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Rabbi Alan Lucas

Rabbi Alan Lucas

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How to Shake the Lulav and Etrog

Shaking the Lulav and Etrog is a core ritual for Sukkot. This guide describes how to shake it and what blessing to recite.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) September 28, 2023 Holidays Lulav and Etrog

What is Yizkor?

Yizkor consists of a collection of readings and recitations revolving around two central prayers: Yizkor prayers, and the El Malei Rachamim.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) May 4, 2023 Death and Dying Lifecycles

Special Shabbats leading up to Purim and Passover

What are the Special Sabbaths Before Purim and Passover?

A series of special Shabbatot with special Torah readings precede Purim and Passover.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) February 5, 2023 Observing Purim Passover

Celebrating Purim in Synagogue

Tradition dictates that Purim be observed on the fourteenth day of Adar, and begins with the recitation of the regular evening service.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) February 5, 2023 Observing Purim Purim

Festivities, Food, and Mitzvot on Purim

Purim is celebrated with days of feasting and merrymaking, and occasion for sending gifts to one another and gifts for the poor.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) February 5, 2023 Food Holidays

What is Purim and When is it Celebrated?

Purim is about the struggle of identity against assimilation, the value of tolerance, and to live proudly as Jews in an ocean of non-Jews.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) January 31, 2023 Holidays Purim

What is Tu Bishvat?

Tu Bishvat, the new year for Trees, can remind us that the world is God’s sacred gift to humanity, a precious legacy entrusted to our ...

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) January 24, 2023 Holidays Tu Bishvat

Liturgical Changes on Hanukkah

Liturgy on Hanukkah includes Hallel and additions to the Amidah. There are also special Torah readings, maftirs, and haftarot.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) December 8, 2022 Hanukkah Holidays

What is The Menorah?

The central mitzvah of Ḥanukkah is the lighting of the menorah at home and in the synagogue. This brings light to the darker winter months. ...

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) December 6, 2022 Hanukkah Holidays

Customs for Hanukkah

Beyond lighting the menorah, Hanukkah customs include special foods, the dreidel and gift-giving, especially when spending time with family.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) December 6, 2022 Food Hanukkah