Improve Your Odds

Use this Shabbat, known as Shabbat Shuva, to contemplate how to repent for prior transgressions and how to improve going forward. The famous Talmudic statement; "In a place where…

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Avinu Malkeinu

No prayer so thoroughly captures the Jewish people’s dual relationship with God as Avinu Malkeinu, “Our Father, Our King.” While Avinu Malkeinu is a prayer widely known to be part of the…

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Sukkot Across America 2022 Application

Please complete the application below to be considered for a Sukkot Across America grant. Please note that this does not guarantee acceptance. You will be notified by NJOP if you are…

The Fast of Gedaliah (Tzom Gedaliah)

The Fast of Gedaliah is observed to commemorate the assassination of Gedaliah, the son of Achikam, which is described in the last chapter of the Second Book of Kings. This murder resulted…

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Vayeilech/Yom Kippur 5783-2022

“Difficult Transitions” (Updated and revised from Vayeilech/Yom Kippur 5769-2008) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald On the last day of his life, Moses seals the new covenant with the People…

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Rosh Hashana 5783-2022

“Making Each Day Count” (updated and revised from Rosh Hashana 5764-2003) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Rabbi Yehuda Leib Alter (1847-1905), the second Gerrer rebbe and leader of Polish…

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Tashlich

The popular Rosh Hashana tashlich ritual is a tradition that is dear throughout the many diverse Jewish communities. Tashlich literally translates as “You will throw.” But what, exactly,…

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Improve Your Odds

Engaging in repentance, prayer and charity improves our chances of being blessed with a favorable judgment for this coming New Year. In the fifth chapter of Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the…

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Birthday of the World

According to Jewish tradition, this Sunday night, when Rosh Hashana begins, the world will be 5783 years old. This claim easily stirs up sharp debate. How, it is often asked, can one say…

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The Awesome View

Look around you to gain a sense of appreciation for the magnificent details that God included when creating the world.

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