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Jewish Studies
American Jews
Go to: American JewsAmerican Jewish Archives
Founded in 1947 by Jacob Rader Marcus, the American Jewish Archives is committed to preserving a documentary heritage of the religious, organizational, economic, cultural, personal, social and family life of American Jewry.
http://www.huc.edu/aja/intro.htmlAmerican Jewish Committee
The American Jewish Committee, established in 1906, has as its mission to safeguard the welfare and security of Jews in the United States, in Israel, and throughout the world; to promote pluralism; and to enhance the quality of American Jewish life by helping to ensure Jewish continuity and deepen ties between American and Israeli Jews.
http://www.ajc.org/American Jewish Historical Society (AJHS)
The American Jewish Historical Society is the oldest ethnic historical organization in the U.S. The society collects archival, published, and artifactual sources depicting the religious, communal, cultural, and political life of American Jewry, and how that community has contributed to the wider society.
http://www.ajhs.org/B'nai B'rith International
Since 1843, generations of Jewish people around the world have been helping others in need through their activities in B'nai B'rith, a force for Jewish unity, Jewish security and Jewish continuity. B'nai B'rith encourages Jewish people worldwide to connect with and appreciate their heritage, expanding upon the richness of their culture.
http://bnaibrith.org/Celebrate 350: Jewish Life in America, 1654-2004
A clearinghouse for information about events celebrating "the achievements of Jews and the Jewish community in America over the last 350 years." In 1654, a small group of Jews from Brazil landed in New Amsterdam (New York City) seeking refuge from persecution. This site features a timeline of American Jewish history since 1654, a calendar of events celebrating Jewish communities in the United States, and Web resources.
http://www.350th.org/From Haven to Home
From Haven to Home: 350 years of Jewish life in America is a Library of Congress exhibition featuring more than 200 treasures of American Judaica from the collections of the Library of Congress.
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/haventohome/Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, Inc.
Umbrella organization which represents more than 60 major Jewish organizations-from local chapters of national civic, educational and religious agencies to neighborhood-based community councils-in issues of Jewish communal affairs, Inter-group relations, government relations and advocacy for Israel.
http://www.jcrcny.org/Jewish Life in the American West: Generation to Generation
This exhibit "explores the history and adventure of Jews in the American West from early exploration along the Santa Fe Trail in the 1820s through decades of immigration and settlement in Western cities and towns." In addition to the online exhibit, this site includes a dreidel game, brief biographies of prominent western Jews, classroom activities, and other educational resources. From the Autry Museum of Western Heritage.
http://www.autrynationalcenter.org/jewish_life/Jewish-American Hall of Fame
This virtual museum is dedicated to Jews who have contributed to American history and culture. It includes people such as Abraham Zacuto, who produced Columbus's navigational charts; Levi Strauss; Leonard Bernstein; and Barbra Streisand. It also includes places such as the Touro Synagogue and events such as the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492.
http://amuseum.org/jahf/
Jewish-American History on the Web
Historical materials from Jewish-Americans of the nineteenth century. Features information on Jews in the Wild West, and the Civil War (including a database "of over 7,000 Jewish-Americans who fought during the war"). Also contains transcripts of articles from the journal The Occident and American Jewish Advocate, and related links. Searchable.
http://www.jewish-history.com/A Life Apart: Hasidism in America
Companion site to a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) "documentary about a distinctive, traditional Eastern European religious community" that found "its most vital center in America." The program focuses on families in New York. The site provides background information and brief essays about the Hasidism movement within Orthodox Judaism, a transcript, details about the film and producers, a bibliography and filmography, photos, and classroom resources.
http://www.pbs.org/alifeapart/National Museum of American Jewish History
Located on Philadelphia's Independence Mall, the National Museum of American Jewish History is the only American museum that is dedicated to the Jewish experience in the United States. The museum's Web site presents visually stimulating representations of current (and some previous) exhibits, including the permanent exhibit Creating American Jews. Also included is a description of each exhibit mounted since the museum was founded in 1976. This site also includes juxtaposed timelines of world, American, and American Jewish history, a calendar of events, an interactive "Fun Page," and links to Jewish news, culture, and museums worldwide.
http://nmajh.org/Organizations Attached to Major American Jewish Movements
Chart showing Orthodox, Conservative and Reform groups, compiled by Prof. Eliezer Segal.
http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/ModernJudaism/MJ_Org.htmlSouthwest Jewish Archives
"Dedicated to collecting and recording the dramatic history of pioneer Jews in the Desert Southwest, covering Arizona, New Mexico, and West Texas," including the Crypto-Jews who trace "their family histories back to Spain and Portugal." Features materials on Jewish pioneers, railroad builders, ranchers, and merchants; synagogues and religious objects; Crypto-Jews; finding aids for the archive's collections; and transcripts of over 20 oral histories. Includes photographs. From the University of Arizona Library.
http://www.library.arizona.edu/exhibits/swja/The Jewish Immigration Experience
The Jewish Immigration Experience: A Collection of Photographs from the United States Holocaust Museum. The American Immigration Law Foundation is pleased to repeat its January 2002 exhibit of photo reprints from the archives of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. With over two dozen images, the exhibit tells the story of Jewish immigration to the U.S. during and immediately after the Holocaust. To preview the photos, click on any thumbnail below to see a full image.
http://www.ailf.org/exhibits/jewish2004/Touro Synagogue
Touro Synagogue, dedicated during Chanukkah in 1762, is the oldest synagogue in the United States and the only one that survives from the colonial era. Touro Synagogue is a national historic site administered by the National Park Service as well as an orthodox congregation following Sephardic ritual. Its web site offers an informative historical timeline.
http://www.tourosynagogue.org/United Jewish Communities-The Federations of North America
United Jewish Communities represents 155 Jewish Federations and 400 independent communities across North America focused on philanthropic and humanitarian activities. UJA-Federation of New York has a web site at: http://www.ujafedny.org/site/PageServer
http://www.ujc.org/Unpacking on the Prairie: Jewish Women in the Upper Midwest
Online exhibit from the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest.
http://www.jewishwomenexhibit.com/Washington State Jewish Historical Society (WSJHS)
Dedicated "to discovering, preserving, and disseminating the history of the Jews of Washington State," this well-organized site features details about the society including membership information, a publications list, events, and a small photo gallery, plus local, national, and international links. The society's archives, which include many oral history interviews, are housed at the University of Washington.
http://www.wsjhs.org/Women of Valor
Exhibit from the Jewish Women's Archive highlights the lives and accomplishments of remarkable Jewish women, each of whom had the courage and conviction to overcome social, cultural, and religious barriers to achieve their goals.
http://www.jwa.org/exhibits/wov/
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Anti-Semitism
Go to: Anti-SemitismAnti-Defamation League
For 90 years, ADL has been combating anti-Semitism and bigotry of all kinds.
http://www.adl.org/adl.aspAnti-Semitism
This blog takes an in depth look at world anti-Semitism, "Jew-Hatred", Anti-Zionism, Anti-Jewish and Anti-Judaism Attitudes and "Beliefs."
http://antisemitisms.blogspot.com/Antisemitism and Xenophobia Today/AXT
AXT is an online examination of the manifestations of racism, xenophobia and especially, anti-Semitism, against a backdrop of the more general social and political contexts in which such manifestations occur. It is a product of the Institute for Jewish Policy Research, an independent think-tank based in London.
http://www.axt.org.uk/The Coordination Forum for Countering Anti-Semitism
This official Israeli Government site monitors anti-Semitism throughout the world, receives information from a variety of sources, checks this information and publishes it in regular reports. The Forum convenes periodically to hear updated reports and establish policy on how to counter different forms of anti-Semitism.
http://www.antisemitism.org.il/frontend/english/index.htmHatewatch
This site from the Southern Poverty Law Center monitors the growing and evolving threat of hate group activity on the Internet and provides an online resource for individuals, academics, activists, and the media to keep abreast of, and to combat, online bigotry.
http://www.splcenter.org/intel/hatewatch/H-Antisemitism
H-Antisemitism encourages scholarly discussion of the history of antisemitism and makes available diverse bibliographical, research and teaching aids.
http://www.h-net.msu.edu/~antis/Jew Watch
This site, which claims as its mission "keeping a close watch on Jewish communities and organizations worldwide," is a tragic and virulent example of the type of rampant anti-Semitism that may be found on the internet. Thankfully, some of the links don't work, but it is modern anti-Semitism in action. http://www.jewwatch.com/index.htmJewish Defense League
The Jewish Defense League is, according to its web site, the most controversial of all Jewish organizations, one firmly committed to its motto, "Never Again," by words, deeds and actions.
http://www.jewishdefenseleague.org/OZ Media Maccabee
Australian watchdog which monitors anti-Semitic and anti-Israel bias in media coverage.
http://www.geocities.com/media_maccabee/Main.htmlThe Protocols of the Elders of Zion
Site containing the full text of this notorious forgery/hoax. Read it in connection with "A Hoax of Hate" on the ADL web site at: http://www.adl.org/special_reports/protocols/protocols_intro.asp
ftp://ftp.std.com/obi/Rants/Protocols/Schooled in Hate: Anti-Semitism on Campus
This ADL report focuses on the use of the concepts of academic freedom and student activism (which have been part of the Jewish success story on campus) to shield hatred. http://www.adl.org/Sih/SIH-Intro1.asp?&MSHiC=1252&L=10&W=hate+HATEA+HATEBASED+HATED+HATEM+in+SCHOOLA+HATER+HATERS+HATES+SCHOOL+SCHOOLAGE+schooled+SCHOOLING+SCHOOLS+HATEIS+&Pre=%3CFONT+STYLE%3D%22color%3A+%23000000%3B+background%2Dcolor%3A+%23FFFF00%22%3E&Post=%3C%2FFONT%3EShakespeare and anti-Semitism
Shakespeare and anti-Semitism: the Question of Shylock is designed as an introductory resource for anyone who is interested in the nature of Elizabethan anti-Semitism: both in its historical context and, in particular, how it is reflected and embodied in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice.
