Jewish Action

In Jewish tradition, the concept of hiddur mitzvah—enhancing mitzvot through beauty—has fueled centuries of creativity and craftsmanship. While objects like the lulav and shofar follow specific halachic rules, the containers used to protect and beautify them have allowed for artistic expression without limits. From delicate silver etrog boxes to handcrafted olive wood carvings, Judaica connects the timeless tradition of Sukkot with the artistic legacy of Jewish history. See more photos from this stunning essay by David Olivestone in our latest issue—click here! https://bit.ly/3zVLLHG #HiddurMitzvah #Judaica #EsrogBox #JewishArt #JewishCraftsmanship #Sukkot #JewishHistory #ArtAndTradition #CulturalLegacy

During Sukkot, many of us balance a lulav and etrog during prayer. But did you know it’s preferable to hold them in separate hands? This nuanced halachic practice ensures a more enhanced fulfillment of the mitzvah. Discover more insights about the arba minim and deepen your understanding by clicking here: https://bit.ly/40aSrvY #Sukkot #JewishPractice #Halacha

In a small Brooklyn shul one Yom Kippur, a fierce bidding war unfolded during Neilah for the honor of pesichah (opening the ark). Shimon Cohen,* who had won this honor for years, found himself bidding against Avram Goldberg,* a man of modest means. But the reason behind Avram’s persistence wasn’t financial—it was personal. His wife, Sarah,* had learned that opening the ark at Neilah is a segulah (spiritual omen) for having children. After a decade of infertility, she urged Avram to bid, no matter the cost. Moved by their story, Cohen made a selfless decision. He won the bidding, then gifted the honor to Avram. The following year, Sarah sat in the shul holding their three-month-old daughter—a blessing they believed came from their prayers. This powerful moment is part of our “Everyday Kindness” column, reminding us that true blessings come from kindness and compassion for others. 💙 *Not their real names Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4eHdZ8e #YomKippur #JewishTradition #ActsOfKindness #Neilah #SpiritualOmen #Community #Pesichah #Segulah #EverydayKindness

How to Physically Prepare for Yom Kippur for a More Focused Day 🕍   As Yom Kippur approaches, we focus on our spiritual readiness.   But there’s also a physical aspect that can either support or detract from the day’s profound experience.   Health coach Chaim Loeb shares strategies for easing into the 25-hour fast:                   •              Gradually reducing caffeine                 •              Hydrating properly                 •              Incorporating nutrient-rich fruits                 •              Prioritizing sleep   By preparing your body, you can daven with greater kavanah (intention) and engage more deeply with the holiness of the day. 🙏   👉 Read more here! https://bit.ly/47X5fZ0     #YomKippur #FastingTips #SpiritualWellness #JewishTradition #HealthyLiving #MindfulPreparation

On October 7, something profound shifted within the Jewish people. Teshuvah, often understood as a journey of religious observance, took on a broader dimension. Jews around the world united in a remarkable display of solidarity and Jewish identity. Rabbi Lawrence Kelemen reflects on this deep spiritual transformation. Perhaps, he says, Jewish unity and teshuvah are interlinked. Read more in Jewish Action’s Fall 2024 issue and at the link below. https://bit.ly/3TXDGZG #JewishUnity #Teshuvah #JewishAction #RabbiKelemen #October7

In commemoration of the first anniversary of October 7, Jewish Action asked readers to tell us how they were impacted by a day that will live on forever in our hearts and souls.   Watch Asher Butler, grant writer for Project Protect, a division of the OU’s Teach Coalition, share how October 7 changed him.    👉 Read here: https://bit.ly/4gOs7Ov - - - - #October7 #JewishUnity #JewishCommunity #PersonalStories #NeverForget #TeachCoalition #ProjectProtect #JewishAction #JewishMagazine #OU #Inspiration #JewishLife

3️⃣6️⃣5️⃣🎗️🇮🇱💔 Today marks 365 days—one year—since October 7, a day of immense tragedy and upheaval for Israel and Jews around the world.   Our hearts are with Am Yisrael as we remember those who lost their lives, their loved ones and those who continue to fight for our people.   We are proud to stand with our brothers and sisters in Israel today.   May we see peace soon with G-d's help. - - - - - #Israel #October7 #AmYisraelChai #JewishUnity #NeverForget #PeaceForIsrael

During the Yom Kippur War fifty years ago, Dr. Krasna, a pediatric surgeon from New York, made a life-changing decision: He boarded a plane to Israel to help treat the wounded. His story is one of courage, sacrifice and the enduring spirit of the Jewish people. “What a difference from the scenes Americans witnessed in Saigon. Our boys were begging to go to war.” In this personal account from the latest issue of Jewish Action, Dr. Krasna shares how his experience treating burn victims of the war left a permanent mark on him. Read more on the powerful impact of medical volunteers during times of crisis. https://bit.ly/3BzvXuw #YomKippurWar #JewishHistory #MedicalHeroes #Israel #Volunteerism #BurnUnit #EmergencyMedicine #Healthcare #JewishAction #OrthodoxUnion #LeadershipInCrisis #HistoryAndHeroes

Shanah Tovah from all of us at Jewish Action! 📝   We want to take the time to wish all of our readers a sweet and meaningful new year. 🍯 May we merit to share besorot tovot.

🚨 New series alert! 🚨   Introducing JA Inbox! 📬   We’re kicking things off by answering the web’s most searched questions about Jewish Action!    From how to subscribe to details on the new Fall 2024 issue, we’ve got all the answers you’ve been looking for.   Have a burning question that didn’t get covered?    Drop it in the comments, and we’ll make sure to tackle it in the next video! 🔍👇     - - - - - #JAInbox #JewishAction #BehindTheScenes #WiredAutocomplete #AskJewishAction #MagazineLife #JewishMedia #YouAskedWeAnswered-