International Holocaust Memorial Day
Speak of the Holocaust and the first word that many think of is Auschwitz. It was, and is, the most infamous of the concentration camps established by the Nazis. In fact, Auschwitz was…
Record the Memories
If there are Holocaust survivors in your family or in your community, make sure to speak with them and record their stories.
Before Michigan
The foundations of Michigan’s Jewish community were laid by the German Jews who came to America in the 1840s and spread out across the continent. Jewish history in Michigan, which became…
Learn More
Study the history of Jews who were trailblazers and who made their mark in the Midwest during the 19th century.
B’shalach 5781-2021
“G-d: The Source of Sweetness” (updated and revised from B’shalach 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat B’shalach, immediately after the splitting of…
Seek Out The Positive
An ethical dilemma: A close friend confides in you that he/she recently purchased an expensive, one-of-a-kind, non-returnable item. When he/she shows it to you, you are immediately aware…
Looking for the Good
Next time you hear something about someone who hurt you, try to find a way to see it in a positive light.
We’re Not Taking Care of Business
On Shabbat, the Jewish people are commanded: “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is Shabbat for the Lord your God; you shall not do any work” (Exodus…
Put Your Work Aside
Refrain from business talk and rejoice this Shabbat by enjoying the special gift that God has bestowed upon the Jewish people.
Calligraphy
In honor of the upcoming National Handwriting Day, which is January 23, Jewish Treats explores the unique calligraphy practiced by a Jewish sofer (scribe). The Hebrew letters used in a…
Delve into the Hidden Meaning
Learn to read Hebrew, and you will be able to identify the letters with the ornamental flourishes or crowns atop them found in the Torah, mezuzot and tefillin, and delve into their hidden…
Writing a Law For Freedom
Thomas Jefferson is renowned for being the author of the Declaration of Independence. But, this was only one of Jefferson’s many, many accomplishments. It is interesting to note that, per…
Celebrate Religious Freedom
Take a minute and thank God that you live in a time when governments can and do express a desire for religious freedom for all.
Baba Sali – Praying Father
Although it is not uncommon for Jewish sages to be known by a pseudonym, such names are most often either abbreviations of their full names (e.g. RaMBaM, an acronym for Rabbi Moses ben…
Seek Guidance
Build a relationship with rabbinic leaders and seek spiritual guidance from them.
Bo 5781-2021
“The Slave Mentality” (updated and revised from Bo 5761–2001) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Bo, concludes the Torah’s narrative of parashat Va’eira, of the…
The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, which is famous for its month-long resistance struggle in April/May of 1943, actually began with an initial uprising on January 18, 1943, which corresponded…
Steely Determination
Read about the steely determination and brave resistance on the part of those Jews who fought valiantly while the Warsaw Ghetto was being liquidated.
The Baal Shem Tov
Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer, known as the Baal Shem Tov (literally Master of the Good Name, often referred to as the BESHT), was born in 1698, in Okop (Ukraine). While there is little record…
Study Chassidut
Delve into the practices of the various sects of Chassidim to appreciate the fascinating customs that help followers attain a heightened spiritual connection to God.
Thank You
Thank You!If you have made a pledge, you can send a check payable to: NJOP, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, 2nd Floor, New York,…
HRCC-Level 1 With Rabbi Zev Kahn
HRCC-Level 1 With Rabbi Zev KahnRegister for the Hebrew Reading Crash Course Level One with Rabbi Zev Kahn Six 1 hour Sessions…
Skeptic Questioning
Yesterday, January 13th, was National Skeptics Day, a day that encourages people to ask questions. One might be inclined to ask whether Judaism has any room for skepticism, since faith,…
Seek and You Shall Find
Study Jewish texts such as the Talmud and develop an appreciation for the value of asking probing questions that can ultimately lead a person to a deeper sense of Jewish faith.
Hail The Accuser
In the era of social media, it is almost an everyday occurrence to be asked to sign a petition or to “like” a cause. When Emile Zola, the celebrated French novelist, published J’Accuse on…
Take A Stand
Speak out against anti-Semitism and support organizations that actively call out individuals and organizations that seek to demonize Jews.
The Jews of Finland
For most European countries, the history of its Jewish presence begins some time in, or before the Dark Ages and is accented by varying periods of exile or oppression. Since Jews were not…
Nordic Adventure
If you ever have an opportunity to plan a trip to Finland, make sure to visit its Jewish communities.
Va’eira 5781-2021
“Mesmerized by the Subtle Slavery” (updated and revised from Va’eira 5761-2001) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Va’eira, G-d assures Moses that the Jewish…
A Candy Treat
While most people would not be surprised at the Jewish back-story of Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews, they might not realize just how deeply involved Jews were in the development of the early…