A Kosher Buffet
While it seems a bit counterintuitive to have a day celebrating abundant eating the day after a national holiday, nevertheless, January 2nd is celebrated as “Buffet Day.” The concept of a…
The Founder of the House of Rothschild
The name Rothschild echoes with a sense of wealth and fame. The House of Rothschild was one of the most powerful financial forces in 19th century Europe, and several members of the family…
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…
The Most Popular Non-Holiday Event on Jewish Calendars
In honor of tonight's celebration of the 27th annual SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA AND CANADA, Jewish Treats proudly presents a history of this iconic Jewish event. SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA AND…
The Origins of Formal Jewish Education in the United States
Today, thankfully, there are hundreds of Jewish elementary schools in the United States that teach both Judaic and general studies. The paradigm for this movement was the founding of…
Breslov
In honor of International “Day of Happiness,” Jewish Treats is pleased to share the oft-quoted words of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov: “To always be happy is a great mitzvah.” These famous…
A Twentieth Century Jewish Poet
In honor of World Poetry Day, Jewish Treats presents a brief biography of Muriel Rukeyser (1913-1980). Born and raised in New York City, Rukeyser attended Vassar College and Columbia…
Learning the Truth of Your Heritage at Age 59: The Amazing Story of Madeleine Albright
Madeleine Albright broke a glass ceiling when she became the first woman U.S. Secretary of State on January 23, 1997. A few weeks later, at age 59, Madeleine learned that her parents,…
Top of the Class
Among the scholars quoted in Pirkei Avot/Ethics of the Fathers, are clusters of sages who are interconnected whether due to being from the same city, are part of the same generation or…
Shabbat Chazon
This Shabbat is known as Shabbat Chazon, the Sabbath of the Vision (prophecy), named after the opening word of the Book of Isaiah, the first 27 verses of which are read as the haftarah on…