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/7221/Simon Wiesenthal Center
The center is an international Jewish human rights organization dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust by fostering tolerance and understanding through community involvement, educational outreach and social action. The Center confronts important contemporary issues including racism, anti-semitism, terrorism and genocide.
http://www.wiesenthal.com/index.cfmVidal Sassoon International Center for the Study of Antisemitism
An interdisciplinary research center dedicated to an independent, non-political approach to the accumulation and dissemination of knowledge necessary for understanding the phenomenon of anti-Semitism located at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, it features an online database on articles and books about anti-Semitism and full text papers on current trends.
http://sicsa.huji.ac.il/
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Calendar
Go to: Calendarhebcal.com: Jewish Calendar Tools
Includes an interactive Jewish calendar which can be exported to Palm, Outlook, and iCal; Shabbat candle lighting times and Torah Readings; a Hebrew date converter; Jewish holiday dates; and the capability to generate a list of Yahrzeit and Yizkor dates, or Hebrew birthdays and anniversaries.
http://www.hebcal.com/Date Conversion Chart
Chart explaining how to convert Hebrew years to the corresponding Gregorian calendar year.
http://www.geocities.com/israelerrorcoins/converting.htmlJewish Calendar
Explains the concept of a lunar calendar, how years are numbered, and includes a table of the months of the Hebrew calendar.
http://www.jewfaq.org/calendar.htm
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Directories
Go to: DirectoriesAcademic Info: Jewish Studies
Identifies some of the major academic sites of interest to Jewish History. Sections include: Digital Publications, Holocaust Studies, American Jews, Women & Judaism, Organizations.
http://www.academicinfo.net/Judaism.htmlAcademic Jewish Studies Internet Directory
This site is a gateway to more than 400 resources for Jewish Studies, including research institutes, libraries, archives, and Internet sources.
http://jewishstudies.virtualave.net/index.shtmlThe Digital Genizah
A Jewish internet directory developed by Temple Sinai of Middletown, NY.
http://www.uscj.org/metny/middletown/genizah.htmeJewish.info
An initiative of the Jewish Agency: Developing Jewish Networking Infrastructures which allows 'members' (membership is free) to add online resources to its listings, this site has some interesting and quirky links not found elsewhere.
http://www.ejewish.infoJewish Community Online
Searchable, browsable, and annotated directory of Jewish sites. Categories include: arts & culture; city and community guides; education; holidays; Holocaust; Judaism; Israel; spirituality; synagogues; and more.
http://jewish.com/Jewish Internet Portal
This site is updated daily so the links should be fairly reliable.
http://www.hareshima.com/Jewishnet
Global Jewish information network
http://www.jewishnet.net/MavenSearch: Jewish Web Directory
A "directory and search engine for [thousands of] Jewish content related websites." Also includes a list of worldwide synagogues, temples, and Jewish communities
http://www.maven.co.il/Shamash: The Jewish Network
Contains a FAQ on Judaism, a directory of related links, a 50-year yahrzeit calendar, a database of kosher restaurants around the world, responses to Holocaust deniers, and more. A project of Hebrew College Online.
http://www.shamash.org/Guide to Jewish Washington
This annual directory is a "comprehensive resource for anything and everything Jewish" in Washington state. It includes a "Get Connected" feature ("everything you need to know to find your place in the Jewish community"), as well as sections on education, holidays, kashrut (dietary laws), lifecycle, organizations, and synagogues. Published by the Jewish Transcript and sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Seattle.
http://www.jewishinseattle.org/JF/Resources/Guide/Guide.asp
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Genealogy & Family History
Go to: Genealology & Family HistoryAmerican Family Immigration History Center
The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc., Genealogy Learning Center offers some basic assistance to help in the pursuit of family history, including an introduction to family history research, downloadable documents, and more.
hhttp://www.ellisislandrecords.org/genealogy/index.aspThe Center for Jewish History Genealogy Institute
The center provides reference services to over 100 million archival documents and a half million books, including family histories, memoirs, correspondence, personal papers, and records of communal, cultural, political and professional organizations. Among these sources are many documents with information about individuals and families.
http://www.cjh.org/family/Cyndi's List of Genealogy Sites on the Internet - Jewish
Created & maintained by Cyndi Howells, this site offers a categorized & cross-referenced index to genealogical resources on the Internet and a list of links that point to genealogical research sites online.
http://www.cyndislist.com/jewish.htmEast Central European Genealogy and Local History: Sources for Research
From the Library of Congress, this bibliography, "Genealogical Guides and Handbooks: Jewish," lists the major published research tools.
http://www.loc.gov/rr/genealogy/bib_guid/eastcen/jewish.html"Genealogy as a Spiritual Pilgrimage"
Arthur Kurzweil's Malcolm R. Stern Memorial Lecture given at the 14th Summer Seminar on Jewish Genealogy, Washington, DC, June 28, 1995.
http://www.zchor.org/KURZ.HTMIsrael Genealogical Society
The Israel Genealogical Society offers a combination of research materials, guidance and support for those interested in Jewish family history.
http://www.isragen.org.il/Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Philadelphia (JGSGP)
Focuses on Jewish family history by collecting, preserving, and disseminating genealogy-related knowledge and information, including a "Register of Roots." Offers information on Philadelphia Jewish history, and has a South Jersey affiliate group.
http://www.jewishgen.org/jgsp/Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State (JGSWS)
Focuses on Jewish family history by collecting, preserving, and disseminating genealogy-related knowledge and information. Offers information on Washington Jewish history, getting started in genealogy, state and national resources, and research.
http://www.JGSWS.org/Jewish History Resources in New York State
From the New York State Archives, this site introduces genealogists and historians to the Jewish history resources available in New York State.
http://www.archives.nysed.gov/a/researchroom/rr_pgc_jewish.shtmlJewishGen: Jewish Genealogy
The primary Internet source connecting researchers of Jewish genealogy. The most popular parts are its Discussion Group, Family Finder (a database of over 60,000 surnames and towns), Infofiles (comprehensive directory of information resources, organized by both topic and country) and a variety of other databases like the ShtetlSeeker. This excellent site also contains information on genealogical techniques and allows you to search by country as well as by topic.
http://www.jewishgen.org/Sephardic Genealogy Resources
Created by Jeff Malka, this site includes a list of websites by country, Sephardic surnames, family trees, forms and more.
http://www.orthohelp.com/geneal/sefardim.htmSephardim.com
A research tool for Sephardic Genealogy/Jewish Genealogy, including a Sephardic Names Search Engine.
http://www.sephardim.com/Yizkor Book Project
This site, sponsored by the JewishGen genealogy group, features translations of more than 580 Yizkor books originally written in Yiddish. "Yizkor books were written after the Holocaust as memorials to Jewish communities destroyed in the Holocaust. They were usually put together by survivors from those communities and contain descriptions and histories of the shtetl, biographies of prominent people, lists of people who perished, etc." Also includes information about libraries with Yizkor book collections.
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/
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Hasidism
Go to: HasidismThe Chabad-Lubavitch movement
A branch of Hasidism, today Chabad's 4,000 full-time emissary families apply 250 year-old principles and philosophy to direct more than 3,300 institutions (and a workforce that numbers in the tens of thousands) dedicated to the welfare of the Jewish people worldwide.
http://www.chabad.org/Chassidic Rebbe Biographies
An historical who's who in alphabetical order according to first name.
http://www.ascent.org.il/NewAscentOfSafed/Stories/Stories/rebbeBios.htmlFAQ on Hasidism (Chassidism)
Site maintained by Rabbi Yonassan Gershom of Sandstone, Minnesota.
http://www.pinenet.com/~rooster/hasid1.htmlA Guide to Chabad Literature
Site maintained by Yechezkal Shimon Gutfreund featuring multimedia, web "learning centers," a hypertext library and other links.
http://www.kesser.org/Hasidic Judaism
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasidic_JudaismThe Hasidic Stories Home Page
This page is devoted to the appreciation and sharing of Hasidic stories. The creators and adapters of these stories and essays are inspired by the Hasidic tradition of conveying values and soulfulness through stories.
http://www.hasidicstories.com/index.htmlHasidism
Created by Andrea Hardison for a Sociology of Religious Movements course at the University of Virginia, this site provides a good overview of the movement.
http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/hasid.htmlHassidism
Links to pages on the Baal Shem Tov, Rabbi Schnuer Zalman and others from the Kheper web site-"dedicated to a new scientific and esoteric evolutionary paradigm concerning the nature of existence."
http://www.kheper.net/topics/Kabbalah/Hassidism.htmA Life Apart: Hasidism in America
Companion site to a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) "documentary about a distinctive, traditional Eastern European religious community" that found "its most vital center in America." The program focuses on families in New York. The site provides background information and brief essays about the Hasidic movement within Orthodox Judaism, a transcript, details about the film and producers, a bibliography and filmography, photos, and classroom resources.
http://www.pbs.org/alifeapart/Links in the Chassidic Legacy
Biographical sketches of important Hassidic figures that originally appeared in HaTamim, translated by Shimon Neubort, available on the "Sichos In English" web site.
http://www.sichosinenglish.org/books/links-in-the-chassidic-legacy/
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Health & Medicine
Go to: Health & MedicineCenter for Jewish Genetic Diseases
The Center for Jewish Genetic Diseases at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City is the first center in the world devoted to the study of diseases that affect Ashkenazi Jews.
http://www.mssm.edu/jewish_genetics/Center for Medical Genetics
Brief FAQ on Jewish diseases genetic testing.
http://www.geneticstesting.com/patient_info/jewish_diseases.htmChicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders
This site is for anyone concerned about the genetic health and well-being of individuals and families in the Jewish community. It explains basic genetics and inheritance, and provides information about conditions that "are usually common among Jews of eastern European (Ashkenazi) descent."
http://www.jewishgeneticscenter.org/Jewish Genetic Diseases
Mazornet's Jewish Diseases site discusses disorders which occur more frequently in individuals of Jewish ancestry. Most diseases are severely incapacitating and some are tragically debilitating, leading to death in infancy or early childhood. Tay-Sachs may be the most notorious of the lot, but other diseases, just as prevalent and just as devastating, shatter the lives of Jewish families.
