List-Building 'Bribe' -- What Your Child Should Have (Reform)

Welcome to PLJ, a leading provider of Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah software for Reform Jews in the United States.

We believe that Judaism embodies values of pluralism and accessibility, while drawing upon centuries of tradition and wisdom.

What are the top five Jewish Items that you should own?

* A kiddish cup -- a designated cup used for making the blessing over wine to sanctify the Sabbath or Holiday.
* Candle sticks (preferably portable) -- special candle holders for placing Sabbath candles to be lit before Sunset on Friday.
* Talit -- a ritual prayer shawl worn when leading prayers in synagogue, many communities it is worn in prayer by adults
* Mezuza -- on the doorpost of your bedroom, and preferably, the main doorway into the house where you live.
* Tefillin -- special leather boxes and straps containing the inscription of the prayer of God's one-ness

What are the five top Jewish books you should own?
* Prayer Book (Siddur). Crib notes for communing with God, mixed with popular philosophy and poetry.
* Jewish Bible (Tanach) -- A Hebrew/English collection of the foundational stories and laws that formed the Jewish people
* Chumash (Five Books of Moses) -- Hebrew/English collection of Torah portions with the corresponding prophetic readings
* The Book of Our Heritage -- Teaches about the Jewish holidays and seasons, the meaning, the stories, and laws.
* Studies in the Weekly Portion, Nehama Leibowitz

Other really excellent Jewish books:
* The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning, Maurice Lamm.
* Practical Medical Halachah, Fred Rosner & Moshe Tendler
* The Challenge of Wealth: A Jewish Perspective on Earning and Spending Money, Meir Tamari.
* Machzor for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
* A Different Night (Passover Haggadah). Lots of questions, fewer answers, for people who like to talk.
* The Sabbath, Abraham Joshua Heschel. A philosophical and spiritual look at sacred time and Shabbat.