Sample Jewish Stock Photos

Click on any photo to see a larger version
Before Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, some Jews have a custom of performing the ritual of Kapparot (atonement). The ritual involves saying prayers and waving a fowl over the head. A man uses a rooster, a woman uses a hen, a pregnant woman uses a hen and a rooster. Later, the animals are slaughtered and the chickens are given to poor people or the chickens are sold and the proceeds are given to charity. A white chicken is often used to symbolize purification from sin because a verse in Isaiah 1:8 says: "And if your sins be like scarlet, they shall become as white as snow". The custom of Kapparot is a symbolic act that is meant to help a person reflect on the consequences of sin and encourage the participant to atone for their sins and turn to God for mercy. Some Jews have a custom of using money instead of a chicken. A mother and child talk Historic Jewish cemetery in Worms Germany Choosing a Lulav and Etrog before Sukkot. The Torah commands Jews: "and you shall take of yourselves on the first day (of Sukkot) the fruit of a goodly tree, a palm branch, the myrtle branch, and the willow of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days" Leviticus 23The four species that are gathered are the etrog (citron), Lulav, (palm branch), Haddas (myrtle) and Aravah (willow). An open Torah ready for services An open Siddur on a Bimah A Sukka mobile at a Simchat Beit Hashoeva. This festive custom dates back to the time of the temple in Jerusalem when water was drawn for use in the temple. The Talmud says: ÒWhoever did not see the joy at the Simchat Beit Hashoeva celebrations has not seen true joy in his days.Ó A soldier overlooking the sea of Galilee (composite image) Joshua Nelson, a Jewish African American gospel singer performs at a concert in Toronto. Joshua Nelson, a Jewish African American gospel singer performs at a concert in Toronto. Saying prayers outdoors A mikvah is used for ritual purification and conversion in Judaism. Thousands of letters written to the Lubavitcher Rebbi. The Ohel (grave) of the Lubavitcher Rebbi. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson passed away in 1994 and was buried in this cemetery in Queens New York next to the previous Rebbi, his father in law Yoseph Yitzchak Schneerson. Lubavitch chassidism, also known as Chabad is the largest Chassidic group in the world today. Emissaries, known as shlichim, work around the world helping Jewish communities large and small.\n\nSome customs at the grave include.\nWriting a letter to the Rebbi, reading it, ripping it up and placing it in front of the grave.\nKnocking on the door before entering the Ohel.\nRemoving leather shoes.\nLighting candle.\nReciting special prayers. The Ohel (grave) of the Lubavitcher Rebbi. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson passed away in 1994 and was buried in this cemetery in Queens New York next to the previous Rebbi, his father in law Yoseph Yitzchak Schneerson. Lubavitch chassidism, also known as Chabad is the largest Chassidic group in the world today. Emissaries, known as shlichim, work around the world helping Jewish communities large and small.\n\nSome customs at the grave include.\nWriting a letter to the Rebbi, reading it, ripping it up and placing it in front of the grave.\nKnocking on the door before entering the Ohel.\nRemoving leather shoes.\nLighting candle.\nReciting special prayers. A young child points to the words of the Torah in a Chumash A sukah is set and ready for the first meal on Sukot. A child holds a lulav and etrog on Sukkot A Brit Milah (circumcision) is performed on a Jewish boy on the eighth day following his birth. A mohel is asked to perform the ritual on behalf of the father and mother. Aron Hakodesh, the Holy Ark at the Anshe Minsk Synagogue in Toronto. A seven branched candelabra sits in front of the ark which is adorned with lions, the ten commandments and Magen David (stars of David) Aron Hakodesh, the Holy Ark at the Anshe Minsk Synagogue in Toronto. A seven branched candelabra sits in front of the ark which is adorned with lions, the ten commandments and Magen David (stars of David) A memorial board at the Anshei Minsk Synagogue in Kensington Market area of Toronto. A group of people on a mulitfaith tour of holy places visit the Anshei Minsk Synagogue in Kensington Market area of Toronto. They view a Torah and the Aron Hakodesh (Holy Ark). A seven branched candelabra sits in front of the ark which is adorned with lions, the ten commandments and Magen David (stars of David) A store front synagogue in Toronto. Tifferet Yaakov A store front synagogue