video, created by the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI), transforms the mundane act of making bread into a holy and

Friday Night & Beyond: Insights on HaMotzi

This thorough excerpt from “Friday Night and Beyond” by Lori Palatnik includes spiritual explanations for many of the customs surrounding the HaMotzi ritual

Rav Kook on HaMotzi: For All Times

This excerpt from “Gold from the Land of Israel” by Rabbi Chanan Morrison is a textual analysis of the word “HaMotzi” as

Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan: The Connection Between the Exodus and Challah

This excerpt from “Sabbath: Day of Eternity” by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan describes the deep spiritual connection between the Exodus from Egypt

HaMotzi: The Primordial Past & The Messianic Future

This excerpt from “The Way Into Jewish Prayer (Jewish Lights)” by Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman explores how the words of the blessing over

Why We ‘Scratch’ the Challah before Bircat HaMotzi

This article from Chabad.org discusses the halachic (legal) and Kabbalistic (mystical) explanations for ‘scratching’ the Challah before the blessing over the bread on

Rabbi Yechial Eckstein: The Spiritual Significance of Challah

In this clear video, Rabbi Yechial Eckstein describes the spiritual meaning of challah and how it differs from regular bread. Rabbi Eckstein

The Origins of Ritual Hand-Washing In Jewish Thought

In this excerpt, Chaviva Gordon-Bennett provides an overview of the origins and significance of the different Jewish hand washing rituals, including washing the

Why We Cover the Bread During HaMotzi

This article from Chabad.org provides biblical, Talmudic and halachic reasons for the custom of covering the challah before and during the HaMotzi blessing. In

Why We Dip the Bread in Salt During the HaMotzi Ritual

This responsum from Chabad.org discusses the origins of dipping bread into salt before eating it as part of the HaMotzi ritual. Rabbi Yehuda

Reform: Explaining the HaMotzi Ritual

The following excerpt from “Shabbat Customs,” published by ReformJudaism.org, describes the various customs pertaining to the blessing over the bread on

Rabbi Ovadia Yosef: Women’s Obligation in HaMotzi and Shabbat Meals

This article, written by Halacha Yomit (Daily Laws), describes the women’s obligation to participate in the blessing over the bread and

One Jewish Woman’s Musings on Eishet Chayil

In this personal blog post, Amy Meltzer shares her desire, as a Jewish woman, to hear her praises sung at

Psalm 23

The following article outlines the place of Psalm 23 in Shabbat liturgy in various communities, as well as a literary analysis

A Historical Approach to the Composition and Structure of the Grace After Meals

This thorough article by Rabbi Yizchak Etshalom outlines the structure of the Grace After Meals, explaining how the Biblical command to

Rav Kook: Blessings Over Bread and Torah

This excerpt, written by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook, explores the dual benefits we gain from both eating and studying Torah,

Chabad Customs: The Background and Details of Shalom Aleichem

This short post presents the background and halachic details surrounding Shalom Aleichem, according to the Shulchan Aruch Harav – the

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Customs

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The Israeli weekend in 70 seconds

This short clip (1:15) walks us through a typical Israeli weekend with its variety of colors, flavors, and feels. Whether

An Orthodox woman prepares for Shabbat in Jerusalem

This wordless video clip (1:41) takes us along for the journey as an Orthodox woman in Jerusalem shops, bakes, and makes

What does Shabbat mean in Tel Aviv?

This fun clip (2:22) put out by the Birthright Israel Alumni Community demonstrates the special associations people have of Shabbat in

Renewal Kabbalat Shabbat Service

This excerpt from “Shabbat: A personal guide to the spiritual observance of Shabbat” presents the Kabbalat Shabbat service of the Beyt

The Blessing for the Ritual Handwashing

This image provides the Hebrew, English and transliterated text of the blessing for the ritual washing of the hands before

A Reform Summer Camp’s Abbreviated Grace After Meals with Hand Motions

This almost 3 minute video from URJ Camp Kalsman demonstrates how the campers and staff at this Reform camp recite

Abbreviated Grace After Meals: The Four Blessings

This post includes the Hebrew text of the abbreviated version of the Grace After Meals, along with a printable PDF

Nusach Ari Grace After Meals (Audio & Hebrew text)

This post presents an almost 5 minute long audio recording and the Hebrew text for the Nusach Ari version of the

Yemenite/Baladi Grace After Meals (Hebrew Text)

This post presents the Hebrew text for the Nusach Baladi Grace After Meals used by many Yemenite Jews. The blessing

One Line Grace After Meals

The one-line version of the Grace After Meals, presented below in Aramaic, English and transliterated, has been adopted for general use

By the Sweat of Their Brow: An Alternative Humanist Grace After Meals

This post offers two poems in Hebrew and English, excerpts from Dr. Tzemah Yoreh‘s work, “By the Sweat of their Brow,