http://www.mazornet.com/genetics/index.aspMedical Ethics
The Thirteen Principles of Jewish Medical Ethics of Harofei Yaakov Ben Ben-Tzion Halevi.
http://members.aol.com/Sauromalus/index.htmlNational Organization for Rare Disorders
The National Organization for Rare Disorders is a federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare "orphan" diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them. NORD is committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and service.
http://www.rarediseases.org/National Tay-Sachs & Allied Diseases Association
The National Tay-Sachs & Allied Diseases Association is dedicated to the treatment and prevention of Tay-Sachs, Canavan, and related diseases, and to provide information and support services to individuals and families affected by these diseases, as well as the public at large.
http://www.ntsad.org/
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History
Go to: HistoryAcademic Guide to Jewish History
Well-organized access to hundreds of Jewish historical resources. Find "metasites," encyclopedias, biographies, libraries, archives, indexes, bibliographies, full-text articles, journals, and more. Searchable. This site, a collaborative effort among 12 institutions, is directed by Jenny Mendelsohn of the University of Toronto Libraries.
http://eir.library.utoronto.ca/jewishhistory/Beyond the Pale: The History of Jews in Russia
"An in-depth, illustrated history of Jews in Russia, with over 400 historical photographs."
http://www.friends-partners.org/partners/beyond-the-pale/Center for Jewish History
Detailed information about this "central repository for the cultural and historical legacy of the Jewish people," a project of five respected research facilities. The Web site has online catalogs of their libraries and archives, and descriptions (including some images) of the center's exhibits and family history resources. The Center, in New York City, has materials on Ashkenazic or Sephardic resources, Yiddish language, Jewish art, and genealogy.
http://www.cjh.org/Central Archives for the History of the Jewish People
The Central Archives for the History of the Jewish People (CAHJP) was founded in 1938 as the Jewish Historical General Archives to gather historical documentation reflecting the collective past of the Jewish people: a "Jewish National Archives." Formaly establishment in 1969, it is overseen by the Government of Israel, the Jewish Agency for Israel, the Historical Society of Israel, the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv University and Bar-Ilan University.
http://sites.huji.ac.il/archives/Centropa: Jewish Heritage in Central and Eastern Europe
An online collection of Central and Eastern Europe "pre (and post)-Holocaust family photographs and oral histories," Assembled by an "international team of historians, filmmakers, web designers, journalists, educators, photographers and Jewish community activists," these historical and contemporary materials may be accessed by subject, theme, country, and family. The site also has columns featuring books, travel, and food.
http://centropa.org/Heritage: Civilization and the Jews
This site is a companion to a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) 9-part series that chronicles the history of the Jews from inception through the biblical period to the 1990s. The site provides program summaries along with related interactive features, maps, documents, and video resources. Also includes a timeline, lesson plans, and links.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/heritage/The Jewish History Resource Center
The Dinur Center for Research in Jewish History offers a site with over 6,000 staff evaluated links in 30 categories. Users may search by time periods, topics, resources (maps, documents, etc.), or organizations. Tools include indexes in English, Spanish, and Hebrew.
http://www.dinur.org/1.html?rsID=219The Last Jews of Libya
Devoted to the "community of Jews of Libya." Includes historical background; photographs; information on food (including recipes), rituals, and street life; images of manuscripts and samples of Judeo-Arabic writings; and testimonies (audio and text). From the University of California, Berkeley.
http://geoimages.berkeley.edu/libyajew/Medici Archive
Established by Grand Duke Cosimo I in 1569, the archive consists of nearly 3 million letters that offer a "panorama of two-hundred years of human history, as told in the words of the people most immediately involved." This developing, searchable project contains Arts & Humanities, including antiquities, art, books, coins, drawings, maps, medicine, music, theater, and more; Jewish History (religion and culture); and the history of Costume and Textiles. Documents in Italian, with English translations.
http://www.medici.org/A Short History of the Jews of Greece
Illustrated essay on the Jewish presence in Greece. Topics include ancient times to the 20th century, the Nazi occupation, and the German, Bulgarian, and Italian occupation zones. By the founder and former director of the Jewish Museum in Greece.
http://www.greecetravel.com/jewishhistory/Treasures from the Jewish Cultural Renaissance in Germany, 1898-1938
This online tour of an exhibit demonstrates the rich Jewish culture that existed in Germany "beginning at the turn of the 20th century and ending as the Nazi regime took power." Includes annotated images of books, magazines, photographs, and illustrations. From the special collections of the Gelman Library at George Washington University.
http://www.gwu.edu/gelman/spec/kiev/treasures/
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Holidays & Observances
| General Resources | Shabbat | |
| Hanukkah | Shavuot | |
| High Holy Days | Sukkot | |
| Lag Ba'Omer | Tisha B'Av | |
| Passover | Tu B'Shvat | |
| Purim | Yom Hashoah | |
| Rosh Hashanah | Yom Kippur |
General Resources
Go to: Holidays & ObservancesChabad.org Holidays
Chabad-Lubavitch holiday site.
http://www.chabad.org/holidays/default.asp?AID=4579How We Celebrate
The Jewish Outreach Institute provides information on the history and practices of Judaism's main religious days and options for how to celebrate each holiday.
http://www.joi.org/celebrate/index.shtmlJewish Holidays
Learn about the Jewish holidays and explore the customs and traditions of Reform Jews throughout North America. Every description has dates, a brief annotation, and a good selection of related links. Includes a holiday calendar. From the Union for Reform Judaism.
http://urj.org/holidays/Ritualwell.org: Ceremonies for Jewish Living
Offers resources for "contemporary Jewish liturgy and ritual" and facilitates "access to creative innovation in Judaism." Find information on rituals by occasion (including life cycle events, holidays, and Shabbat), symbol, content type (for example, songs or recipes), and author. Offers e-mail updates, an annotated bibliography, a glossary of symbols, and suggestions for making and sharing rituals.
http://www.ritualwell.org/
Hanukkah
Go to: Holidays & ObservancesHanukkah - Festival of Lights
Songs, games, and the history of Chanukah are included.
http://www.ort.org/ort/edu/festivals/hanukkah/index.htmlHow to Play Dreidel: Rules for the Popular Hanukkah Game
Instructions for playing the Hanukkah game of Dreidel.
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Hanukkah/TO_Hanukkah_Home/Dreidel/Dreidel_Rules_357.htmVirtual Chanukah (from Chabad.org)
This site presents the story of Chanukah, a step-by-step guide to Chanukah observance, and inspirational insights, as well as recipes, games, and a global events directory (including worldwide menorah lightings). Also includes an "Ask the Rabbi" form, where one can ask about Jewish ritual and spirituality, and a page of information about Chanukah in several languages.
http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/default.asp
High Holy Days
See also: Rosh HashanahSee also: Yom Kippur
Go to: Holidays & ObservancesHigh Holy Days on the Net
The High Holy Days, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, are "the most important of all Jewish Holidays and the only holidays that are purely religious, as they are not related to any historical or natural event." Includes activities, stories, recipes, calendars, and information about Shofar (instrument made from ram's horn), the celebration of Sukkot, and the Yizkor service.
http://www.holidays.net/highholydays/
Lag Ba'Omer
Go to: Holidays & ObservancesLag Ba'Omer
A directory of links for the Jewish holiday Lag Ba'Omer, the 33rd day between Pesach (Passover) and Shavuot (the timing means the holiday usually occurs in late spring). The links represent a range of information about the Lag Ba'Omer, including explanations of the holiday, traditions (such as the lighting of bonfires), and biographies of Rabbi Akiva. Also includes links to sites in Hebrew, Russian, Spanish, and other languages.
http://www.jr.co.il/hotsites/j-hdayla.htmLag Ba'Omer
What is Lag B'Omer? From Ohr Somayach International.
http://ohr.edu/yhiy/article.php/957
Passover
Go to: Holidays & ObservancesPassover
Dozens of sites related to Passover, some in Hebrew or other languages. Everything from recipes and history to matzo clip art.
http://www.jr.co.il/hotsites/j-hdaypa.htmPassover
Substantial information about Passover. Includes a discussion about the Haggadah, laws, recipes, family activities, and songs.
http://www.aish.com/holidays/passover/
Purim
Go to: Holidays & ObservancesPurim
Purim-the Feast of Lots-seems full of contradictions, one minute mourning in sackcloth and the next fighting enemies and winning, when all the while it is a reaffirmation of Jewish survival.
http://www.virtualjerusalem.com/jewish_holidays/purim/index.htmPurim
History, articles, links, recipes.
http://www.jewish-holiday.com/purim.html
Rosh Hashanah
See also: High Holy DaysGo to: Holidays & ObservancesA Rosh Hashanah Experience
Rosh Hashanah commemorates the anniversary of the creation of the world.
http://www.jewishglobe.com/Holidays/RoshHaShanna.htmlRosh Hashanah
The Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year.
http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday2.htm
Shabbat
Go to: Holidays & ObservancesShabbat
Judaism 101: "The Sabbath (or Shabbat, as it is called in Hebrew) is one of the best known and least understood of all Jewish observances."
http://www.jewfaq.org/shabbat.htmShabbat, an Oasis in Time
Article on the origins of Shabbat and its evolution by Amy J. Kramer.
http://www.everythingjewish.com/Shabbat/Shabbat_Origins.htm
Shavuot
Go to: Holidays & ObservancesShavuot @ JTS
Resources for understanding and celebrating the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, "the second of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals." Provides activities for children and families, recipes (Bible cake and cheesecake), and commentary. From the Jewish Theological Seminary of America (JTS).
http://learn.jtsa.edu/shavuot/Shavuot on the Net
Shavuot-Feast of the Weeks-celebrates the harvest season in Israel exactly 7 weeks after Passover. Shavuot also commemorates the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. Site includes story, legends and customs.
