There is an unsolved mystery at the heart of one of the most popular Jewish songs in history. Every Friday evening, Jews around the world recite the poetic prayer “Lecha Dodi” to welcome the Sabbath.

This piece originally appeared on Kveller. It’s hard to believe, but Saturday marks 10 years since the passing of Jewish musical icon Debbie Friedman, who died of pneumonia on Jan. 9, 2011, at age 59.

The first time I heard “Avinu Malkeinu,” I was at the top of Arthur’s Seat, a dead volcano in the center of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. The climb to the top and back is 2 miles. It was earlier ...

Performances in N.Y.C. Advertisement Supported by Tanowitz and the composer David Lang talk about how their new work is informed by biblical poetry, Israeli folk dance and their Jewish heritage. By ...