in Toronto used by Ger Chassidim A monthly meeting of the Canadian Association of Jews and Muslims in Toronto A monthly meeting of the Canadian Association of Jews and Muslims in Toronto A structure called a Suka is built every year for the autumn festival of Sukot. The roof is made from something that was grown from the ground such as trees or bamboo and must allow enough light to pass so one can see the stars at night. Lighting the Chanuka menorah (chanukia) on Chanuka. The eight day Festival of Lights starts on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev and commemorates the miraculous victory over the Greeks (Hellenized Syrians). The temple was rededicated and a single jug of pure olive oil for the menorah was found. The oil lasted for eight days and that is why the festival is celebrated for eight days. Lighting the Chanuka menorah (chanukia) on Chanuka. The eight day Festival of Lights starts on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev and commemorates the miraculous victory over the Greeks (Hellenized Syrians). The temple was rededicated and a single jug of pure olive oil for the menorah was found. The oil lasted for eight days and that is why the festival is celebrated for eight days. Lighting the Chanuka menorah (chanukia) on Chanuka. The eight day Festival of Lights starts on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev and commemorates the miraculous victory over the Greeks (Hellenized Syrians). The temple was rededicated and a single jug of pure olive oil for the menorah was found. The oil lasted for eight days and that is why the festival is celebrated for eight days. Demonstrations in from of the theatre where former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was to speak in Toronto. Ten Commandments. A 2-year-old girl tries on teffilin and hugs a toy torah. MR An Orthodox Jewish Synagogue. - Toronto, Canada An Reform Jewish Temple. The Mezuzah. Affixed to doorposts in the home, it contains scrolls with portions from the Bible regarding the Shema, or acceptance of the yoke of God's Torah. In Judaism, it is believed to be a sign of God's protection over the inhabitants of the home. The Mezuzah. Affixed to doorposts in the home, it contains scrolls with portions from the Bible regarding the Shema, or acceptance of the yoke of God's Torah. In Judaism, it is believed to be a sign of God's protection over the inhabitants of the home. An open Torah ready for services. An open Torah ready for services. Vigil for a murder victim. - Toronto, Canada A fountain depicting Moses making water come from the rocks stands in Washington Park, Albany, New York. The fountain was erected by Henry L. King in memory of his father Rufus H. King in 1893. The sculpture was made by J. Massey Rhind A Hamentashen points the way to the village of Shushan, New York which was named after the Persian city of Shushan mentioned in the Biblical Book of Esther. A young girl enjoys a Hamentashen in the village of Shushan, New York which was named after the Persian city of Shushan mentioned in the Biblical Book of Esther. Reading Megilat Esther on Purim Leaders of the counter missionary group, Jews for Judaism, talking about the bible on a street corner. Model Released MR Some Jews have a custom of waiting till a boy turns three before he has his first haircut. Parade at Ashkenaz Festival Parade at Ashkenaz Festival Parade at Ashkenaz Festival R1M-Isr102Israel-Jerusalem: Street in the Mea Shearim, the Orthodox area. R1MIsr63Israel-Jerusalem: Bar Mitsva at the Western Wall R1MIsr83Israel-Jerusalem: Tomb of Absalom in the Mt.Olive area. R1M-17.38.10aNetherlands-Groningen: Chanuka in the synagogue NetherlandsNetherlands-GroningenJewish monument in the Dutch city Groningen. Sculptor Edo Waskowski died before the monument (the last hand) was finished The Church of Flagelation in Jerusalem, Israel. A woman picking grapes from a vine in a Cyprus Vineyard. MR A Jewish scribe fixes an old Torah scroll. MR The matzah, seder plate and wine that belong to the Jewish ceremony of the Passover seder. Tradition Purim pastries, hamantaschen, and a noisemaker, a gregger. Shrine of the Book, Jerusalem, Israel The facade of the Monastery in Petra Jordan Fraydele OysherYiddish stage starMR Phylis Ocean BermanJewish Renewal leaderMR Sue Willisyarget of anti-semetic prejudice in AlabamaMR Michael Turniansky & sonsorthodox Jewish familyBaltimore MDMR Paula & Harry WolfsonMR Arab beggarDamascus GateOld CityJerusalem Old CityJerusalem teenagers crying at the "pigua" (suicide bus bomb attack) in their neighborhood.Rechov Mexico, JerusalemNov. 