http://www.holidays.net/shavuot/
Shemini Atzeret
Go to: Holidays & ObservancesSukkot, Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah
Origins and customs.
http://www.everythingjewish.com/Sukkot/Sukkot_origins.htm
Simchat Torah
Go to: Holidays & ObservancesSukkot, Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah
Origins and customs.
http://www.everythingjewish.com/Sukkot/Sukkot_origins.htm
Sukkot
Go to: Holidays & ObservancesSukkot on the net
Sukkot-the Feast of Booths-is named for the huts (sukkah) that Moses and the Israelites lived in as they wandered the desert for 40 years before they reached the Promised Land.
http://www.holidays.net/sukkot/Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah
Origins and customs.
http://www.everythingjewish.com/Sukkot/Sukkot_origins.htm
Tisha B'Av
Go to: Holidays & ObservancesTisha B'Av
Fast of the Ninth of Av, a day of mourning.
http://www.jewfaq.org/holidayd.htmThe Three Weeks
Facts and history on the three weeks leading up to Tisha B'Av.
http://ohr.edu/yhiy.php/holidays/tisha_bav/
Tu B'Shvat
Go to: Holidays & ObservancesTu B'Shvat
Jewish Arbor Day, or 'new year of the trees.'
http://ohr.edu/yhiy.php/holidays/tu_bshvat/Tu B'Shvat
Resources and articles on Tu B'Shvat.
http://www.wzo.org.il/en/resources/expand_subject.asp?id=138
Yom Hashoah
Go to: Holidays & ObservancesYom Hashoah Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day.
http://www.ou.org/yerushalayim/yomhashoah/Yom Hashoah
Holocaust Remembrance Day - 27th of Nissan.
http://history1900s.about.com/cs/holocaust/a/yomhashoah.htmYom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut: Observances of The Modern State of Israel
Article by Artie Fischer on the three central secular holidays of the modern Israeli nation state: the Day of Remembrance for Fallen Soldiers, Independence Day, and Holocaust Commemoration Day.
http://www.wzo.org.il/en/resources/view.asp?id=182&subject=157
Yom Kippur - Day of Atonement
See also: High Holy DaysGo to: Holidays & ObservancesYom Kippur
"Yom Kippur" -- "Day of Atonement," the most important holiday of the Jewish year, is a day set aside to "afflict the soul," to atone for the sins of the past year.
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/holiday4.html
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Holocaust
Go to: HolocaustAnne Frank Center, USA
The Anne Frank Center USA promotes the universal message of tolerance by developing and disseminating a variety of educational programs, including exhibitions, workshops, and special events in its Exhibition and Education Center in New York City.
http://www.annefrank.com/Anne Frank House
The Amsterdam hiding place of the Frank family tells the history of the eight people in hiding and those who helped them during the war.
http://www.annefrank.org/content.asp?pid=1&lid=2"Don't Let the Light Go Out"
A Multimedia remembrance in honor of Yom Ha'Shoah-Holocaust Remembrance Day, featuring historical images, animation and sound depicting the horror that is and was the Holocaust.
http://www.holidays.net/holocaust/Global Directory of Holocaust Museums
Arranged by country, then city, provides links to museum web sites.
http://www.science.co.il/Holocaust-Museums.aspThe Holocaust Chronicle
This site contains the full text of the book of the same name as well as a selection of the images, providing a detailed history of the atrocities committed by the German Nazis during World War II. A timeline of Jewish history begins in the Prologue with the Hebrews moving to Egypt c. 1500 BCE, and ends in the Epilogue in mid-1999 with the Swiss banks settlement for the Holocaust survivors. Brief histories of anti-Semitism and fascism, a background of Germany leading up to the war, and more are provided. Browsable by chapter and page, indexed alphabetically, and searchable by date.
http://www.holocaustchronicle.org/Holocaust Encyclopedia
Online encyclopedia from the US Holocaust Memorial Museum.
http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/Holocaust Era Assets
This web site from the National Archives and Records Administration documents how records in the National Archives provided a research base for tracking works seized during the war.
http://www.archives.gov/research/holocaust/index.htmlHolocaust Home Page
This site contains information that refutes the efforts of Holocaust deniers. This information was placed on the Shamash gopher in 1993, so it is a bit dated, although the historical accuracy of this information has not changed.
http://www.shamash.org/holocaust/Holocaust Resource Center and Archives
A resource from Queensborough Community College focusing on education, research, and remembrance.
http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/HRCA/Holocaust Studies
This site is organized in six categories: a 31-topic Overview section from 'background' to 'beginning a new life;' Headlines and timelines that cover war, the Holocaust and world events; Issues such as Nuremberg, Belzec, numbers and suffering; People; Resources; and "Why the Jews?", a seminar on anti-Semitism.
http://www.aish.com/holocaust/default.aspHolocaust Survivors
This site is distinguished by a living and personal sense of the Holocaust conveyed by survivors through audio clips, transcripts, and photographs. The site also provides a timeline of Jewish history and persecution, an encyclopedia, primary documents, and more.
http://www.holocaustsurvivors.org/Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation
This site reveals a little-known aspect of Holocaust history by telling the story of Jews who escaped from the ghettos, became partisans, and fought the Nazis.
http://www.jewishpartisans.org/Judenpogrom
The Pogrom against the Jewish People in Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria, a virtual city tour of the main sites of the Pogrom during the night of November 9 to November 10, 1938.
http://www.judenpogrom.at/Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles, California
The educational arm of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the Museum of Tolerance focuses on two central themes in its exhibits: the dynamics of racism and prejudice in America and the history of the Holocaust.
http://www.museumoftolerance.com/mot/index.cfmVoices of the Holocaust
"First-hand accounts of incredible tales of horror, survival, and liberation of 70 victims of Nazi atrocities and oppression during World War II. The interviewees included farmers, lawyers, artists, carpenters and others from all economic levels, and covering many religions, nationalities, and languages from across Europe." The interviews were conducted in 1946 in displaced persons camps around Europe and transcribed into English by Dr. David Pablo Boder, an Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) psychology professor. Forgotten until 1998, the recordings and typescripts were discovered and made public by IIT's librarians.
http://voices.iit.edu/Women and the Holocaust
This site was created by Judy Weissenberg Cohen, a Holocaust survivor, and is dedicated to the memory of the women who were killed during the Holocaust and to those who survived.
http://www.theverylongview.com/WATH/Yad Vashem
Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority, was established in 1953 by the Israeli Knesset. Since its inception, Yad Vashem has been entrusted with documenting the history of the Jewish people during the Holocaust period, preserving the memory and story of each of the six million victims, and imparting the legacy of the Holocaust for generations to come through its archives, library, school, museums and recognition of the Righteous Among the Nations.
http://www.yadvashem.org.il/YIVO Institute for Jewish Research
Holocaust study resources at YIVO include published materials, original documents and photographs, described on this site along with several interesting links at the bottom.
http://www.yivoinstitute.org/archlib/library_fr.htmYizkor Book Project
This site, sponsored by the JewishGen genealogy group, features translations of more than 580 Yizkor books originally written in Yiddish. "Yizkor books were written after the Holocaust as memorials to Jewish communities destroyed in the Holocaust. They were usually put together by survivors from those communities and contain descriptions and histories of the shtetl, biographies of prominent people, lists of people who perished, etc." Also includes information about libraries with Yizkor book collections.
http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/Yom Hashoah
Not actually about the day itself, but rather links to images and other materials on the Holocaust.
http://www.jafi.org.il/education/FESTIVLS/yshoa/Yom Hashoah
Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day.
http://www.ou.org/yerushalayim/yomhashoah/Zachor: Faith During the Holocaust
This site documents Jewish faith during the Holocaust. It provides information about Jewish communities affected, testimony from adults and hidden children, and information about how observant Jews managed to keep their faith and follow Jewish law during the Holocaust. Site contains images of archival documents, abstracts of books, photographs, and video. Available in English and Hebrew.
http://zachor.michlalah.edu/english/
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Israel
Go to: IsraelAmerican Zionist Movement
A coalition of groups and individuals committed to Zionism-the idea that the Jewish people is one people with a shared history, values and language-AZM is the American affiliate of the World Zionist Organization.
http://www.azm.org/A Diminished World Body
An overview of the UN and Israel by the American Jewish Committee, in pdf form, which discusses the UN's perceived institutional bias and recent developments on the issue.
http://www.ajc.org/atf/cf/{42D75369-D582-4380-8395-D25925B85EAF}/DIMINISHEWORLDBODYOVERVIEWUNISRAEL_2006.PDFIsrael: A Country Study
Online version of the book published in 1978 by the Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress as part of the Country Studies/Area Handbook Series sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Army. It offers a comprehensive description and analysis of the country's historical setting, geography, society, economy, political system, and foreign policy at that time.
http://countrystudies.us/israel/Israel and World Jewry
This explanation from the Jewish Virtual Library was provided by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Politics/worldjewry.htmlIsraeli Resources
Links to cities, government offices and embassies, universities, kibbutzim and more.
http://www.hareshima.com/Israel/Israel.aspIsraeli Newspapers and News Sites in English
http://www.world-newspapers.com/israel.htmlJewish Virtual Library
Contains information on Jewish history, women, the Holocaust, travel, Israel-U.S. relations, politics, religion, and notable people. Includes a bibliography, a glossary, maps, a timeline of Jewish history, a virtual tour of Israel, and exhibits of "Judaic Treasures of the Library of Congress."
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/Map of Israel
The University of Texas Library
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/middle_east_and_asia/israel.gifThe United States and the Recognition of Israel: A Chronology
From the Truman Presidential Museum & Library, this chronology is compiled from Harry S. Truman and the Founding of Israel (Westport, Connecticut, 1997) by Michael T. Benson.
http://www.trumanlibrary.org/israel/palestin.htmWorld Center Jerusalem
The World Center is central to B'nai B'rith International's Israel-related activities and agenda, serving as the major link between Israel and B'nai B'rith members and supporters around the world.
http://bnaibrith.org/ppolicy/world_center/wc_intro.cfmWorld Zionist Organization
From FreeDictionary.com, this site gives historical data on the World Zionist Organziation.