Preliminary Psalms Recited Prior to the Grace After Meals

This short excerpt from Wikipedia briefly presents the various customs as to which Psalms are traditionally recited prior to the

Blessing the Spirit of All-which-Lives after Eating and Feeling Satiated: An Ecological Grace After Meals

This post provides the PDF file of “Haveri Nevarekh: Blessing the Spirit of All-which-Lives after Eating and Feeling Satiated: A Birkon” by

Ya Comimos: Ladino Prayer Following Grace After Meals

This post includes the lyrics for “Ya Comimos” in traditional Ladino, modern Ladino, and English. This poetic prayer is recited after the traditional

Yemenite Custom for Eishet Chayil

This website presents an audio recording of the late Yemenite poet and singer Binyamin Nachum singing Eishet Chayil with the

Let Us Bring Forth Food: Humanistic Ha-Motzi

This blessing for breaking bread, inspired by HaMotzi, meaning “the one who brings forth,” was composed by Machar: The Washington Congregation

Yemenite Shalom Aleichem

This casual home video presents Ronen Garama singing a Mizrahi influenced version of Cantor Israel Goldfarb’s popular melody for Shalom

Ethiopian Shalom Aleichem

This video features Shalom Aleichem sung in both Hebrew and Ge’ez (an ancient Ethiopian language) to a melody that reflects

Shalom Aleichem with Alternating Masculine and Feminine God-Language

This post presents an alternative version of Shalom Aleichem, where half of the stanzas are written with the traditional masculine God-language, while

Alternative HaMotzi: Humanistic & Theistic Version

In this alternative blessing over the bread, Lesley Reuter encourages readers to gratefully reflect on the source of their food,

Do We Wash Each Hand Two or Three Times?

This short post describes the different halachic opinions regarding how many times one must wash each hand when performing the

Secular/ Humanist HaMotzi Texts

The following excerpts from a Secular/Humanist Shabbat Service emphasize our connection to the land and themes of social justice, in

HaMotzi(ah) with Masculine and Feminine God-Language

This post presents the blessing over the bread both in its traditional format (i.e. with masculine God-language) and using feminine

JOFA: A Tchina for Putting Challah in the Oven

The following prayer is meant to be recited by women prior to putting the challah into the oven. It asks

Conservative Ashkenazi Grace After Meals (Audio + Text)

In this audio recording, Rabbi Barry Kenter of the Greenburgh Hebrew Center sings the Shabbat version of the Grace After Meals according

Mizrahi Grace After Meals (Hebrew Audio & Text)

This post presents the Hebrew text and an audio recording of the full weekday Grace After Meals, according to the custom

Reform Abbreviated Grace After Meals (Audio & Text)

This post includes an audio recording of an abbreviated version of the Grace After Meals, accompanied by the Hebrew, English, and and

Ashkenazi Grace After Meals (Audio + Text)

This recording presents the complete Grace After Meals according to Ashkenazi custom, sung with the modern Israeli pronunciation of Hebrew in

Complete Ashkenazi Grace After Meals (Hebrew Text)

The following Hebrew text presents the Ashkenazi custom for the Grace After Meals from Tefillos.com. This is useful resource for Ashkenazi Jews

Debbie Friedman’s Shalom Aleichem with Onscreen Transliteration

This video presents the operatic soprano, Rowna Sutin, performing Debbie Friedman’s original tune for Shalom Aleichem. Complete with onscreen transliterated text,

Sephardic/Mizrahi Custom: Shalom Aleichem

This video demonstrates the Sephardic/Mizrahi tradition for Shalom Aleichem, which has five stanzas, instead of four, as is the common Ashkenazi

Nusach Sefard: Shalom Aleichem

This post includes the Hebrew, English and transliterated texts for Shalom Aleichem according to Nusach Sefard. Nusaf Sefard refers to the

Modernizing Birkat HaMotzi: A Feminist Spiritual Approach

This excerpt from Marcia Falk’s “The Book of Blessings” discusses both the significance of Birkat HaMotzi (the blessing over the bread) as a

Egalitarian Kiddush and “Shalom Aleychem”

The following post provides information about egalitarian approaches to Kiddush, as well as a video of Cantor Elana Rozenfeld teaching

Al HaNissim for Hannukah

Al HaNissim is a short paragraph added to the Amidah prayer and the Grace After Meals on Hannukah, thanking God

Audio Recordings of Ashkenazi High Holiday Liturgy

This link will take you to the musical prayer navigator of Mechon Hadar, where you can find audio recordings for each

Yosef Karduner: Breslov Melody for Eishet Chayil

This solemn melody for Eishet Chayil comes from Yosef Karduner‘s album, “Yearning for Shabbat: Traditional Breslov Songs for Shabbat Night.” An

Yitzchak Meir & Friends: Carlebach Shalom Aleichem

In this song Yitzhak Meir & Friends perform Shalom Aleichem using the tune composed by the influential musician and teacher,

