Study the Weekly Portion
Set aside time each week to explore the weekly Torah portion to uncover the deeper meaning behind the text and the fascinating takeaway messages for daily living. As an example, there is…
The Founder of the House of Rothschild
The name Rothschild echoes with a sense of wealth and fame. The House of Rothschild was one of the most powerful financial forces in 19th century Europe, and several members of the family…
Humble Bee
February 22nd has been declared “Be Humble Day,” a “holiday” that most likely originated from the online greeting card industry. Nevertheless, a day dedicated to the importance of being…
When Adar Begins
The month of Adar begins tonight. About Adar, the twelfth month of the Jewish calendar year (in non-leap years), the Talmud (Ta’anith 29a) states: “Mee’sheh’nichnas Adar, marbin…
Terumah 5783-2023
“Identifying the Essentials of Life” (updated and revised from Terumah 5765-2005) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Terumah, is the first of four parashiot:…
Presidents’ Day: The Jews and Martin Van Buren
In 1840, the news of the terrible fate of the Jewish community of Damascus (Syria) reached the shores of America and brought the disparate Jewish communities of the young American nation…
Random Acts of Kindness
An entire generation of North Americans hear the words “random acts of kindness” and immediately think of Oprah Winfrey. Without question, the former queen of afternoon television has…
Make a Difference
In honor of Random Acts of Kindness Day, which falls out today, make a positive impact and give a special lift by calling or helping someone who would really appreciate the attention.…
Rabbi Israel Salanter and the Mussar Movement
The Mussar movement, the formal study and program of ethical improvement, was developed in the mid-nineteenth century by Rabbi Israel Salanter (1810-1883). Rabbi Israel’s family name was…
March Classes on Zoom
New Classes on Zoom this MarchJoin NJOP for two exciting classes on Zoom to help prepare you for Shabbat Across America and…