Did you know?

The Jewish calendar is based on the cycle of the Moon, but also considers the solar year. In the Gregorian calendar – which is based solely on the solar cycle – leap year includes the date February 29th. In the Jewish calendar, seven out of every nineteen years include an additional month.

The prayer entitled Kedusha (in Hebrew, sanctification) is sung by the chazzan when he repeats Amida's prayer. Formed by angelic pronouncements recorded by the prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel, it can only be recited when there is a minyan. The sages used to say that “rivers of joy” flow from the Divine Throne of Glory when the angels and the people of Israel sing its verses. Kedusha must be recited standing up, keeping the feet together. This would symbolize the angels, who, according to the vision of the prophet Ezekiel, have "upright feet". And when the proclamation is made, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts. The whole earth is full of His Glory" it is customary to make movements followed by raising the tips of the feet to simulate the flight of angels.

Abraham, the first patriarch of the Jewish people, sent his servant, Eliezer, to Mesopotamia (today's Iraq) to find a wife for his son, Isaac. Eliezer knew he had found the right girl when Rebecca generously offered water to her camels. Rebecca became Isaac's wife and the couple had two sons: Jacob and Esau. Esau was the firstborn, but he sold his birthright to his brother. It was Jacob who received his father's blessings and became the third and final patriarch of the Jewish people.

Abraham, the first patriarch of the Jewish people, sent his servant, Eliezer, to Mesopotamia (today's Iraq) to find a wife for his son, Isaac. Eliezer knew he had found the right girl when Rebecca generously offered water to her camels. Rebecca became Isaac's wife and the couple had two sons: Jacob and Esau. Esau was the firstborn, but he sold his birthright to his brother. It was Jacob who received his father's blessings and became the third and final patriarch of the Jewish people.