Every morning Jews warm up with a series of blessings known as the Pesukei D’Zimra. Learn more about this special warm up prayer with Rabbi David Russo of Anshe Emet Synagogue in Chicago.

This warm up prayer reminds us of the importance of prayer and that we should first become present before we pour ourselves over in the presence of G-d. Without the warm up, we might not take this whole prayer things as seriously.

This video was created at the Chicago Rabbinic Writers Lab, a program where 10 rabbis wrote Introduction to Tefillah videos in chevruta as a group.This series breaks down and explains major Jewish prayers so you can feel more knowledgeable and comfortable while attending a Jewish service. This is the second in that series, rolling out over spring of 2018.

Find more videos about Jewish prayers and blessings here.

Are you attending a Jewish service for the first time or just need a refresher? While prayer services vary widely from temple to temple, there are some standard prayers and rituals that most temples practice. From the warm up prayer (pesukai d’zimra) to the sermon (d’var Torah), this video guides you through all the different sections of a typical Jewish service.

This video was created by Rabbi Wendi Geffen and animated by Stu Hershey Sufrin at the Chicago Rabbinic Writers Lab, a program where 10 rabbis wrote Introduction to Tefillah videos in chevruta as a group. This series breaks down and explains major Jewish prayers so you can feel more knowledgeable and comfortable while attending a Jewish service. This is the first in that series, rolling out over spring of 2018.

“Never having written for YouTube before, the process of creating this video was challenging and engaging. It was a thrill to consider relating a message and a lesson not just through spoken word but also through visual messaging as well. The ability to collaborate with colleagues in message and design was a real highlight.” – Rabbi Wendi Geffen

Find more videos about Jewish prayers and blessings here.

Judaism teaches that sometimes, people who need to give public thanks for the kindness God has shown them – you can do it by “benching Gomel” or saying the Blessing of Thanksgiving, also known as Birkat HaGomel. You can say it after making it through a trip across a desert or ocean (that long flight counts!), after surviving a serious illness or surgery or childbirth, and after being released from prison.

Learn all about Gomel, and how to say it, in this video complete with Hebrew and transliterated karaoke and English translation.

Thank you to Liora Brosbe and the Sprout Initiative of the East Bay for her narration on this video.

Learn the Four Questions (aka Ma Nishtana) for Passover with LA’s Jason Mesches. Have a wonderful Passover – chag Pesach sameach!

Learn the blessing (bracha) over wine or grape juice that Jewish families say on Shabbat and holidays. This is also known as the simple “short” kiddush.

To learn the full Shabbat evening kiddush, check out this other Shabbat video we made with Moishe House that teaches the whole long version.

Click the preview below to download a handy dandy blessings cheat sheet to post on your fridge and use together!

In this karaoke video, parents and kids learn the blessing, or bracha, over challah that Jewish families say on Shabbat…or anytime over regular bread.

Click the preview below to download a handy dandy blessings cheat sheet to post on your fridge and use together!

If this was helpful, be sure to check out all of our Shabbat Shaboom videos – you can learn about blessing the grape juice, lighting the candles and so much more. Shabbat shalom to your family!

The Jewish prayer for peace is called Oseh Shalom, and in this karaoke style lyrics video, kids and their parents can learn all the words.

The lyrics mean: May the one who makes peace in the heavens, make peace for us and all the people Israel.

There are many tunes that people sing this prayer for peace to – and of course you can simply say it – here is one we love, that we have sung at Jewish camp, at preschool and of course, at synagogue!

Watch this short video from the Shaboom team and practice saying the prayer together. And may peace be with you!

In this karaoke style lyrics video, kids and their parents can learn the Jewish blessing called Modeh Ani for boys, or Modah Ani for girls. The first two words mean, I give thanks, and the idea is that you say or sing this prayer first thing when you wake up, giving thanks to God for the gift of another day and the return of your soul! Cool, right?

There are many tunes that people sing this prayer to – and of course you can simply say it – here is one we love, that we have sung at Jewish camp and preschool! Performed by Isaac Zones and recorded in San Francisco.

Have a great morning!

Havdalah is the ceremony that closes Shabbat, and Eliyahu is the traditional song Jewish people sing as it closes before wishing each other a Shavua Tov – or a good week. The song is about Elijah the Prophet and the lyrics mean:

The lyrics mean:
Elijah the prophet, Elijah of Tishbi, Elijah of Gilead, may he soon come to us along with the Messiah, son of David.

Learn to sing Eliyahu and feel confident at your next Jewish gathering!

Learn how to light and say the Jewish blessings over Chanukah candles in a real life preschool class! We are proud to partner with PJ Library to bring you this sweet tutorial. You can practice all three Hebrew blessings for Chanukah right along with us and the Shaboom! cast.

Chanukah sameach – happy Chanukah!