David D’Or: Chabad Shalom Aleichem Tune

This video features Israeli singer, composer and songwriter, David D’Or, performing the Chabad melody for Shalom Aleichem from the album

Yosef Karduner: Breslov Melody for Shalom Aleichem

This lively melody for Shalom Aleichem comes from Yosef Karduner‘s album, “Yearning for Shabbat: Traditional Breslov Songs for Shabbat Night.” An

Radomsk Hasidic Melody for Shalom Aleichem

This joyous, lively melody for Shalom Aleichem comes from the Radomsk Hasidic dynasty. Performed by Reb Yonatan Shtencel, the Vizhnitz

Vurka and Amnishov Hasidic Shalom Aleichem Melody

This almost 8 minute long song presents the Shalom Aleichem melody used by the Vurka and Amshinov Hasidic dynasties. With its heavy

Kabbalistic Poems Recited Before Kiddush: Atkinu Seudata & Azamer Bishvochin

This post includes both audio recordings and the Aramaic, English and transliterated texts of two poems that are often recited before

Bendigamos Al Altísimo: A Spanish Grace After Meals Hymn (Audio & Text)

Bendigamos (literally “Let Us Bless”) is a Spanish hymn traditionally sung after meals by Jews of Spanish, Portuguese and Turkish descent (in

Ribbon Kol Haolamim: A Prayer Based on Shalom Aleichem

This post includes the Hebrew and English translation for “Ribbon Kol Haolamim,” a prayer that is recited or sung after

Motzi: A Chain of Work – Prayer Prior to HaMotzi

This poetic prayer, meant to be recited prior to the blessing over the challah, brings one’s intentions toward all of the

Words Of Prayer and Intention: A Sustainability Motzi

This poetic blessing over the bread brings one’s intentions toward all of the people, powers, and systems that allowed for the

Traditional Ashkenazi Shalom Aleichem (Audio & Text)

This post includes the Hebrew, English, and transliterated lyrics to Shalom Aleichem, traditionally sung before Kiddush at the beginning of

Printable Hand Washing & Hamotzi Guide

This simple one-page card from Aish.com provides the Hebrew, English and transliterated texts of the blessings for the ritual washing

The Shabbat Project: Sephardic Hand Washing & HaMotzi Guide

This two-page resource includes a detailed step-by-step guide explaining how to fulfill the ritual washing of the hands and the blessing

How to Separate Challah: Sephardic & Ashkenazi Customs

This excerpt from “The Secret of Challah” by Shira Wiener & Ayelet Yifrach provides clear and concise directions for both Ashkenazim and

Eishet Chayil with On Screen English, Hebrew, Transliterated Text

This video presents a slow but lively version of one of the most popular melodies for Eishet Chayil, composed by

OneTable Shabbat Dinner Guide

Created by OneTable, a grassroots organization whose goal it is to help people enjoy Shabbat dinners together, the guide (39 pages) to

Different Orthodox Shalom Aleichem Customs

In this short article, Rabbi Simcha Weinberg, founder of the leading Torah website, The Foundation Stone, briefly presents the unique “Shalom

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Traditional Practices - Learn How

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Today’s Woman of Valor: An Empowering Adaptation of Eishet Chayil

This adaptation of Eishet Chayil by Ahava Lilith EverShine goes through each verse of the traditional text, providing a modern

How to Recite the Reform Abbreviated Grace After Meals

In this instructional video, Rabbi Gary Pokras demonstrates how to recite the abbreviated version of the Grace After Meals for Shabbat

Let’s Learn T’fillah: The First Paragraph of Ashkenazi Birkat Hamazon

This short animated video from Rabbi David Paskin demonstrates how to sing the first paragraph of the Ashkenazi Grace After Meals

Traditional Ashkenazi Shalom Aleichem with Lyrics

In this instructional video, Alicia Jo Rabins sings Shalom Aleichem slowly and clearly, using one of the most popular tunes, composed by

Moishe House: Friday Night Shabbat Rituals

This less than 5 minute long animated video introduces the basic Shabbat rituals performed on Friday night, including the candle lighting ceremony,

The Shabbat Project: How to Sing Shalom Aleichem (Sephardic/Mizrahi)

This post includes a two-page step-by-step guide explaining how to recite Shalom Aleichem according to Sephardic (Mizrahi) tradition, including the

Traditional Ashkenazi Shalom Aleichem (Audio & Text)

This post includes the Hebrew, English, and transliterated lyrics to Shalom Aleichem, traditionally sung before Kiddush at the beginning of

How to Wash Hands Before Eating Bread

This short animated video demonstrates how to perform the ritual hand-washing prior to eating bread, including a slow, clear recitation

Blessing for Washing Hands: Al Netilat Yadayim

This short, interactive video introduces the basics of the ritual hand-washing before eating bread, including a slow, clear recitation of

