Judaism
JUDAISM FEATURES

Why I won’t be singing on Jerusalem Day
When Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks issued his new edition of the Singer’s Prayer book, the United Synagogue’s standard siddur for the first time mentioned Jerusalem Day.

Two heads are better for learning than one
An ancient Jewish system of learning is being suggested as the way forward for schools in the UK.

The historical disaster the rabbis covered up
The traditional way of teaching the background of the Omer period, between Pesach and Shavuot, is that its original, joyful harvest spirit was suddenly transformed into a period of semi-mourning on account of a tragedy that occurred to the disciples of Rabbi Akiva (135 CE).

How the Talmud's idea of equality got lost
I srael's Declaration of Independence pledged "absolute equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants, irrespective of religion, race or sex".
THE JEWISH CALENDAR
Friday, May 18
(Iyar 26), Shabbat begins in London at 8.36; Bournemouth 8.34; Leeds 8.47; Manchester 8.53; Tyneside 8.55; Glasgow 9.13; Jerusalem 6.51 (local time).
Saturday, May 19
(Iyar 27), Shabbat ends in London at 9.51; Bournemouth 9.59; Leeds 10.12; Manchester 10.17; Tyneside 10.21; Glasgow 10.46; Jerusalem 8.12.
BOOK EXTRACTS

The Torah Revolution – Fourteen Truths that Changed the World
Jewish Lights, $24.
ROCKER'S ROLL

Simon Rocker
"Deadly comments"
NEW BOOKS

Make Yourself A Teacher
Rabbinic Tales of Mentors and Disciples
BOOK REVIEWS

How the rabbis made history
The second of Rabbi Dr Benny Lau's monumental Chachamim series to be translated into English, this work, like its companion three volumes (three so far), looks at the development and challenges of the Jewish people through the lives and teachings of rabbinical leaders.
RABBI, I HAVE A PROBLEM
JEWISH WORDS
Puzzled by a Jewish word or term?
Do you know the origin of Abracadabra, Bedecken or Chutzpah?
Click into Rabbi Julian Sinclair's directory of Jewish Words if you'd like to find out.
JEWISH WAYS
Flowers on shavuot
Florists in Israel and in Jewish communities around the world will be busy next week in the run-up to Shavuot.


