Jewish "Toolbox"

What are the basic items that a person needs to "live like a Jew?"  Here are a few essentials that every Jewish person should own.

1.  As my son says, "If you want to act like a Jew, you have to look the part."  For men that begins with a kippah, or prayer cap. It is also refered to by its Yiddish name, yarmulke. Color and style are not important, but it should fit comfortably on your head. I need a small hair clip to keep my kippah in place. In many Orthodox communities, men also wear tzitzit, or ritual fringes all day. They accomplish this by purchasing what is known as a talis katan.  This is a rectangular garment with ritual fringes tied to the four corners.  It is worn under the shirt with the fringes hanging out.

Customs vary from community to community regarding head-covering for women.  Follow the custom of your synagogue or consult a local rabbi.

2.  A house wouldn't be a Jewish home without a few good books.  The first book you should obtain is a Siddur, or prayerbook.  If you belong to a synagogue you will probably want to obtain the same siddur that is used there.  There are many excellent siddurim available.  Here is a list of some popular siddurim.

 

Siddur

• The Complete Artscroll Siddur (Orthodox)
• Hasiddur Hashalem [edited by Philip Birnbaum] (Traditional)
• Siddur Lev Shalem [for Shabbat and Yom Tov] (Conservative)
• Gates of Prayer (Reform)

I personally prefer a complete siddur.  It includes the services for both Shabbat and the festivals, daily prayers, prayers for special occasions, and psalms and other texts for study and inspiration, all in one convenient volume.

Chumash

 

3. I also recommend purchasing a Chumash. A Chumash contains the Torah, the five Books of Moses, divided into the weekly readings.  A good Chumash will also have commentary, the Haftarot (weekly portions from the prophets), and other useful study aids.  A Chumash  is indispensable to anyone who really wants to understand Torah. Listed below are three of the most popular Chumashim available.

• The Stone Chumash, published by Artscroll (Orthodox)
• Etz Hayim from JPS (Conservative)
• The Torah, edited by Gunther Plaut (Reform)

 

4. An accurate Jewish calendar is needed to enable you to keep up with proper dates and times for Jewish observance. Here are some useful links to to a Jewish calendar and to find candle lighting times for your location. (Courtesy: Chabad.org)

Calendar:  https://www.chabad.org/calendar/view/month_cdo/jewish/Month-View.htm

Candle Lighting Times: https://www.chabad.org/calendar/candlelighting.htm