Blessings
The Hebrew word for blessing is bracha. People are most familiar with this term from the formulation of Jewish prayers that start with the word: Baruch, Blessed. Those who are familiar…
The Biggest Blessing
Rather than grumble about the weather turning colder, make a list of all the blessings that come from the seasons of fall and winter. Remember, the "rainy season," as it is called in many…
Singing About the “Woman of Valor”
Aishet Chayil, “The Woman of Valor,” which is traditionally sung at the Shabbat table on Friday nights, is actually a selection of verses from the Book of Proverbs (31:10-31) written by…
The First Rabbi in America
The first ordained rabbi to serve in an American congregation was Rabbi Abraham Joseph Rice (originally Reiss, 1800-1862). After studying in Germany, in Wurzburg and then Fuerth, Rice was…
Noah 5785-2024
“Eleven Lessons from Noah’s Ark” (updated and revised from Noah 5765-2004) By Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Noah, we read of the great deluge that inundated…
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah
The holiday of Shemini Atzeret, literally the “Gathering of the Eighth,” is a connected, yet independent holiday that immediately follows Sukkot, which begins tonight. During the seven…
Chag Sameach
NJOP and Jewish Treats wish you and yours a hearty Chag Sameach (Happy Holiday!), as we celebrate the joyous holidays of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. The upcoming joyous festival of…
The Great Hoshana
One of the names that Rosh Hashana is known by is Yom Hadin, the Day of Judgment, on which God judges every person. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the day on which God finalizes His…
Grab the Opportunity
Perform an extra good deed or mitzvah on Hoshana Rabbah to improve your chances of being granted a year full of blessing.
Bereshith 5785-2024
“P’roo Ur’voo--Jewish Attitudes Toward Procreation” (updated and revised from Bereshith-Simchat Torah 5765-2004) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald For some parents, the greatest gift in life…