Ritual Hand-Washing Upon Waking vs. Before Eating Bread

This short home video compares the different customs of washing one’s hands after waking up and before eating bread. Although

A Detailed Halachic Guide to Hand-Washing

This lengthy, detailed article explains the different halachic explanations and requirements for the various hand-washing rituals in Judaism, concluding with

Let’s Learn T’fillah: Netilat Yadayim

This short, interactive, animated video demonstrates how to recite the ritual hand-washing blessing, including a brief introduction and the Hebrew

How To: The Ritual Hand Washing and Blessing Over the Bread on Shabbat

This short instructional video, part of The Jewish Living Series of Perelman Jewish Day School, provides a detailed explanation of the ritual

Printable Hand Washing & Hamotzi Guide

This simple one-page card from Aish.com provides the Hebrew, English and transliterated texts of the blessings for the ritual washing

The Shabbat Project: Sephardic Hand Washing & HaMotzi Guide

This two-page resource includes a detailed step-by-step guide explaining how to fulfill the ritual washing of the hands and the blessing

How to Sing the Abbreviated Grace After Meals for Shabbat (Reform)

In this 7 minute video, Rabbi Micah Greenstein introduces and sings the abbreviated Grace After Meals for Shabbat according to the Reform

Laws and Customs Practiced in Preparation for the Grace After Meals

In this halachic discourse, Rabbi Dr. Asher Meir of the Orthodox Union, discusses the obligations and customs Jews practice before

How to Sing Ashkenazi Grace After Meals for Shabbat (with transliteration)

This 13 minute video demonstrates how to sing the entire Ashkenazi version of the Grace After Meals for Shabbat using a popular

Some Technical Laws of the Grace After Meals

In this highly technical article from Aish.com, Rabbis Chaim Gross and Shraga Simmons explain the sources, structure, and intricate halachot (laws)

Beginning of Ashkenazi Grace After Meals (Audio & Text)

These recordings presents the beginning of the Grace After Meals according to Ashkenazi custom, sung with the modern Israeli pronunciation

Introduction to Eishet Chayil: Video & Text (Hebrew, English, Transliteration)

This video presents a simple, clear version of the most popular melody for Eishet Chayil, composed by Ben Zion Shenker in 1953.

Guitar Chords for Ben Zion Shenker’s Popular Eishet Chayil Melody

This website offers the guitar chords for the most popular melody for Eishet Chayil, composed by Ben Zion Shenker in 1953.

Sheet Music for Israel Goldfarb’s Shalom Aleichem

This video demonstrates how to play Rabbi Cantor Israel Goldfarb’s famous tune of Shalom Aleichem, composed in 1918. As it

Learn the HaMotzi Blessing with “Prayer-eoke”

This short, to the point video demonstrates the singing of the blessing over the bread on Shabbat clearly and slowly with Hebrew

An Introduction: The Ritual Washing of the Hands

This short article offers a brief introduction to the origins of hand-washing rituals in Judaism, as well as a practical

Hand-Washing Before a Meal: A Basic Guide

In this short instructional video, an American Conservative rabbi offers a presentation of how to wash one’s hands before eating bread.

Hand-Washing Before a Meal: A Detailed Guide

In this video, Rabbi Joel Finkelstein outlines the circumstances in which one is required to perform the ritual hand-washing before a

Clear Recitation of Blessing Over the Bread with Subtitles

This short, to the point video clearly demonstrates how to recite the blessing over the bread according to most traditions. It not

HaMotzi: Origins, Laws and Customs

This detailed article by Chaviva Gordon-Bennett explains the meaning, origins, customs, and practical how-to’s of the blessing over the bread on Shabbat,

How to Separate Challah: Sephardic & Ashkenazi Customs

This excerpt from “The Secret of Challah” by Shira Wiener & Ayelet Yifrach provides clear and concise directions for both Ashkenazim and

Rabbi Sacks: An Introduction to the Ritual Hand Washing Before a Meal

Produced by the United Synagogue, an Orthodox British organization committed to helping young adults live observant Jewish lives, this practical

A Practical Guide to Washing Hands Before a Meal (Hebrew)

In this exclusively Hebrew video produced by Yahaduton, a YouTube channel that provides instructional videos for Israelis looking to learn

Chabad: Origins, Laws and Customs of the Two Loaves

This thorough article, written by Rabbi Aryeh Citron of Chabad.org, discusses both the meaning behind the two loaves used for the blessing

Aish: How to Make HaMotzi

The following responsum, written by Rabbi Dovid Rosenfeld for Aish.com’s Ask The Rabbi, column, describes how to perform the blessing over the

Students Explain the HaMotzi Customs

This short, humorous video, created by students at Makor of Hebrew College, describes several customs pertaining to the HaMotzi ritual performed

