Have you ever found yourself pondering the meaning behind some Jewish rituals and customs? You’re not alone. I recently asked my friends (aka, I posted on Facebook) for a list of intriguing or perplexing Jewish practices. The responses varied from “I understand and cherish this tradition, but I can see why it might seem odd to others” to “I’ve been doing this but have no clue why.”

From this list, I’ve chosen a few of my favorites to delve into here. This isn’t an exhaustive list; it’s intended to shed light on the richness, beauty and complexity of Jewish customs without any intent to mock traditions. So, fasten your seatbelts for a journey into the intriguing world of Jewish practices.

Swinging a Live Chicken Over One’s Head – Kapparot

Ever witnessed folks swinging a live chicken over their heads around Yom Kippur? That, my friends, is the tradition of Kapparot. We swing a chicken over our head while reciting prayers, all in the hope of transferring any potential harsh judgment coming our way before Yom Kippur (the day of atonement) onto the unsuspecting chicken.

After, the chicken meets a humane end and its meat goes to charity. We usually opt for white chickens, symbolizing our wish for a clean slate once Yom Kippur ends. It’s like we’re asking God to forgo any harsh decree through this ritual, in the merit of the mitzvah of charity. To some, it might seem strange, maybe even a smidge barbaric. But for those who’ve been doing it for ages, it’s a cherished part of their High Holiday traditions.

Breaking the Glass under the Chuppah

Why mix such a solemn scene with such a joyous one? It’s a reminder that life has its ups and downs, even in the happiest moments. We don’t forget where we came from, and we honor both the happy and the not-so-happy moments.

Redeeming the Firstborn Son – Pidyon HaBen

Ever heard of a Pidyon HaBen? It’s a Jewish tradition that might seem a bit unusual at first. Here’s the scoop: it’s a ceremony where a family redeems their firstborn son on his 31st day alive from priestly services.

You might wonder why this is necessary. Well, in ancient times, firstborn sons were meant to serve in the Temple, but nowadays, we commemorate the freedom of this responsibility with a special celebration.The family brings the baby to a Kohen (a priest) and “redeems” him by offering five silver coins. It’s a way of expressing gratitude for the baby’s safe arrival as well as their freedom from the priestly obligation. While it might seem a little different, a Pidyon HaBen is a meaningful tradition that highlights the value of family and tradition in Jewish culture. Click here to learn more.

Burying Books – Shaimos

Burying holy books? Seems odd, right? Judaism places great importance on how we treat and respect both the living and the departed. This respect extends to objects that are considered holy, like those containing God’s name or used in mitzvot, such as worn-out prayer books or damaged tefillin.

We use the term Shaimos to describe these sacred items. When it’s time to say goodbye to them, we place them in a Geniza, which is essentially a designated resting place. While Shaimos items are ultimately buried in a cemetery with the utmost respect, a Geniza serves as a temporary holding spot until they can receive a proper burial. This practice reflects our commitment to treating all things holy with reverence.