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/World%20Zionist%20OrganizationThe World Zionist Organization
This booklet, published by the Zionist General Council, presents the processes in the organizational development of the World Zionist Organization, including The Jewish Agency for Israel, Jewish National Fund and Keren Hayesod.
http://www.thelikud.org/Archives/Structure%20of%20the%20World%20Zionist%20Organization.htm
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Jewish-Christian Relations
Go to: Jewish-Christian RelationsCentre for the Study of Historical Christian Antisemitism
For far too many years, there has existed a wall of misunderstanding, distrust and fear between the Jewish Community and the Christian Community. The Centre, founded in 2002, is committed to the task of breaking through this wall and assisting in the reconciliation between Jews and Christians.
http://www.hcacentre.org/Christian Action for Israel
Canadian organization which works to counter the increasing proliferation of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel misinformation, expose the prevailing anti-Israel bias in mainstream media, and support Jewish causes. Posts many articles in the "Whose Jerusalem?" section such as Prof. R.J. Zwi Werblowsky's article, "The Meaning of Jerusalem to Jews, Christians and Muslims."
http://christianactionforisrael.org/The Council of Centers on Jewish-Christian Relations
An association of centers and institutes, the majority of which are in the U.S., devoted to enhancing mutual understanding between Jews and Christians. Representatives from major U.S. Christian and Jewish agencies and religious bodies are also members.
http://www.bc.edu/research/cjl/meta-elements/sites/partners/ccjr/Intro.htmCriteria for the Evaluation of Dramatizations of the Passion
This pamphlet establishes the criteria for evaluating depictions of the passion of Christ, and stresses the appropriate presentation of passion plays. It quotes Pope John Paul II's statement that Catholic teaching should aim to present "Jews and Judaism, not only in an honest and objective manner ... but also with full awareness of the heritage common [to Jews and Christians]." Opens directly into a PDF file. From the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
http://www.usccb.org/seia/CRITERIA.PDFInternational Council of Christians and Jews
The ICCJ, headquartered in Martin Buber's German home, serves as the umbrella group of 38 national Jewish-Christian dialogue organizations world-wide, promoting understanding and cooperation between Christians and Jews based on respect for each other's identity and integrity, and addressing issues of human rights and human dignity. In more recent years the ICCJ and its members increasingly engaged in the Abrahamic dialogue: the encounter between Jews, Christians and Muslims.
http://www.iccj.org/en/International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
Founded in 1983 to promote understanding and cooperation between Jews and Christians and to build broad support for Israel and other shared concerns, this organization is based in Chicago and Jerusalem.
http://www.ifcj.org/site/PageServerInstitute for Christian & Jewish Studies
Founded in 1987 in Baltimore by an interfaith coalition of laity and clergy, the ICJS emerged out of the conviction that ignorance, fear, and hostility have all too often defined the character of the Jewish-Christian encounter. It exists to address the contemporary challenges of religious pluralism by helping to shape a new relationship between Christians and Jews.
http://www.icjs.org/who/history.htmlJews, Christians, and The Passion
Article by David Berger, Broeklundian professor of history at Brooklyn College and the Graduate Center of CUNY, which originally appeared in Commentary magazine (May 2004).
http://www.bc.edu/research/cjl/meta-elements/texts/cjrelations/resources/reviews/berger_gibson.htmNational Christian Leadership Conference for Israel
NCLCI recognizes that Israel and Jerusalem have been at the heart of Jewish hope and identity ever since the days of Abraham, and acknowledges their importance to Jews everywhere, whether they live in Israel or elsewhere. NCLCI appreciates the value of the reborn State of Israel being a democracy.
http://www.nclci.org/National Conference for Community and Justice
Founded in 1927 as the National Conference on Christians and Jews, this human rights organization is dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry and racism in America.
http://www.nccj.org/
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Journals & Newspapers
Go to: Journals & NewspapersAcademic Search Premier
This database on the CCNY Library web site provides full text of mainstream Jewish periodical issues from the mid-1990s on - titles such as Commentary, Jewish Bible Quarterly, Jewish History, Jewish Quarterly Review, Jewish Social Studies, Judaism, Journal of Jewish Communal Service, Journal of Jewish Studies, and the Journal of Jewish Thought & Philosophy.
http://www.ccny.cuny.edu/library/Menu.html
This resource is available to CUNY users only.B'Or Ha'Torah
An English-language journal for wondering Jews, scientists, artists, teachers, and students that examines personal and intellectual concerns scientifically, mathematically, and philosophically from the perspective of the Torah-observant Jew.
http://www.borhatorah.org/Chabad.org Weekly Magazine
Online magazine of Chabad-Lubavitch
http://www.chabad.org/magazine/default.aspCommentary Online
Commentary is published monthly (except for a combined July-August issue) by the American Jewish Committee.
http://www.commentarymagazine.com/Conservative Judaism
Sponsored by The Rabbinical Assembly and the Jewish Theological Seminary, publishes articles which express a serious, critical inquiry of Jewish texts and traditions, legacy and law; further the quest for a Conservative theology and ideology; and explore today's changing Jewish community.
http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/publications/cj_journal.htmlEthnic NewsWatch
An interdisciplinary full text database of the newspapers, magazines and journals of the ethnic, minority and native press, ENW allows search qualification by ethnic group "Jewish" to find articles in a wide variety of sources.
http://www.ccny.cuny.edu/library/Menu.html
This resource is available to CUNY users only.Forward
Online version of the Yiddish weekly newspaper founded in 1897. Available in English, Yiddish and Russian editions.
http://www.forward.com/Haaretz International
Haaretz is an independent daily newspaper with a broadly liberal outlook both on domestic issues and on international affairs. Also available in Hebrew.
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/HebrewBooks.org
The site reproduces over two hundred journals published in Hebrew from 1860 to the present.
http://www.hebrewbooks.org/Israeli Newspapers and News Sites in English
http://www.world-newspapers.com/israel.htmlThe Jerusalem Post
Online Edition
http://www.jpost.com
and its companion feature, daily TV news updates in English
http://info.jpost.com/C005/Channel2/Jewish Action Magazine
Quarterly magazine of the Orthodox Union.
http://www.ou.org/publications/ja/The Jewish Advocate
Weekly newspaper serving Boston and New England.
http://www.thejewishadvocate.com/Jewish Bulletin of Northern California Online
Although focused on the San Francisco Bay Area, it also has some news and commentary on issues affecting Jews and a guide to Jewish resources on the Internet.
http://www.jewishsf.com/Jewish Heritage Online Magazine
A web monthly with some 2500 screens devoted to the study of classic and modern Jewish texts, culture and heritage.
http://www.jhom.com/index.htmJewish Magazines and News Sites
http://www.world-newspapers.com/jewish-magazines.htmlJewish Post of New York and Jewish Web Network News
http://www.jewishpost.com/The Jewish Week
Serving the Jewish Community of Greater New York
http://www.thejewishweek.com/Jewish Woman
Published quarterly by Jewish Women International as a resource for all Jewish women, regardless of age, geography, or affiliation; bringing the issues they care about to center stage.
http://www.jwmag.org/Jewish World Review
JWR is published five days a week on the web for those interested in learning more about contemporary Judaism from Jews who take their religion seriously.
http://www.jewishworldreview.com/Journal of Kabbalah Studies
An online journal dedicated to Research in the field of Kabbalah, both ancient and contemporary
http://www.chez.com/jec2/Journey: A Journal of Feminist Judaism
http://www.mayan.org/mayanjourney.aspMa'ariv
http://www.nrg.co.il/online/HP_0.htmlMidstream
Midstream was started some 50 years ago as a magazine of opinion, and it addresses itself to the whole range of contemporary life and culture, with special emphasis on the State of Israel, and the Zionist idea. A selected feature article from each issue is available full-text online on the site.
http://www.midstreamthf.com/News About Jews
Database featuring digital images and catalog records of over 250 American newspaper articles from 1782-1898 that provide a picture of the daily life of Jews in the United States. Searchable.
From the Library of the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS).
http://alpha3.jtsa.edu:4525/F?func=file&file_name=basic&local_base=naj01Rambi: Index to Articles on Jewish Studies
"RAMBI is a selective bibliography of articles in the various fields of Jewish studies and in the study of Eretz Israel. Material listed in Rambi is compiled from thousands of periodicals and from collections of articles - in Hebrew, Yiddish, and European languages- mainly from the holdings of the Jewish National and University Library, a world center for research on the Jewish people and Eretz Israel. The main criterion for inclusion in the bibliography is that the article be based on scientific research, or contain important information for such research. Since the inception of this bibliographic project in 1966, the editorial board has striven to include in it all of the important articles published throughout the world in the field of Judaica. Therefore, it includes offprints of articles from journals or collections not on order to the Library. Rambi also lists articles from secondary sources."
http://libnet1.ac.il/~libnet/rmb/rmb.htmReconstructionism Today
The Magazine of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation.
http://www.jrf.org/rt/rtmain.htmlReform Judaism Magazine
Online Quarterly from the Union for Reform Judaism, official voice of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations.
http://reformjudaismmag.org/Women in Judaism
An academic, refereed journal published exclusively on the Internet by the University of Toronto, and devoted to scholarly debate on gender-related issues in Judaism.
http://www.utoronto.ca/wjudaism/
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Judaism
Go to: JudaismBabylonian Talmud
"The Talmud is a vast collection of Jewish laws and traditions. Despite the dry subject matter the Talmud makes interesting reading because it is infused with vigorous intellectual debate, humor and deep wisdom." This site contains Michael L. Rodkinson's English translation of the Babylonian Talmud, which includes "complete translations of the 'Festivals' and 'Jurisprudence' sections." Not searchable. From the Internet Sacred Text Archive.
http://www.sacred-texts.com/jud/talmud.htmHebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion
Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion, the seminary of Reform Judaism, offers a wealth of library, museum and archival resources (including the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives), online exhibits and more on its website. While the main campus is in Cincinnati, check the pages for the Klau Library branch and the HUC-JIR Museum in Manhattan.