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks: How To Make Hamotzi

This short video from Former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks demonstrates how to perform the blessing over the bread on Shabbat according to Orthodox

Washing for Bread: Symbolism, How To, FAQ & Reflections

In this article, Lori Palatnik explains the deep symbolism behind the hand-washing ritual and provides a straight forward guide as

Hand-Washing before a Meal 101

This colloquially-written, point-form article shares the basics of the ritual hand-washing that takes place prior to eating bread at any meal,

Ritual Hand-Washing: A Clear Explanation

This brief yet thorough article clearly explains the origins and directions for the ritual of washing hands prior to eating bread at

Eishet Chayil with On Screen English, Hebrew, Transliterated Text

This video presents a slow but lively version of one of the most popular melodies for Eishet Chayil, composed by

What to Expect at a Shabbat Dinner

The following article is a helpful resource for anyone seeking basic information on the norms and rituals of a typical traditional

Techincal Laws of the Grace After Meals

This highly technical article from Halachipedia.com explains the detailed laws associated with reciting the Grace After Meals according to Orthodox tradition. Some questions answered

6 Challah Recipes & The Mitzvah of Separating Challah

The following article from Aish.com provides six different challah recipes, including eggless, whole wheat, and the “always successful” recipe, reprinted

Blessing the Challah: A 3-Step Guide

This short post outlines the basic order of blessing the challah, including the text of the blessing in Hebrew, English

OneTable Shabbat Dinner Guide

Created by OneTable, a grassroots organization whose goal it is to help people enjoy Shabbat dinners together, the guide (39 pages) to

Introduction to Eishet Chayil: Meaning, Origins, How To, English Text

This detailed article by Chaviva Gordon-Bennett provides a thorough introduction to Eishet Chayil, including the meaning, origins, and practical how-to’s of singing this song

A Complete Guide to Eishet Chayil

This thorough article offers a complete introduction to the custom of singing Eishet Chayil on Friday night, including the reasons behind

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Music

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Yom Shishi by Hadag Nachash

The song Yom Shishi (4:24) by popular Israeli band Hadag Nachash describes a typical Israeli weekend and the sense of

Little Presents by Rami Kleinstein

This sweet, poetic song (3:43) by Rami Kleinstein paints a picture of the warm associations that come along with Friday

Shishi BaTzohorayim by Eyal Golan

The song Shishi BaTzohorayim (3:48) by Eyal Golan speaks of the typical weekend experience for many secular Israelis, especially in

Al HaNissim for Hannukah

Al HaNissim is a short paragraph added to the Amidah prayer and the Grace After Meals on Hannukah, thanking God

Audio Recordings of Ashkenazi High Holiday Liturgy

This link will take you to the musical prayer navigator of Mechon Hadar, where you can find audio recordings for each

The Singing of the Hand Washing Blessing

This 20 second audio recording presents the blessing for the ritual hand washing sung to a tune, followed by the

Al Netilat Yadaim Children’s Song

This catchy children’s song was composed by Yisroel “Erik” Ilyayev to give kids an easy way to remember the words

The Hand Washing Song: A Catchy Camp Song

This short video presents a fun, catchy song about the ritual handwashing before eating bread. Performed by Yakov Fleischmann, the

Meydad Tasa: “Al Naharot Bavel” (By the Rivers of Babylon)

This music video features Medad Tasa singing a popular tune for the first six verses of Psalm 137 (By the

Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach: Shir Hama’alot

This audio recording features Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach singing his original melody for Psalm 126, Shir Hama’alot (Song of Ascents), which is widely recited by Ashkenazi Jews before the Grace

Halfon Family: A Cappella Eishet Chayil

This impressive home video features the Halfon family singing a harmonic, a cappella rendition of Ben Zion Shekner’s famous melody for

Rabbi Shefa Gold Chants the Ben Ish Chai’s Shortened Birkat Hamazon

This post presents Rabbi Shefa Gold’s meditative Aramaic and English chant based on the Ben Ish Chai’s one-line version of the Grace After

Avrumy Holczler: Professional Hasidic Singer Performs Eishet Chayil at His Own Wedding

This video features Avrumy Holczler, an alto singer in the Zemiros Group, performing an original composition of the first and

Ofir Nagar: Mizrahi Influenced Eishet Chayil

This original version of Eishet Chayil was the first song that Israeli musician Ofir Nagar ever performed in front of

Shabbat Songs Project: Israeli Artists Perform Eishet Chayil

This video features a unique version of Ben Zion Shenker’s popular Eishet Chayil melody, performed by a collection of Israeli

AYEKA: “Eshes Chayil” – The Eternal Search for the Divine Presence

This deeply spiritual and poetic song by AYEKA (literally, “Where Are You”), entitled “Eshes Chayil,” is about the search for the

