Minsk, Pinsk and Dvinsk?
Dvinsk, also known as Daugavpils or Duenaburg, is Latvia’s second largest city, situated 140 miles southeast of Riga, Latvia’s capital (Dvinsk is the city’s Russian name). Dvinsk became a…
Two Different but Valid Approaches
Study the history and customs of both the Mitnagdic (non-Chassidic) and the Chassidic world in order to better appreciate two different Jewish approaches to the worship of God.
The Gift of the Printing Press
Recognize how the innovation of the printing press in the 15th century and the printing of significant Judaic works such as the Talmud, the Shulchan Aruch and the Zohar, made possible the…
People of the (Printed) Book
Johannes Gutenberg (1400-1468), credited as the developer of the printing press, published the Gutenberg Bible in 1445. The printing technology transformed the way people learned.…
Eikev 5781-2021
“Worshiping G-d with All One’s Heart” (Updated and revised from Eikev 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Traditional Jewish prayer is a study in contrasts. On the one hand, prayer…
Watch Your Language
Once upon a time in American culture, defiant children who uttered certain improper words would have their mouths washed out with soap. Today, profanities litter the world of common…
No Holiday as Joyous
Tu b’Av (The Fifteenth of Av) which is tomorrow, is no longer the well-known holiday on the Jewish calendar that it was in ancient times. In fact, the Talmud states that: “There were no…
Hang Your Hammock
You may not believe this, but today is National Hammock Day. Many consider relaxing in a hammock to be the ultimate celebration of the lazy days of summer, especially when you have an…
Shabbat for the Taking
Whether a relaxing nap in a properly prepared hammock, an invigorating discussion, or setting aside time to read an intriguing book, learn how to transform Friday night and Saturday into…
Sir Moses Montefiore
Sir Moses Montefiore (1784-1885) had an extraordinary impact on the world. Beginning a career in general business, Montefiore quickly gained one of the 12 brokers licenses allowed to Jews…