How do I start studying Torah?

The recommended way to study the Torah is by reading the original text written in Hebrew. This allows the reader to understand language-specific information. For example, the Hebrew word for earth is ‘adama’ and the name of the first man is ‘Adam’ meaning ‘of the earth’.

How quickly can I convert to Judaism?

In general, regardless of Jewish denomination, a minimum of a year is required so the potential convert can experience a full cycle of Jewish holidays. During that time, conversion candidates study the Hebrew alphabet, Jewish law and the basic tenets of the faith until the rabbi mentoring them thinks they’re ready.

Can a Jewish convert get Israeli citizenship?

Israel’s “Law of Return” gives foreign-born Jews, or anyone with a Jewish parent, grandparent or spouse, the automatic right to claim Israeli citizenship. Those who convert to non-Orthodox Judaism in another country have been able to gain Israeli citizenship for decades.

How do we read the Torah?

The reading is conducted using an ancient tune and is sung rather than spoken. The scrolls are not directly touched when unfurled on the Bimah (raised platform in middle of the synagogue). A pointer or Yad (hand) is used instead. This is in the shape of a hand with an outstretched finger.

Who is the teacher of Torah?

Rabbinic tradition’s understanding is that all of the teachings found in the Torah (both written and oral) were given by God through the prophet Moses, some at Mount Sinai and others at the Tabernacle, and all the teachings were written down by Moses, which resulted in the Torah that exists today.

How long does it take to become a Reform rabbi?

Nowadays, a rabbinical student is awarded semikhah (rabbinic ordination) after the completion of a learning program in a yeshiva or modern rabbinical seminary or under the guidance of an individual rabbi. The exact course of study varies by denomination, but most are in the range of 3–6 years.

How do I become Israeli?

Permanent residents of Israel who are not citizens can obtain citizenship through naturalization if: 1) they live in Israel, 2) they can prove their center of life is in Israel (i.e., living in the country for the past 3 out of 5 years), 3) are recognized as permanent residents of Israel, 4) live or wish to settle in …

How do I apply for Israeli citizenship?

Those with permanent residency status in Israeli and married to an Israeli citizen can apply for naturalization. In order to do so the applicant must be living in Israel and sharing a household with their spouse.

How many times a week is the Torah read?

The Torah scrolls are taken out from the Ark (Aron ha kodesh) and portions read in the synagogue three times each week. On Mondays and Thursdays small sections are read. The main reading is on the morning of Shabbat (Sabbath). Over the course of the year the whole scroll is read in sequence.

What is it called when you read from the Torah?

An aliyah (Hebrew עליה, or aliya and other variant English spellings) is the calling of a member of a Jewish congregation to the bimah for a segment of Torah reading. The person who receives the aliyah goes up to the bimah before the reading and recites a blessing for reading of the Torah.

How do you study the Torah in Judaism?

Judaism: How to Properly Study the Torah. In Jewish practice, Torah study often takes on a ritualized role similar to that of prayer. A specific place — the beit midrash, or “house of study” — is a designated room set aside in many Jewish communal buildings. Many Jews carve out set times during the day or week for Torah study.

How many times a year do you read the Torah?

The practice of “completing” the Torah reading with a passage from the Navi, called the haftarah, is mentioned in the Mishnah. Today, the Torah is divided into 54 portions, one to be read each Shabbat, with two portions read together twice during the year.

Why do we read the Torah out loud in the synagogue?

The tradition of reading the Torah out loud in synagogue dates back to the time of Moses. The practice of “completing” the Torah reading with a passage from the Navi, called the haftarah, is mentioned in the Mishnah. Today, the Torah is divided into 54 portions, one to be read each Shabbat, with two portions read together twice during the year.

How many portions of the Torah are there?

Today, the Torah is divided into 54 portions, one to be read each Shabbat, with two portions read together twice during the year. The entire reading is completed every calendar year.