http://www.huc.edu/Internet Sacred Text Archive
Tanakh, Pirke Avot, Haggada, Midrash, Kabbalah and more, some available in Hebrew as well as English translation.
http://www.sacred-texts.com/jud/Jewish Encyclopedia.com
This site "contains the complete [unedited] contents of the 12-volume Jewish Encyclopedia, which was originally published between 1901-1906." It has over 15,000 articles and illustrations and is searchable. Topics covered include Jewish history, law, theology, philosophy, literature, biography, and traditions.
http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/index.jspJewishPath
"Cyberspace Super Highway To Jewish Learning" with study pages on Parsha, Gematria, holidays, and more, from the B'nai Noach Torah Institute in Colorado.
http://jewishpath.orgJewish Theological Seminary of America
Although this seminary trains Conservative rabbis and cantors, the site has a great deal to offer for anyone interested in Judaism. The catalog of one of the finest Judaica libraries in the world - over 300,000 volumes is available. There are also recommended reading lists from the faculty and librarians; opportunities for distance learning (free and paid); commentaries and texts of the weekly Torah and Haftorah portions; and statistics and facts about Judaism.
http://www.jtsa.edu/Jews for Judaism
Jews for Judaism is an international organization that provides a wide variety of counseling services, along with education, and outreach programs that enable Jews of all ages to rediscover and strengthen their Jewish heritage.
http://jewsforjudaism.org/web/mainpages/index.htmlJudaism 101
An "online encyclopedia of Judaism, covering Jewish beliefs, people, places, things, language, scripture, holidays, practices and customs." Searchable and browsable.
http://www.jewfaq.org/Lidrosh: Answers for the Thinking Jew
Hundreds of lectures on all aspects of Judaism available to listen to with free registration, from the Lidrosh Institute of Jewish Education. Lectures cover topics such as Talmud, Halachah, Parshah, Philosophy, Spiritual Growth, Holidays, Relationships, and Judaism and Modern Society. Rabbi Elazar Meisels, lead educator, also serves as Hillel Rabbi of Michigan State University.
http://www.lidrosh.com/Navigating the Bible
Anyone interested in the Bible will want to see this site. The Pentateuch section includes the text of the Five Books of Moses along with commentaries and each verse sung by a cantor (in Real Audio). For further study use the Glossary to aid your knowledge of people, places, animals, plants, etc. which occur in the Bible. And for much greater in-depth study use the Atlas (not yet complete) which includes background information on biblical times in nine categories, with great images. There's also a genealogy chart showing the family lines of the main characters in the Bible.
http://bible.ort.org/Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary
The Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, an affiliate of Yeshiva University, is the Western Hemisphere's largest center for Orthodox higher Jewish learning. This site also hosts YU Torah Online featuring live webcasts and downloadable MP3 files.
http://www.riets.edu/Reconstructionist Rabbinical College
The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Collegein Wyncote, PA, prepares men and women for leadership and service in Jewish communal life-synagogue, university, havurot, communal agency. Its library has an excellent collection of Judaica and Hebraica resources and Reconstructionist movement publications and is open to the public.
http://www.rrc.edu/Torah.org
The Project Genesis Web Site, an outreach program which promotes education about Judaism through free online classes in Jewish philosophy, liturgy, ethics, law, and daily Torah readings. Searchable.
http://torah.org/Torah Fax in CyberSpace
"Torah on the spot for people on the go!" Torah Fax is published daily (except Shabbat & Sunday).
http://www.torahfax.net/
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Kabbalah
Go to: KabbalahThe Inner Dimension
Kabbalah and Hasidism from the teachings of Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburgh, who was guided in his religious development by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, under the auspices of the Gal Einai Institute. The institute is dedicated to making Kabbalah and Hasidism spiritually relevant to the modern Jew for whom the original texts are virtually impenetrable.
http://www.inner.org/Journal of Kabbalah Studies
An online journal dedicated to Research in the field of Kabbalah, both ancient and contemporary.
http://www.chez.com/jec2/Kabbalah
Kabbalah (also Qabbala, Cabala, cabbala, cabbalah, kabala, kabalah, kabbala) is a religious philosophical system claiming an insight into divine nature. From Wikipedia.
http://www.fact-index.com/k/ka/kabbalah.htmlKabbala 101
A series of 43 essays and articles from aish.com
http://www.aish.com/spirituality/kabbala101/Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism
Good general explanation.
http://www.jewfaq.org/kabbalah.htmKabbalah: "Bnei Baruch" - World Center for Kabbalah Studies
"The Wisdom of Kabbalah" is presented with questions and answers on Kabbalistic matters, Kabbalistic music, and excerpts from various talks, books, and essays by recognized Kabbalah authorities. Available in over a dozen languages in addition to English.
http://www.kabbalah.info/Kabbalah In English
A guide to English language resources for the student of traditional rabbinic Kabbalah by Jeffrey Smith, although dated now, is a good starting point for the beginner particularly emphasizing what to avoid along with what to select.
http://www.digital-brilliance.com/kab/biblio.htmThe Kabbalah Unveiled
Kabbala Denudata: The Kabbalah Unveiled, 1912 edition, translated by S.L. MacGregor Mathers. Online full text of the following books of the Zohar: The Book of Concealed Mystery, The Greater Holy Assembly and The Lesser Holy Assembly.
http://www.sacred-texts.com/jud/tku/Ten Sefirot of the Kabbalah
Descriptions of the theory of ten creative forces that intervene between the infinite, unknowable G-d and our created world.
http://www.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/Sefirot/Sefirot.html
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Kashrut (Kosher) Dietary Laws/Food
Go to: Kashrut (Kosher) Dietary Laws/FoodAll-Kosher Index
United Kashrut Authority, based in Israel, offers a guide to information from manufacturers and supervision organizations.
http://www.kosher.co.il/Jewish Food Mailing List Archive
Recipes, holiday menus, food preparation techniques, cookbook resources, restaurant reviews, and kashrut (kosher) guidelines. Other features included a recipe submission form and a section on humor called "Kosher Komedy."
http://www.jewishfood-list.com/Kashrut.com (Kosher Information Source)
This site offers information on keeping kosher. Included are consumer information on kosher products, resources for kosher travel, recipes, and numerous links to related sites. There are instructions on preparing a kitchen for Passover; you can receive e-mail notification of updates to the site.
http://www.kashrut.com/Kosher Wine ... A Little History
This page from the Abarbanel Wine Company briefly explains what makes a wine kosher. It discusses the "Kashrut" (dietary law) regarding wine and describes kosher procedures for wine production and handling. It also addresses the place of wine in Jewish homes and religious services.
http://www.abarbanel.com/history.shtmlOK Kosher Certification
Founded in 1935, the OK Kosher Certification is one of the world's most respected symbols of kosher approval.
http://www.okkosher.com/OU Kosher
For over 80 years the Orthodox Union has maintained the highest standard of kosher supervision. Today the OU certifies more than 660,000 products making it the world's most recognized and trusted kosher symbol.
http://www.oukosher.org/The Star-K Online
STAR-K Kosher Certification has provided kosher supervision for over 50 years. The STAR-K was formerly known as the Orthodox Jewish Council of Baltimore/Vaad Hakashrus.
http://www.star-k.org/ind-advantages-market.htm
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Language & Literature
| Languages | Literature |
Languages
| General Resources | Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) |
| Hebrew | Yiddish |
General Resources
Go to: Language & LiteratureJewish Language Research Website
A clearinghouse on Jewish linguistics for scholars and others interested in languages created by or adapted locally by Jews, such as Judeo-Spanish, Judeo-French, or Judeo-Iranian, as well as the better-known Yiddish. Provides articles (some accompanied by bibliographies) by university-affiliated linguists, information on Hebrew computing, and links to other relevant Web sites. Updates available through RSS (syndication) and through a free e-mail subscription.
http://www.jewish-languages.org/Languages of Israel
In addition to the primary languages-Hebrew, Standard Arabic, English-this site offers an alphabetical list of spoken living languages, extinct languages and sign languages found in Israel.
http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=Israel
Hebrew
Go to: Language & LiteratureHebrew Alphabet
http://www.jewfaq.org/alephbet.htmHebrew Alphabet
http://www.njop.org/html/interactive_hebrew.htmlHebrewBooks.org
The site reproduces over a thousand books and over two hundred journals published in Hebrew from 1860 to the present. If one wants to know about Jewish laws concerning Coca Cola or prohibition, or what the rabbis had to say about the Titanic, it's here.
http://www.hebrewbooks.org/Hebrew for Travelers - Ivrit le'tayarim
Offers vocabulary lists in categories such as Basic Words, Numbers, Shopping/Dining, Travel, Directions, Places, Time and Dates in English to Hebrew translation.
http://www.travlang.com/languages/cgi-bin/langchoice.cgi?page=main&lang1=english&lang2=hebrewHevenu Shalom Aleikhem
Online beginning Hebrew lessons with audio.
http://www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Heights/3034/Learn Hebrew
This beginner-level site incorporates nearly 50 topics, along with over 1,700 Hebrew words and phrases. Each Hebrew word is presented as an image with vowels. Click on a word or phrase to hear it spoken in studio quality audio. Menus, transliterations and translations are in English, French, Russian and Spanish.
http://www.learn-hebrew.co.il/index.html/My Hebrew Dictionary
For the new Hebrew learner, a dictionary organized by topic.
http://www.dictionary.co.il/The Online Hebrew Tutorial ver. 2.0
From FoundationStone, this program is aimed at the beginning, intermediate and advanced adult language student.
http://foundationstone.com.au/
Ladino (Judeo-Spanish)
Go to: Language & LiteratureJudeo-Spanish: Birth, Death and Re-birth
Article by Prof. Haim-Vidal Sephiha, reprinted from Yiddish and Judeo-Spanish, a European Heritage.
http://www.kahalbraira.org/mendes/judeo_spanish.htmlLadino --- a language destined to be lost?
