Have you ever wondered about the unique intricacies of Jewish prayer and calendrical traditions? Discover the profound significance behind the reading of Haftorahs during special parashas such as Shkolim, Zochor, Parah, and HaChodesh, and how we choose which Haftorah to read. Join us as we unpack the principle of "Tadir v'she'eno tadir tadir kodem" and how it shapes our tradition. We'll also navigate the fascinating calendar distinctions, like why Rosh Hashanah marks the start of the Jewish year while Nisan kicks off the months, and explore other pivotal dates such as Shavuot and Tu B'Shvat.

Transitioning to the milestones of Jewish life, we shine a light on the bar and bat mitzvah customs that mark the passage into religious adulthood. While it’s a cherished tradition for bar mitzvah boys to read from the Torah, we explore the idea that there’s no religious mandate to do so. Drawing from personal anecdotes, we reflect on how some children may feel daunted by this practice and discuss the importance of creating a supportive, understanding environment that respects individual capabilities. We also touch on the practice of singing down bar mitzvah boys and grooms to spare them public discomfort, underscoring the need for empathy in our community rituals.

As we embrace the warmth of Shabbos, we explore the transformative potential it holds for our lives. From the modest bowing during the Amidah that embodies humility, to the joyful customs of Kabbalat Shabbat like L'chad Odi, we invite you to experience the richness of Shabbos rituals. Discover how the Amshenov Rebbe's continuing spiritual high illustrates the profound connection we can achieve by welcoming the Shabbos queen. By fostering excitement and reverence, Shabbos becomes much more than a day of rest; it becomes a cornerstone of spiritual rejuvenation that can carry us through the week.

In this episode of Ask Away we address these various topics:

• Understanding Jewish Prayer and Calendar Basics: Exploring Jewish traditions, rituals, Haftorahs, Jewish calendar, Rosh Hashanah, Nisan, Shavuot, and biblical foundations for prayer.
• Bar/Bat Mitzvah Torah Reading Customs: Bar mitzvah tradition of reading Torah, sensitivity towards struggling children, singing down to prevent embarrassment.
• Bowing and Welcoming the Shabbos Queen: Jewish prayer customs include bowing during Amidah, Oseh Shalom, and specific prayers, and Kabbalat Shabbat traditions like L'chad Odi and welcoming the Shabbos queen.
• The Beauty of Shabbos: Shabbos is a special day to connect with ourselves and Hashem, rejuvenating us and enriching our week.
• And much more ... Please submit your questions at [email protected]

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The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way.
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This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen Lerner

• Download & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:
  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5

This episode (Ep. #34) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on March 16, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on March 23, 2025
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DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!
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SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: 

• NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

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EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: [email protected]
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Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!
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#AskAway, #Halacha, #Jewishlaw, #Jewishtraditions, #prayer, #calendar