Skip to Main Content

Subject Guide: Jewish Life Cycle

Highlights of archival and library materials found at the Center that relate to the Jewish life cycle, including its origins, practices, and traditions.

Ketubbah, 1886 (Yeshiva University Museum)

For Further Research

Encyclopedia Judaica [accessible on-site at the Center for Jewish History only]

This encyclopedia contains scholarly articles on lifecycle events, including information on how customs vary across different Jewish communities. 

Judaism 101

A free online encyclopedia of Judaism that includes an extensive section on lifecycle traditions, written predominantly from the Orthodox viewpoint. 

ReformJudaism.org- Lifecycle Rituals

A guide to the traditions and innovations in Reform Jewish life that includes an extensive section on lifecycle rituals, created by the Union of Reform Judaism. 

RitualWell 

A searchable database of contemporary Jewish lifecycle rituals, developed by Reconstructing Judaism (the central organization of the Reconstructionist organization).