An article by Dr. Jay Levinson on the diminishing Ladino-speaking world.
http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0798/ladino1.aspLadino Literature
This article, "Literature in Judeo-Spanish, the language of Sephardic Jews" by Aviya Kushner, provides a glimpse into the religious and secular literary tradition of Sephardic Jewry.
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/culture/literature/EuropeanLit/LadinoLiterature.htmLadinokomunita
A Ladino language correspondence circle to promote the use of Ladino language.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ladinokomunita/A Quick Explanation of Ladino (Judeo-Spanish)
By S. Alfassa Marks from the Foundation for the Advancement of Sephardic Studies.
http://www.sephardicstudies.org/quickladino.html
Yiddish
Go to: Language & LiteratureThe Forward Hour
Listen to The Forward Hour on the Internet! It takes at least a 28.8k connection and the Real Media Player.
http://yiddish.forward.com/oldarchive/radio/index.htmlShtetl, Yiddish Language and Culture
A resource for Yiddish language and culture, with information about library resources, discussion lists, schools, recipes and more.
http://www.ibiblio.org/yiddish/shtetl.htmlYiddish Literature
The Yiddish collections at YIVO in Chelsea comprise the largest collection of Yiddish books in the world.
http://www.yivoinstitute.org/archlib/library.htm#yiddishWhat is Yiddish?
http://www.yivoinstitute.org/yiddish/yiddish.htmYiddish Alphabet and Transliteration Chart
The YIVO standard
http://www.yivoinstitute.org/yiddish/alefbeys.htmYiddish Culture In America
Dr. Itzik Gottesman's web site at the University of Texas which focuses on four segments of American Yiddish culture: Literature, Education, the Press, and Theater.
http://www.laits.utexas.edu/gottesman/Yiddish Dictionary Online
A growing dictionary, standardized on YIVO transcription.
http://www.yiddishdictionaryonline.com/The Yiddish Voice / DOS YIDISHE KOL
WUNR 1600 AM, Brookline, Massachusetts.
http://www.yiddishvoice.com/Yiddish Radio Project
This is the site of an NPR documentary about the golden age of Yiddish radio (1930-1950), which depicted the daily life of Eastern European Jewish immigrants in their new homeland. The dramas, political commentary, advice shows, talent shows, and music provided entertainment and comfort. The site has photos of radio personalities, sound clips, a documentary, and an explanation of the work of Henry Sapoznik, who found and restored the disks with the programs.
http://yiddishradioproject.org/YIVO's Uriel Weinreich Program in Yiddish Language, Literature, and Culture
Since 1968, YIVO and Columbia University have co-sponsored this most rigorous, comprehensive program available in the academic study of Yiddish, a six-week intensive summer language course held in New York City.
http://www.yivoinstitute.org/courses/urielw.htm
Literature
Go to: Language & LiteratureAssociation of Jewish Libraries
The Association of Jewish Libraries promotes Jewish literacy through enhancement of libraries and library resources, access to information, learning, teaching and research relating to Jews, Judaism, the Jewish experience and Israel.
http://www.jewishlibraries.org/ajlweb/home.htmDorot Jewish Division, New York Public Library
The Dorot Jewish Division contains a comprehensive and balanced chronicle of the religious and secular history of the Jewish people in over a quarter of a million books, microforms, manuscripts, newspapers, periodicals, and ephemera from all over the world.
http://www.nypl.org/research/chss/jws/jewish.htmlEncyclopedia of the Jewish Story
Under the aegis of Bar-Ilan University, an Encyclopedia of the Jewish Story is being developed. Although there is not much content on the site as yet, three main projects are now under way: Encyclopedia of Narrative Themes in Jewish Literature, East and West in Jewish Narrative, and Typology of Narrative Collections in Ashkenazi Manuscripts of the 13th and 14th Centuries.
http://www.biu.ac.il/js/thematology/JBI International
Established in 1931 as the Jewish Braille Institute, JBI is part of the Library of Congress's National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped and is located downtown on East 30th Street, New York City.
http://jewishbraille.org/librarysrv.htmlJews and Jewish Identity in American Mystery Fiction
A selected bibliography by Rabbi Lawrence W. Raphael, Ph.D., the first director of the Department of Adult Jewish Growth at the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, where he was responsible for adult education materials. To be included in this list the main protagonist must be Jewish and the story must take place in the United States. Books are listed under three categories: Assimilated, Acculturated, and Affirmed.
http://www.jewishmysteries.net/bibliography.htmlLeo Baeck Institute Library
Documenting German Jewish history, the library includes a comprehensive collection of belles lettres by Jewish writers, extensive material on the so-called "Jewish Problem" and antisemitism, and more than 800 periodicals put out by Jewish publishers from the 18th to 20th centuries.
http://www.lbi.org/library.htmlNextbook
"Nextbook is a national initiative to promote Jewish cultural literacy in new and innovative ways. ... [It] is a gateway to Jewish culture, history, and ideas for Jews and non-Jews alike." The site presents reading lists (such as "Discovering Myself"), book reviews, cultural news items, and links to related web sites. Searchable. From Keren Keshet - The Rainbow Foundation
. http://www.nextbook.org/
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Life Cycle
| Agunah | General Resources |
| Bar and Bat Mitzvah | Marriage |
| Children | Mikvah |
| Death & Mourning |
Agunah
Agunah, literally "chained wife," refers to the situation in Jewish law where a husband refuses to give a 'get' or Jewish divorce to his wife, so that she is not free to marry again according to rabbinic law.
Go to: Life CycleAgunah - Articles to Read
From the Agunot Campaign, a womens' organization.
http://www.agunot-campaign.org.uk/articles.htmAgunah Bibliography
An extensive, though a bit dated, bibliography on the Agunah problem, Jewish marriage, Jewish divorce, and related issues.
http://users.aol.com/agunah/bib-agun.htm
Bar and Bat Mitzvah
Go to: Life CycleMy Bar Mitzvah / My Bat Mitzvah Resource Center
This site, developed by Jacob Richman, won't try to sell you a thing, but you can search and print out Haftorah readings, blessings, get suggestions on proper phrasing of invitations, and more.
http://my-bar-mitzvah.com/index.phpNavigating the Bible
Designed for those studying for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, anyone interested in the Bible will want to see this site. The Pentateuch section includes the text of the Five Books of Moses along with commentaries and each verse sung by a cantor (in Real Audio). For further study use the Glossary to aid your knowledge of people, places, animals, plants, etc. which occur in the Bible. And for much greater in-depth study use the Atlas (not yet complete) which includes background information on biblical times in nine categories, with great images. There's also a genealogy chart showing the family lines of the main characters in the Bible.
http://bible.ort.org/
Children
Go to: Life CycleBirth and the First Month of Life
This page covers religious aspects of birth, naming, circumcision, redemption of the firstborn and adoption.
http://www.jewfaq.org/birth.htmHebrew Names: Naming a Jewish Baby
Hebrew names are used for calling people to the Torah, saying Kaddish, the prayer for the sick, the marriage contract or ketubah, and more. This site discusses naming customs and provides links to lists of male and female Hebrew names.
http://judaism.about.com/library/3_lifecycles/names/bl_names.htm
Death & Mourning
Go to: Life CycleBereavement Booklet for Jewish Women
The Jewish Women's Network
http://www.jwn.org.uk/docs/Bereavment_files/JWNBereavebooklet2002.htmComforts of Mourning in Judaism
Delineates the five stages of mourning in Judaism and discusses the customs associated with each.
http://judaism.about.com/library/3_lifecycles/shiva/blshiva2.htmThe Mourner's Kaddish
Hebrew, transliterated, translated and Real Audio versions of the prayer.
http://www.ou.org/yerushalayim/kadish.htm
General Resources
Go to: Life CycleRitualwell.org: Ceremonies for Jewish Living
Offers resources for "contemporary Jewish liturgy and ritual" and facilitates "access to creative innovation in Judaism." Find information on rituals by occasion (including life cycle events, holidays, and Shabbat), symbol, content type (for example, songs or recipes), and author. Offers e-mail updates, an annotated bibliography, a glossary of symbols, and suggestions for making and sharing rituals.
http://www.ritualwell.org/
Marriage
Go to: Life CycleJewish Wedding
An overview of the customs and traditions relating to the wedding ceremony (Chatunah), its preparations and Seudat Mitzvah (festive reception meal), along with a Jewish wedding glossary from Jewish Key West.
http://www.jewishkeywest.com/Traditions.htmlJewish View of Marriage
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:Judaism considers marriage to be the ideal state of existence; a man without a wife, or a woman without a husband, are considered incomplete.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_view_of_marriage
Mikvah
Mikvah, literally "collection," is a ritual immersion used by both Jewish men and women before certain holy acts. It has no association with hygiene.
Go to: Life CycleMikvah Matters
Essays from Mikvah.org.
http://www.mikvah.org
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Miscellaneous (Farsheydene)
Go to: MiscellaneousCenter for Monitoring the Impact of Peace
A non-governmental organization established in 1998 under the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law of the State of New York, CMIP aims to encourage a climate of tolerance and mutual respect between peoples and nations, founded on the rejection of violence and the changing of negative stereotypes, as a means to resolving conflicts. CMIP's main work consists of examining the content of school textbooks used in the Middle East, to determine whether children are being taught to accept and recognize the right of the other to exist.
http://www.edume.org/about/about1.htmHillel, The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life
The largest Jewish campus organization in the world, Hillel provides opportunities for Jewish students to explore and celebrate their Jewish identity through its global network of over 500 regional centers, campus foundations and Hillel student organizations. Contact CCNY's Hillel chapter at hillel@ccny.cuny.org.
http://www.hillel.org/Sol Singer Collection of Philatelic Judaica
The site provides images of selected stamps from the collection housed at the Emory University Library's Special Collections and Archives. Includes stamps issued by Israel from 1948-2002, stamps honoring notable Jews and depicting events from the Bible, and examples of stamps produced by the Jewish National Fund as a fundraising source. Includes links to other sites dealing with philatelic Judaica.
http://marbl.library.emory.edu/DigitalExhibits/stamps/Comics Bibliographies
Steven Bergson, a Canadian Judaica librarian and comics fan, compiled this bibliography of comics with Jewish characters or Jewish themes. He includes graphic novels, anti-Semitic propaganda works, reviews, and articles about Jews in comics. There are links to publisher and bookseller Web sites in many of the entries. Move over Superman and Wonder Woman, here come Sabraman, Ragman, and Matzogirl!