21, 2002 IDF Soldier with flowerswaiting for the busdowntown JerusalemMay 2003 Dan Fenigstein (L) and Obadiah Ashriel (R)friends, Ben Yehuda St. Jerusalem Jerusalem, Israel - An Israeli Soldier brings a fresh supply of new gas masks at a local Jerusalem Gas Mask Distribution Center. Despite Iraqs promise to allow U.N. Inspectors return to Iraq unconditionally, Israeli's are coming out in droves to get new masks, leaving Israel with a shortfall of about 600,000 masks. Tel-Aviv, Israel - Israeli medical personnel train in a simulated chemical attack exercise in Tel Hashomer hospital near Tel Aviv Thursday, Jan.30 2003. Korazim, Israel - Pilgrims pray during the Holy Mass with Pope John Paul II at Korazim, overlooking the Sea of Galilee. More than fifty thousand people attended the outdoor mass. Jerusalem, Israel - Pope John Paul II places a prayer of apology for the suffering that Christians have caused Jews throughout history in the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site. Pope John Paul II wraps up his six-day historic pilgrimage to the Holy Land today. Jerusalem, Israel - Thousands of people converged on Jerusalem this afternoon waving flags, dancing and singing, celebrating Jerusalem Day, which marks the anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem and the end of the Six Day Way in 1967. Jerusalem, Israel - A man lights a candle at the scene of last night's terrorist attack in Jerusalem. A suicide bomber detonated himself in a crowd of mothers and small children on a small street busy with pedestrians as the Sabbath ended. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, a faction of Yasser Arafat's Fatah movement claimed responsibility for the bombing which left 9 dead, 5 of whom were small children, including 2 infants. More than 50 were injured. Jerusalem, Israel - Ultra-orthodox Jewish men examine an "Etrog" (citrus), which is to be used for the upcoming Sukkot holiday. Bethlehem, West Bank - A crowd of more than ten thousand crammed into Bethlehem's Manjor Square, cheering and waving flags as they waited for hours to partake in holy mass given by his holiness Pope John Paul II. Jerusalem, Israel - While visiting Jerusalem, American First Lady, Hillary Rodham-Clinton and Israeli First Lady, Nava Barak visit the Western Wall. Jerusalem, Israel - While visiting Jerusalem, American First Lady, Hillary Rodham-Clinton and Israeli First Lady, Nava Barak visit the Western Wall. Jerusalem, Israel - The Hurva Memorial. This arch was built as a memorial on the site of the old Hurva Synagogue which destroyed during the six day war in 1967. Masada, Israel - Located on the shore of the Dead Sea the remains of Masada show how a group of Jews lived and survived the Roman attack for more than two years. Jerusalem, Israel - The entrance to the 6th century Dome of the Rock is covered with beautiful mosaic tiles and writings from the Koran. Jerusalem, Israel - A typical street in the Old City's Jewish Quarter. Jerusalem, Israel - A lone religious Jew stands in prayer at the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site. Banyas, Israel - Rushing water flowing from the waterfalls at the Banyas. The Western Wall. -Jerusalem, Israel Jerusalem, Israel - Police reports estimate the size of the funeral procession for the late Rabbi, Shlomo Zalman Aurbach, to be in excess of 350,000 people. The crowd filled the neighbourhood of Shaarei Tzedek, where the great rabbi lived and then walked through the streets of Jerusalem to the final resting grounds, 2.5 miles away. Jerusalem, Israel - Police reports estimate the size of the funeral procession for the late Rabbi, Shlomo Zalman Aurbach, to be in excess of 350,000 people. The crowd filled the neighbourhood of Shaarei Tzedek, where the great rabbi lived and then walked through the streets of Jerusalem to the final resting grounds, 2.5 miles away. Jerusalem, Israel - Police reports estimate the size of the funeral procession for the late Rabbi, Shlomo Zalman Aurbach, to be in excess of 350,000 people. The crowd filled the neighbourhood of Shaarei Tzedek, where the great rabbi lived and then walked through the streets of Jerusalem to the final resting grounds, 2.5 miles away. Jerusalem, Israel - Located within the Kidron Valley is the Tomb of Absalam (Avshalom), the son of King David, who tried to kill him. Jerusalem, Israel - A religious man praying at the Western Wall. Jerusalem, Israel - A religious man prays at the Western Wall. Thousands of Jews come to the Western Wall for the Priestly Blessing (Bircat HaKohanim), which is held twice annually during the Passover and Sukkot Festivals. -Jerusalem, Israel Thousands of Jews come to the Western Wall for the Priestly Blessing (Bircat HaKohanim), which is