Adash: A Cappella Eishet Chayil by a Czech Vocal Ensemble

This video features an original a cappella performance of Eishet Chayil by Adash, a vocal ensemble from Ostrava University in

Blue Fringe: A Jewish Pop-Rock Song Inspired by Eishet Chayil

This pop-rock song by Blue Fringe, entitled “Eshet Chayil,” is about a couple who are predestined for one another and

Yosef Karduner: Original Melody for Eishet Chayil

This original melody for Eishet Chayil comes from Yosef Karduner‘s album, “Dibur Pashut” (“Simple Talk”). An Israeli Hasidic singer, songwriter, and composer,

Eishet Chayil as a Eulogy at a Funeral

In this moving video, David Mandler sings Eishet Chayil as an ode to his late grandmother, Chaya Hentche bas Chenoch, at her

Groom Serenades Bride with Eishet Chayil at Wedding

In this romantic video a groom serenades his new bride at their wedding using the popular melody composed by Ben Zion Shenker.

The Maccabeats: A Cappella Eishet Chayil

This audio recording presents an original melody for the first three verses of Eishet Chayil performed by the Maccabeats, an

Sensation Band: A Billy Joel Eishet Chayil

This video features Sensation Band performing the first four and last two verses of Eishet Chayil to the tune of

Rav Shmuel Brazil: Original Eishet Chayil Melody

This is a recording of Rabbi Shmuel Brazil’s original rendition of Eishet Chayil, from the “Regesh Volume 7 – Shabbos” album. Rav

Yosef Karduner: Breslov Melody for Eishet Chayil

This solemn melody for Eishet Chayil comes from Yosef Karduner‘s album, “Yearning for Shabbat: Traditional Breslov Songs for Shabbat Night.” An

The Barry Sisters: A Yiddish Swing Eishet Chayil

This video presents an upbeat, jazzy Yiddish version of Eishet Chayil performed by the Barry Sisters, popular American Klezmer and

William Goldstein: An Emotional Eishet Chayil Tribute to his Mother

This emotional video is William Goldstein’s tribute to his beloved mother Sylvia, complete with a backdrop of pictures and videos. Goldstein

New York School of Jewish Song: Boys Choir Sing Eishet Chayil

This audio recording features an American young boys’ choir singing a lovely melody for Eishet Chayil with Orthodox Asheknazi pronunciation

Dudi Kalish: A Hebrew and Yiddish Song Inspired by Eishet Chayil

This video features Jewish singers Dudi Kalish and Ari Hill performing an original song by Kalish, inspired by Eishet Chayil.

Eitan Katz: Emotive Eishet Chayil

This audio recording features popular Jewish musician Eitan Katz performing his slow melody for Eishet Chayil. A member of an extremely musical family who was

Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach: Eishet Chayil

This audio recording features Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach singing his original melody for Eishet Chayil. Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach (1925-1994), also known as the “Singing

Qiyan Krets: Sephardic Influenced Eishet Chayil by a Nordic Musical Ensemble

This audio recording presents an ethnically inspired version of the first eight verses of Eishet Chayil by Qiyan Krets, a female musical

A Eulogy for Ben Zion Shenker, Composer of the Most Famous Eishet Chayil Melody

This post includes an article from The New York Times about the Jewish composer, Ben Zion Shenker, who composed the most

Festive Melody for Eishet Chayil

This audio clip presents an upbeat version of the first two verses of Eishet Chayil from the YouTube album “Shabbat Songs,”

Elli Kranzler: Upbeat Version of Eishet Chayil

This audio clip presents an upbeat version of Eishet Chayil sung by Dr. Elli Kranzler, a psychiatrist, musical performer, and

Micha’el Eliyahu BenDavid: Eishet Chayil

This music video presents an ethnically inspired version of Eishet Chayil by Micha’el Eliyahu BenDavid, a Christian-born musician who aims to

Eliezer Diamond: Upbeat Version of Eishet Chayil

This audio clip presents an upbeat version of the first eight verses of Eishet Chayil sung by Dr. Eliezer Diamond, an author,

Benny Friedman: Upbeat Shalom Aleichem

In this low quality video, American Hasidic singer Benny Friedman performs his original melody for Shalom Aleichem from his album “Yesh

Itzik Eshel: Shalom Aleichem Medley

In this diverse Shalom Aleichem medley, Israeli pop star Itzik Eshel switches between many different tunes, including those with Mizrahi

Yitzchak Meir & Friends: Carlebach Shalom Aleichem

In this song Yitzhak Meir & Friends perform Shalom Aleichem using the tune composed by the influential musician and teacher,

Alicia Jo Rabins: An Indie-Folk Retranslation of Eishet Chayil

In this video, Alicia Jo Rabins performs “Rubies,” a modern adaptation of Eishet Chayil, which she describes as a love song

Ehud Banai: Traditional Banai Family Shalom Aleichem

This simple, repetitive tune for Shalom Aleichem is performed by Ehud Banai, one of the most influential artists in Israel. According to

The Diwan Project: Meditative Shalom Aleichem

This 8 minute long, low quality video features The Divan Project performing a long meditative song-prayer inspired by Shalom Aleichem.