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/5756/bibs.htm
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Modern Judaism
Go to: Modern JudaismThe Chabad-Lubavitch movement
A branch of Hasidism, today Chabad's 4,000 full-time emissary families apply 250 year-old principles and philosophy to direct more than 3,300 institutions (and a workforce that numbers in the tens of thousands) dedicated to the welfare of the Jewish people worldwide.
http://www.chabad.org/Edah - the courage to be modern and Orthodox A web site dedicated to the ideology and values of modern Orthodoxy.
http://www.edah.org/The Conservative & Masorti Judaism FAQs
Answers to basic questions from a Conservative Jewish point of view.
http://groups.msn.com/judaismfaqs/israelzionismandthemasortimovement.msnwJewish Reconstructionist Federation
Reconstructionism formally became a separate denomination with the foundation of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Seminary in 1968. This organization serves more than 100 affiliated congregations and havurot.
http://www.jrf.org/Jewish Theological Seminary of America
Although this seminary trains Conservative rabbis and cantors, the site has a great deal to offer for anyone interested in Judaism. The catalog of one of the finest Judaica libraries in the world - over 300,000 volumes is available. There are also recommended reading lists from the faculty and librarians; opportunities for distance learning (free and paid); commentaries and texts of the weekly Torah and Haftorah portions; and statistics and facts about Judaism.
http://www.jtsa.edu/Kulanu
Kulanu means "all of us" in Hebrew. This Web site has information about Jewish communities all over the world. There are articles and links to sites about the Lembas of South Africa, the Beta Israel of Ethiopia, Jews in India, and communities in China, Cuba, and Uganda. Kulanu is more interested in historical claims to Jewish heritage than Jewish law, "dedicated to finding lost and dispersed remnants of the Jewish people and assisting those who wish to (re)join the Jewish community."
http://www.kulanu.org/Organizations Attached to Major American Jewish Movements
Chart showing Orthodox, Conservative and Reform groups, compiled by Prof. Eliezer Segal.
http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/ModernJudaism/MJ_Org.htmlOU.ORG - Your Gateway To The Jewish Internet
The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (Orthodox Union) is "the central address and spokesman for 1,000 synagogues; a not-for-profit educational, outreach and social service organization which serves the burgeoning North American Orthodox Jewish community." Its services include certifying kashruth of restaurants and food companies, assisting Orthodox congregations, promoting education and observance, and speaking out on issues affecting Jews in North America.
http://www.ou.org/Reform Judaism
Reform Judaism is the oldest and largest Jewish movement in North America. The site defines Reform Judaism, offers information on affiliating with the movement, provides resources for study, and more.
http://rj.org/Union for Reform Judaism
The Union for Reform Judaism, the central body of the Reform Movement in North America, was founded in Cincinnati in 1873 by Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise as the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. It has more than 900 congregations in the United States, Canada, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. It is the largest Jewish movement in North America and represents an estimated 1.5 million Jews.
http://www.urj.org/Varieties of Orthodox Judaism
The major groupings of Orthodoxy from its inception until the present day are represented in and html image map by Prof. Eliezer Segal.
http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/363_Transp/08_Orthodoxy.htmlThe World Congress of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Jews: Keshet Ga'avah
"The World Congress holds conferences and workshops representing the interests of lesbian, gay, and bisexual Jews around the world. The focus of these sessions varies from regional, national, continental, to global." Includes events, and a directory of member congregations and organizations.
http://www.glbtjews.org/
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Museums
Go to: MuseumsAnne Frank Center, USA
The Anne Frank Center USA promotes the universal message of tolerance by developing and disseminating a variety of educational programs, including exhibitions, workshops, and special events in its Exhibition and Education Center in New York City.
http://www.annefrank.com/Global Directory of Holocaust Museums
Arranged by country, then city, provides links to museum web sites.
http://www.science.co.il/Holocaust-Museums.aspGlobal Directory of Jewish Museums
Arranged by country, then city, provides links to the museum web sites as well as telephone numbers.
http://www.science.co.il/jewish-museums.aspIsrael Museums Guide
The most complete source of information about Israel's museums and their exhibitions. The site includes information in Hebrew, English and Russian.
http://www.ilmuseums.com/Jewish Museum, New York, N.Y.
Celebrating its centennial in 2004, the Jewish Museum is an art museum exploring Jewish culture.
http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/site/pages/Lower East Side Tenement Museum, New York, N.Y.
The Lower East Side Tenement Museum promotes tolerance and historical perspective through the presentation and interpretation of the variety of immigrant and migrant experiences on Manhattan's Lower East Side, a gateway to America.
http://www.tenement.org/Museum of Jewish Heritage: A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, New York, N.Y.
Open since September 1997, the Museum of Jewish Heritage was created as a living memorial to those who perished during the Holocaust. It honors those who died by celebrating their lives- cherishing the traditions that they embraced, examining their achievements and faith, and affirming the vibrant worldwide Jewish community that is their legacy today.
http://www.mjhnyc.org/index.htmMuseum of Tolerance, Los Angeles, California
The educational arm of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the Museum of Tolerance focuses on two central themes in its exhibits: the dynamics of racism and prejudice in America and the history of the Holocaust.
http://www.museumoftolerance.com/mot/index.cfmYeshiva University Museum, New York, N.Y.
Since its founding in 1973, Yeshiva University Museum's exhibits have celebrated the culturally diverse intellectual and artistic achievements of 3,000 years of Jewish experience. The museum provides a window into Jewish culture around the world and throughout history.
http://www.yumuseum.org/
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Music
Go to: MusicAri Davidow's Klezmer Shack
"We have klezmer news and the latest reviews. For new musicians, we've added a FAQ on 'Essential klezmer repertoire' culled from the Jewish-music mailing list." Locate ongoing and single events through the calendar; also find information about and related links to bands, sheet music, record labels, instruments, and more.
http://www.klezmershack.com/Articles on Jewish/Klezmer Music
Links to some interesting full-text articles on the topic.
http://www.tepel.org/articles.htmlThe Chassidic Jazz Project
The Chassidic Jazz Project is dedicated to bringing the music of the Jewish people to a larger audience by using jazz as a vehicle for musical expression, performing Chassidic melodies set to jazz arrangements. The liturgical origin of the group's material is clearly different from klezmer music. Click on the "hear music" link on the site to download Real Audio or MP3 clips.
http://www.chassidicjazz.com/HebrewSongs.com
English translations and Hebrew transliterations (and some sound clips) of the Psalms, Jewish festival music, and other lyrics for Hebrew songs. There are links to Israeli singers and musicians and dance sites, plus a noticeboard for comments and requests.
http://www.hebrewsongs.com/Jewish Music
This article from Silver Burdett Making Music provides a good basic overview.
http://www.sbgmusic.com/html/teacher/reference/cultures/jewish.htmlJewish Music WebCenter
The purpose of this site is "to provide an online forum for academic, organizational, and individual activities in Jewish music." This searchable site includes annotated links to Web resources (browsable by topic or title) and a guide to scholarly research in Jewish music. From Judith Shira Pinnolis, a librarian at Brandeis University.
http://www.jmwc.orgKlezmer Ring
Links to many Klezmer sites.
http://S.webring.com/hub?ring=klezmerMatisyahu
Chabad's answer to Eminem - this young man formerly known as Matthew Miller offers an interesting fusion of orthodox Judaism and classic reggae music. [A live performance by Matisyahu on ABC TV can also be seen at: http://www.wimp.com/jewish/ ].
http://www.matismusic.com/Music Archives
From the Jewish Theological Seminary Library, whose mission is to collect, preserve, and make available materials that tell, play, and sing the history of the music of the Jewish people, this site includes finding aids to numerous music collections at JTS.
http://www.jtsa.edu/library/archives/music/The Yiddish Music Hall
The Yiddish Music Hall is designed to serve and support all Yiddish Music enthusiasts, students and performers, and it aims to become a resource center for all those interested in the preservation, enjoyment and development of Yiddish music.
http://www.savethemusic.com/yiddish/
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Photography & Film
Beyond the Pale: The History of Jews in Russia
"An in-depth, illustrated history of Jews in Russia, with over 400 historical photographs."
http://www.friends-partners.org/partners/beyond-the-pale/Entertaining America: Jews, Movies, and Broadcasting
"Over the past century, the various connections between American Jews and the nation's entertainment media have generated a discussion that has been extensive, passionate, and, at times, contentious." This online exhibit explores these discussions through illustrated commentaries on themes such as "Yiddish Film and Radio," "Hollywood's Jewish Question," and "Seinfeld." Includes related links. The Jewish Museum, New York.
http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/online/gallery_theme_index.php"People of a Thousand Towns" : The Online Catalog of Photographs of Jewish Life in Prewar Eastern Europe
This collection of 17,000 photographs from the YIVO archives is a visual record of pre-World War II Jewish communities. In some cases, the pictures are all that remains. Online albums document holiday observance, Yiddish writers, immigration, women's roles, and formal studio portraits. Users must register to search the full catalog.
http://yivo1000towns.cjh.org/Stalin's Forgotten Zion: An Illustrated History, 1928-1996
In 1934, Stalin created the Jewish Autonomous Region in the region of Birobidzhan in Siberia as a Soviet alternative to Palestine. This online version of an exhibit created for the Judah Magnes Museum uses archival photographs and multimedia to document the experiment and its failure. It examines the notions of Jewish identity, culture, and community.
http://www.swarthmore.edu/Home/News/biro/The Jewish Immigration Experience
The Jewish Immigration Experience: A Collection of Photographs from the United States Holocaust Museum. The American Immigration Law Foundation is pleased to repeat its Januar