Kosher Hot Dogs

If you live in a city with a large Jewish population, the next time you attend a ballgame at the stadium, be sure to ask whether there is a kosher food stand. You may be pleasantly…

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Emor 5783-2023

“Striving for Perfection” (updated and revised from Emor 5766-2006) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Emor, the theme of “perfection” appears repeatedly in…

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Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5783-2023

“The Jewish Attitude Toward Sexuality” (updated and revised from Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5764-2004) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Both of this week’s parashiot, Acharei Mot and Kedoshim,…

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Four Cups of Wine

Like almost all festival meals, the Passover seder begins with Kiddush, the sanctification of the day over a cup of wine. On Passover, however, the first cup of wine is followed by three…

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For The Dogs

Today is National Puppy Day. The domestication of dogs is as old as…well, actually, there are varying scientific opinions. The remains of what seem to be domesticated dogs appear among…

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Celebrate Purim

As today is Purim, remember to give Matanot La’evyonim, 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…

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The Four Mitzvot of Purim

This year, Purim will be celebrated beginning this evening, March 6th after sunset, and continue through tomorrow, Tuesday, March 7th. Four mitzvot are associated with the holiday:…

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The Purim Story in Under 300 Words

At the end of a 180-day feast, the King of Persia-Media, Achashverosh, banished (some say, executed) his wife, Vashti, for refusing to appear at his banquet. He then staged an elaborate…

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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:…

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B’shalach 5783-2023

“The Malbim Teaches the Lessons of the Manna” (updated and revised from B’shalach 5764-2004) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week’s parasha, parashat B’shalach, the recently…

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