A Joyous Erev Shabbat
As our fellow Jews celebrate Shushan Purim in Jerusalem, and we prepare for Shabbat, enjoy another hamentashen, and crank up the festive celebratory Jewish music to mark the joyous…
Who Was Mordechai?
There are some people in this world who always seem to be right in the thick of the action. As described in the Book of Esther, this was Mordechai. It is Mordechai’s cousin who is chosen…
Celebrate Purim
As today is Purim, remember to give matanot laevyonim, gifts to the poor, mishloach manot, a gift of food to a Jewish friend or neighbor and prepare or attend a seudat Purim, a festive…
The Four Mitzvot of Purim
This year, Purim will be celebrated beginning this evening, March 16th after sunset, and continue through tomorrow, Thursday, March 17th. Four mitzvot are associated with the holiday:…
Tzav 5782-2022
“What We Learn from the Jewish ‘Caste System’” (Updated and revised from Tzav 5763-2003) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s Torah portion, parashat Tzav, continues the Torah’s…
The History Around Purim
The story of Purim takes place at the very end of the era known in Jewish history as the Babylonian Exile. King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian legions destroyed the Temple and…
Study the History of Persian/Iranian Jews
Make the effort to study the history of the Jewish presence in Persia and the rich traditions of Persian Jews today (mostly in exile).
The Sabbath of Remembering
This Shabbat is Shabbat Parashat Zachor, the Sabbath of Remembering. The Torah portion that is read as the Maftir (additional) portion, after the conclusion of the regular weekly Torah…
The Birth and Death of Moses
One of the 13 principles of faith according to Maimonides is believing that Moses was the greatest of all the Jewish prophets. He was so great, that God feared he would be worshipped…
The Purim Story in Under 300 Words
At the end of a 180-day feast, the King of Persia-Medea, Achashverosh, banished (some say, executed) his wife, Vashti, for refusing to appear at his banquet. He then staged an elaborate…