held twice annually during the Passover and Sukkot Festivals. -Jerusalem, Israel Jerusalem, Israel - Sephardi Chief Rabbi, R. Bakshi Daron, leads a Mass Prayer held at the Western Wall, for the Iranian Jews on trial accused on spying. Also leading the Prayer was Ashkenzi Chief Rabbi, R. Meir Lau. Metulla, Israel - Pulling out of Lebanon did not keep this young soldier from his morning prayers. Israel's occupation of Southern Lebanon ended this morning at 6:40am as the last tank of the 7th brigade crossed the border back into Israel. Moscow, Russia - A Jewish man blows the shofar (ram's horn) during the Hebrew month of Elul, marking the end of morning prayers. The shofar is blown every morning during the month of Elul until the Jewish New Year of Rosh HaShanah as a call to repent from all sin. An apple and honey for the jewish new year, Rosh Hashana. A Jewish scribe, called a sofer, Rabbi Misholovin. MR Adults holding the Torah. MR Bar Mitzvah Boy with his parents. MR A bar mitzvah in Los Angeles, CA. MR An outdoor Bat Mitzvah. MR The Jewish ceremony of brit milah, circumcision of a eight-day-old boy, in an ultra-orthodox community. A newly-wed couple being raised up on chairs at their wedding reception. MR The hands of a newly-wed couple. Reflecting Star of David with Jacaranda Trees A Jewish scribe, Lower East Side, New York. Rabbi Singer, Lower East Side, New York. A Jewish man with girl on his head during holiday of Sukkot, New York. A Jewish man teaches a Bar and Bat Mitzvah class, Little Rock, AR. Police chief, Temple Emanu-El, Charleston, SC. Gemiluth Hesed, Port Gibson, MS. Israeli flag at half mast, Jerusalem,Israel. Bar and Bat Mitzvah class, Little Rock, AR. Marching with the Torah on Yom Kippur, Everett, Washington. A Jewish man putting on tefillin. Dipping karpas on the Jewish holiday of Passover. Discussion at Passover seder. The leader of the discussion at the sedar explains Passover. Boy blows shofar during tashlich by the Pacific Ocean. Hassidic Rabbi Kosher Kolonel Chicken Tzedakah Charity Portrait of elderly woman having her nails done at the Aging, Los Angeles, CA (MR) Portrait of elderly man having his nails done while his grandedaughter looks on at the Aging, Los Angeles, CA (MR) Portrait of elderly woman painting a landscape at the Jewish Homes for the Aging, Los Angeles, CA (MR) Portrait of elderly woman being assistted by her loving daughter at the Jewish Homes for the Aging, Los Angeles, CA (MR) Congregant chants the Haftorah during Shabbat services Man lovingly wraps arms around his wife. (MR) Husband holds wife's hand while ginving a loving kiss (MR) Rabbi leads congregation in song during Shabbat Services (MR) Rabbinic student gives sermon from bima during Shabbat Services (MR) One Torah Reader show the next reader where to begin (MR) Woman and Man recit Sh'ma during Shabbat Services (MR) ATHENS 2002 ATHENS 2002 Prayer at the Western Wall in the old city of Jerusalem, Israel Young orthodox man standing/praying/reading at the western wall in the old city of Jerusalem, Israel. Magen David (star of David) cut in stone found around the Galilee, Israel Bar Mitzvah at the western wall in the old city of Jerusalem, Israel. Yud Hay Vav Hay pointed out on a Hebrew Scroll. This menorah in front of the Knesset was a gift from Great Britin in 1956 to Israel. Bar Mitzvah celebrations at the western wall in the old city of Jerusalem, Israel. Purchasing items for the succa in preperation for the Succott holydays. Israel, Safed, Orthodox Rabbi teaches two young Jewish men in Talmudic Bible class. (Isreal, Holy Land,) Israel, Jerusalem, walls of Old City with flowers . (Isreal, Holy Land) Israel, Jerusalem, Old City, Orthodox Jewish men pray at Western Wall wearing traditional black clothes. (Isreal, Holy Land) Israel, Safed, portrait of Orthodox Chasidic Rabbi. (Isreal, Holy Land,) Israel, Jerusalem, Orthodox Jews wearing prayer shawls walk home from prayers at Western Wall to Mea Shearim quarter on Saturday, Sabbath. Old City, (Isreal, Holy Land) Israel, Safed, Orthodox Hasidic Jew at an arched blue door to synagogue. Jewish Holy City in Galilee. (Isreal, Holy Land). Israel, Jerusalem, Old City, Modern Orthodox Jews celebrate Independence Day dancing while carrying the Israeli flag near the Western Wall. (Isreal, Holy Land) Israel, Yemenite Bride at wedding. (Holy Land, Isreal) Israel, Jerusalem, Yemenite Jew man wearing a prayer shawl "Talit", blows "Shofar" Sheep Horn before the Jewish New Year Rosh HaShanah by the Western Wall. (Isreal, Holy Land). Israel, Jerusalem, Dome of the Rock and Western Wall dusk. The third holiest site in Islam is located in Old City Jerusalem (Isreal, Holy Land).