The Baal Shem Tov
Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer, known as the Baal Shem Tov (literally Master of the Good Name, often referred to as the BESHT), was born in 1698, in Okop (Ukraine). While there is little record…
Study Chassidut
Delve into the practices of the various sects of Chassidim to appreciate the fascinating customs that help followers attain a heightened spiritual connection to God.
Skeptic Questioning
Yesterday, January 13th, was National Skeptics Day, a day that encourages people to ask questions. One might be inclined to ask whether Judaism has any room for skepticism, since faith,…
Seek and You Shall Find
Study Jewish texts such as the Talmud and develop an appreciation for the value of asking probing questions that can ultimately lead a person to a deeper sense of Jewish faith.
Take A Stand
Speak out against anti-Semitism and support organizations that actively call out individuals and organizations that seek to demonize Jews.
The Jews of Finland
For most European countries, the history of its Jewish presence begins some time in, or before the Dark Ages and is accented by varying periods of exile or oppression. Since Jews were not…
Va’eira 5781-2021
“Mesmerized by the Subtle Slavery” (updated and revised from Va’eira 5761-2001) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Va’eira, G-d assures Moses that the Jewish…
A Candy Treat
While most people would not be surprised at the Jewish back-story of Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews, they might not realize just how deeply involved Jews were in the development of the early…
What’s In A Name
What’s in a name? Lots--especially when you are talking about a person’s Hebrew/Jewish name. (Henceforth to be referred to as “Hebrew name,” even though some traditional names are…
Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, the Father of Modern Hebrew
The official language of Israel is Hebrew, but until the end of the 19th century, almost no one spoke Hebrew colloquially. Lashon Hakodesh, the holy tongue, was used only for prayer and…