Tag Archives: customs

Do You Understand Culture and Customs That Might Affect Your Business?

Even if you are operating your home business in a small town where you have lived your entire life—there are social issues that can affect your success. If you are working internationally, or with demographics and populations of people who are different from you—taking the time to learn about customs and culture can really pay off as you build and grow your business. There are all sorts of social nuances and customs that can come into play when one is interacting with a variety of people. Just because you are “doing business” does not mean that culture and manners don’t … Continue reading →

The Three Weeks: Remembrance and Mourning

The period between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av on the Jewish calendar is referred to as “The Three Weeks.” This period commemorates the time when the Romans invaded Jerusalem until the destruction of the HolyTemple in 70 CE. The First Temple was destroyed on the same day (the 9th of Av), and many tragedies in Jewish History occurred during this time. The three weeks is considered to be a time of mourning. It is customary to refrain from listening to music (except if we are putting on a tape or CD for children), buying new clothing … Continue reading →

17th of Tammuz: A Day of Remembrance

While it is a commandment to be joyful at all times, there are exceptions to this rule; certain times are designated on the Jewish calendar for mourning and repentance. In Judaism, there are five public fast days throughout the year; most of them are connected with mourning the destruction of the First and Second Temples and the invasion of Jerusalem and the entire Land of Israel by the Babylonians in the 5th century BCE and the Romans in 70 CE. The first exile, called the Babylonian exile, lasted only 70 years. However, the second exile, which began when Jews lost … Continue reading →

Travel Customs—Omiyage

Growing up, whenever my dad would go out-of-town on business he would return with gifts for our entire family. This was customary in our home, not just because my dad is a nice guy, but also because it is a cultural tradition in Japan. My mother is Japanese and I was raised in Hawaii, a state with a large Asian population. Whether you are Hawaiian, Filipino, Samoan, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, or Caucasian, if you live in Hawaii, you adhere to the Japanese tradition of returning from your travels with omiyage. Omiyage (pronounced: oh-me-yah-gay) are gifts given to bosses, co-workers, family … Continue reading →

What is a Mezuzah?

A Mezuzah can be described as an object or symbol which allows others to know they are walking into a Jewish person’s home. The Mezuzah is placed on the front doorpost of the home, as well as throughout the home. There are many beautiful cases which can be used. Inside is the prayer called the Shema which should be said every morning when you rise and every evening when you lie down. Below is the first paragraph to the prayer in transliterated Hebrew and English. Sh’ma Yisrael Adonai Elohaynu Adonai Echad. Hear, Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord … Continue reading →