Study History
Set aside time to read up on world and Jewish history to develop a better understanding of the significance of important historical events.
The Divine Dwelling
In Judaism, there is a strong focus on the city of Jerusalem and the first and second Holy Temples that were built in that city. And while Jerusalem was the place God chose for His spirit…
Divine Presence
As God is everywhere, try and remember that all of our actions are performed in the presence of the Divine. To appreciate the Divine presence in the Mishkan, but perhaps more importantly,…
Blue Laws and the Supreme Court
In honor of the first session of the United States Supreme Court (February 2, 1790), Jewish Treats looks at one of the first Jewish issues brought before the Supreme Court Justices: Blue…
No Stumbling Blocks, Please
In honor of Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month, Jewish Treats explores the Torah prohibition “Do not put a stumbling block before the blind” (Leviticus 19:14). On the…
Be Considerate
In honor of Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month, and following the Torah's directive, take care to avoid actions that place literal and spiritual stumbling blocks before…
Terumah 5782-2022
“Being Transported by Torah” (updated and revised from Terumah 5764-2004) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Terumah, the Al-mighty reveals His plans for the…
Leap Year
The Gregorian solar calendar used by the Western world, is based on the cycle of the sun. The tropical (solar) year is 365 days, 5 hours, 49 minutes and 16 seconds. Thus, in order to…
Indirect Damages
“An eye for an eye” as is set forth in this week’s Torah portion, Mishpatim, (Exodus 21:24) is one of the most commonly quoted phrases from the Hebrew Bible. This phrase, of course, is…
Your Actions Matter
Think before you act. Under Halacha and civil law, our actions have ramifications. To appreciate the underpinnings of the Torah law of an “eye for an eye” and the ramifications under…