Judaism start at home
It is often said that Judaism starts at home, while we love coming together as a community to Shul to celebrate Judaism, there is so much we can do at home to make our daily life as G-dly as possible.
Rabbi Moshe and Leah and all the Staff at Chabad are looking forward to helping you bring the next mitzvah to your home/office/trip. Please reach out to us to learn, ask questions and/or for help purchasing the best Judaica.
A Jewish Home
Mezuzah
A mezuzah (מְזוּזָה) is parchment scroll, on which the Shema is handwritten by an expert scribe.
A mezuzah mounted on the right side of the doorpost designates the home as Jewish, reminding us of G‑d and our heritage. It is also a symbol of G‑d's watchful care over the home. The placing of a mezuzah on the doors of a home or office protects the inhabitants — whether they are inside or outside.
To Purchase a Mezuzah, schedule a Mezuzah placement by Rabbi Moshe in your home/office, and to schedule a Mezuzah checking (it is customary to check the Mezuzah every 3.5 years to ensure all the letters are intact) please contact Rabbi Moshe at rabbimoshe@stamfordchabad.org
Tzedakah box
Tzedakah (צְדָקָה)—often translated as charity—is a mainstay of Jewish life. The sages teach that the world was built upon kindness. Tzedakah goes one step beyond. Literally translated as “justice” or “righteousness,” tzedakah tells us that sharing what we have with others isn't something special. It's the honest and just thing to do.
Tzedakah is not limited to gifts of money. Sharing time, expertise, or even a kind smile are all forms of charity.
No matter how much you were blessed with, you can always share with others. Throwing a coin into a charity box every morning (except for Shabbat and Jewish holidays) sets the tone for the rest of the day. So make sure to make it a habit.
Tzedaka boxes are available to be picked up from Chabad.
To Drop off a full Tzedakah Box, or to purchase a beautiful Tzedakah box contact admin@stamfordchabad.org
Kosher
The Hebrew word “kosher” (כָּשֵׁר) literally means “fit.” The laws of kosher define the foods that are fit for consumption for a Jew. This includes which animals are consumed, how food is prepared, and even how and when it is served. Continue reading about kosher.
- Click here for a list of local Kosher Establishments
- Schedule a counsultaition with the Rabbi to Kosher your home by emailing rabbimoshe@stamfordchabad.org
- Learn more about Kosher
Mikvah
The period of niddah is a time, usually lasting twelve days, when Jewish law forbids conjugal relations. Niddah begins with the onset of menstruation and is completed with the woman’s immersion in a mikvah (מִקְוֶה), a ritual pool of water. The niddah period and the mikvah immersion have recently seen a renaissance of observance in the Jewish community.
- Schedule a session with Leah to learn more about Mikvah by emailing morahleah@stamfordchabad.org
- For local Mikvah information
- Learn more about Mikvah
A Jewish Day
Tefillin
Tefillin (תְּפִלִּין) are black leather boxes containing Hebrew parchment scrolls, worn by Jewish men and boys on a daily basis. A set includes two—one for the head and one for the arm. Each consists of three main components: the scrolls, the box and the strap.
- Purchase Tefillin- Contact rabbimoshe@stamfordchabad.org for advice on the best pair for you.
- Lean how to put on Tefillin at the Tefillin Club
- Learn more about Tefillin
Shabbat Candles
- Shabbat Times in Stamford
- Pick up Shabbat Candles kit from Chabad
- Purchase candle stick
Torah Study
Prayer
Jewish prayer (תְּפִלָּה) is G‑d’s way of telling the Jewish people, “speak to Me and I will listen.” Three times a day, Jews pray to G‑d, thanking Him, praising Him, and beseeching Him for personal requests. Often conducted in synagogue, but also taking place in private homes, airports or offices, prayer is a time to step back and reflect. The prayer services contain the Shema, the Silent Prayer (Amidah), Torah reading and more. In a unique mix of communal ritual and private devotion, Jewish prayer is described by the sages as the quintessential “service of the heart.” More about Jewish prayers
- Attend Services at The Shul
- Purchase Prayer Books (Siddur)
- Learn more about Prayer
Life Cycle Mitzvot
Interested in something else?
Above we have listed some of the basic mitzvos, if you are interested in learning about any of the 613 mitzvot or anything about Judaism please feel free to reach out to Rabbi Moshe or Leah to learn.
You can also visit the largest online Jewish knowledge base here.