Del & Dawg: Bluegrass Medley with Instrumental Shalom Aleichem

This live performance features Delano Floyd “Del” McCoury and David “Dawg” Grisman playing the classic gospel song, “Life’s Railway to Heaven,”

David D’Or: Chabad Shalom Aleichem Tune

This video features Israeli singer, composer and songwriter, David D’Or, performing the Chabad melody for Shalom Aleichem from the album

Yosef Karduner: Breslov Melody for Shalom Aleichem

This lively melody for Shalom Aleichem comes from Yosef Karduner‘s album, “Yearning for Shabbat: Traditional Breslov Songs for Shabbat Night.” An

3B4JOY: Acapalla Shalom Aleichem from Three Christian Sisters

In this harmonic acapella version of Shalom Aleichem, 3B4Joy perform both Hebrew and English versions of the song. The three sisters,

Avraham Fried: Shalom Aleichem Medley

This live video features Avraham Fried performing a medley of Cantor Israel Goldfarb and Rav Shmuel Brazil’s popular versions of

The Waldman Brothers: Rav Yitzchak Ginsburgh’s Shalom Aleichem

This pleasant version of Shalom Aleichem is performed by the Waldman Brothers, a Jerusalem-based band comprised of brothers, Elazar and

Sarit Hadad: Mizrahi Style Shalom Aleichem

In this clip, Israeli pop singer Sarit Hadad performs the first stanza of Shalom Aleichem, using the popular melody composed

Nava Tehila: A Serene Shalom Aleichem

This calming melody for Shalom Aleichem was composed by The Nava Tehila Ensemble, a Jerusalem-based group who perform both original

Radomsk Hasidic Melody for Shalom Aleichem

This joyous, lively melody for Shalom Aleichem comes from the Radomsk Hasidic dynasty. Performed by Reb Yonatan Shtencel, the Vizhnitz

Shalom Aleichem to Avishai Eshel’s Popular Dance Song

This lively dance version of Shalom Aleichem is performed to the tune of the Israeli hit song, “Rak Rotzim Lirkod”

The Young Efroni Choir: An Original Shalom Aleichem Performed by Young Girls

This original composition of Shalom Aleichem by Yehonatan Nitzan is performed by the girls of the Young Efroni Choir, the preparatory

Itzhak Perlman: Shalom Aleichem on Violin

In this audio recording, world renowned Israeli-American violinist and conductor, Itzhak Perlman, performs Shalom Aleichem on violin, accompanied by the

Yonina: Shalom Aleichem from Tel Aviv

In this upbeat video, Yonina perform their rendition of Shalom Aleichem from the boardwalk in Tel Aviv. With big smiles

Gat Brothers: Hasidic Musicians Sing Shalom Aleichem on “Rising Star”

In this clip from “Rising Star,” the popular Israeli reality TV show modeled after “American Idol, The Gat Brothers perform

Good Jews: Shalom Aleichem

In this beautifully produced music video, Good Jews perform a slow, emotive version of one of the most famous melodies

Vurka and Amnishov Hasidic Shalom Aleichem Melody

This almost 8 minute long song presents the Shalom Aleichem melody used by the Vurka and Amshinov Hasidic dynasties. With its heavy

Kabbalistic Poems Recited Before Kiddush: Atkinu Seudata & Azamer Bishvochin

This post includes both audio recordings and the Aramaic, English and transliterated texts of two poems that are often recited before

Shalom Aleichem as Debbie Friedman’s Legacy

This article by Debra Nussbaum Cohen relays how Jewish American singer-songwriter Debbie Friedman‘s haunting melody for Shalom Aleichem became a

Yah Ribon Olam

This song, usually grouped among those for Friday night, is a Shabbat favorite even though its content is not Shabbat-specific.

Piamenta’s Rock Song Inspired by the Grace After Meals

This video presents Yosi Piamenta’s original rock song inspired by the Grace After Meals. Although most of this 8 minute long song is

Yom Zeh Le-Yisrael

This classic zemer, whose first four stanzas were written by Isaac Chandali in 15th- century Crimea, was later expanded and

Menucha Ve-simcha

Often printed as the first of the Friday night repertoire of table songs (zemirot), this composition of unknown origin praises

A Musical Version of Nusach Ari Grace After Meals

This almost 12 minute long audio recording presents the Nusach Ari version of the Grace After Meals sung slowly by

Bendigamos Al Altísimo: A Spanish Grace After Meals Hymn (Audio & Text)

Bendigamos (literally “Let Us Bless”) is a Spanish hymn traditionally sung after meals by Jews of Spanish, Portuguese and Turkish descent (in

Spiritual Sustenance: Shoshannah’s Rendition of Popular Grace After Meals on Piano

This audio clip presents internationally acclaimed composer and pianist, Shoshannah, performing the most popular tune for the Grace After Meals.

