Rev Dr Nigel Woodley explains the deep significance of Israel to him and how it is fundamental to his religious beliefs

David Shenkin gives a personal and frank account about growing up Jewish in Auckland; how he moved away from his roots as a teenager; the struggles on his journey back to Judaism as he found his faith once more.

This part of the Jewish Lives website is a series of short articles to help our visitors to negotiate the complexities of Jewish faith and its various and many expressions.

In Judaism, it is believed that adherents must serve God by study, prayer and the observance of the commandments laid out in the Torah. Here, Miriam Bell outlines the key rituals of Jewish faith.

The most important Jewish festivals and holidays, which are observed at various times throughout the year, derive from Biblical mitzvot (commandments) and rabbinical mandate.

Converting to Judaism, the religion of the Jewish peoples, is a decision which cannot be made lightly. The conversion will impact on every aspect of the candidate’s life from their lifestyle to their relationships

Food has always played an important part in Jewish life and many popular dishes are associated with the Jewish kitchen. But what makes Jewish food particularly Jewish? The answer would have to the Jewish dietary laws known as ‘Kashrut’ or kosher.

Judaism is a monotheistic religion, which means that it is defined by a belief in one God. Miriam Bell outlines the different movements and expressions of the Jewish faith.

A glossary of the key terms, definitions, individuals and places of the Jewish Faith, described and compiled by Rabbi Samuel Altschul, Rabbi Mendel Goldstein, Miriam Bell and John Kooperberg.