The IDF Rabbinical Choir Sings Eishet Chayil at Dinner

In this home video, the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) Rabbinical Choir, led by Chief Cantor Shai Abramson, sings a harmonic accapella arrangement

Mah Yedidut

This Shabbat table song (zemer), usually included in the Friday night set of songs (zemirot), is a paean to the

Fortuna Performs “Bendigamos” Sephardic Grace After Meals Hymn

This video clip presents Brazilian singer, songwriter and actress, Fortuna, performing “Bendigamos Al Altísimo,” a Spanish hymn traditionally sung after meals by

Yaakov Shwekey: An Original Song Inspired by Eishet Chayil

This video presents an emotive rendition of the first two and last two verses of Eishet Chayil performed by the

Techno Remix of Shalom Aleichem

This video, complete with images of Israel’s many beautiful sites and landscapes, presents a techno remix of Shalom Aleichem. With

Binny & Tunni: Shabbos Angels

Composed and performed by Binny and Tunni Fogelgarn of Melbourne, Australia, this music video, entitled “Shabbos Angels,” excitedly lists the

Rav Shmuel Brazil: Popular Melody for Shalom Aleichem

This is a recording of Rabbi Shmuel Brazil’s original, uptempo rendition of Shalom Aleichem, from the “Regesh Volume 3 – Shabbos” album.

Acapella Shalom Aleichem

This unique acapella rendition of Shalom Aleichem by Yitzi Gross is from the acapella album “A Kumzitz in the Rain,” created specifically

Idan Yaniv & Kinderlach: Upbeat Shalom Aleichem for Unity in Israeli Society

This music video presents a joyous, upbeat version of Shalom Aleichem, performed by Idan Yaniv, a popular Israeli, Bukharian singer, and Kinderlach, an

Avishai Cohen: Mediterranean and Latin Influenced Shalom Aleichem

This live performance presents Avishai Cohen, an Israeli double-bassist, singer and composer, performing a creative rendition of Shalom Aleichem at

Gabriel Chouraki: Shalom Aleichem Melody on Violin

This video shows Gabriel Chouraki, a French-Israeli classical violinist, conductor, and Musician of Excellence in the Israeli Defense Forces, performing one

Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach: Shalom Aleichem

This recording of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach‘s melody for Shalom Aleichem repeats each of the four stanza’s three times, a common

Mordechai Ben David: Shalom Aleichem

This video presents an original tune for Shalom Aleichem, composed and performed by Mordechai Ben David, a popular American Hasidic singer and

Maayan Band: Soulful Shalom Aleichem

This video features the Maayan Band performing their slow, soulful version of Shalom Aleichem. They use one of the most popular

Yeshiva Darchei Torah Boys Choir: Benny Friedman’s Shalom Aleichem

In this video, the 5th grade boys of Yeshiva Darchei Torah Boys Choir of Far Rockaway, NY perform Shalom Aleichem using

Reform: The “HaMotzi” Song

In this short video, Cantor Jan Lieberman plays guitar and sings a version of the blessing over the bread often used in Reform

HaMotzi Children’s Song (Hebrew)

This sweet song, by Israeli artist, Ariela Savir, includes the blessing over the bread as well as praise for God

‘I Love Challah Rolls’ Song

This humorous music video, produced by campers and staff from TheZone Jewish Sleepaway Camp, presents a humorous accounting of the mitzvah

Ehud Banai: Mizrahi Influenced Eshet Chayil

This simple, repetitive tune for Eshet Chayil is performed by Ehud Banai, one of the most influential artists in Israel. This song is from his

Yigal Bashan: Likrat Shabbat (Hebrew)

This song, written by Avi Koren and performed by Yigal Bashan, is an Israeli classic describing the atmosphere of a traditional

Juliet Spitzer: A Woman of Valor for Today

The music and lyrics for this modern version of Eishet Chayil were composed by singer/songwriter Juliet Spitzer, who describes herself

Fountainheads Shabbat

A musical parody by the Ein Prat Fountainheads, https://foheads.com. Lyrics: Do you want to bake a Challa? Or even play

Jewbilation: The Sound of Shabbos

Here is Jewbilation singing the catchy Simon and Garfunkel tune adapted for Shabbat.

Guitar Chords for Ben Zion Shenker’s Popular Eishet Chayil Melody

This website offers the guitar chords for the most popular melody for Eishet Chayil, composed by Ben Zion Shenker in 1953.

Sheet Music for Israel Goldfarb’s Shalom Aleichem

This video demonstrates how to play Rabbi Cantor Israel Goldfarb’s famous tune of Shalom Aleichem, composed in 1918. As it

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