It’s Not About The Status
In many, if not most, Jewish parables, the righteous and scholarly are often presented as living in a state of poverty. Indeed, it might often seem as if poverty is an attribute of…
You Say It’s Your Birthday
January, March, June or November (or any of the other months not listed). Nope, that’s not the birthday about which we are writing. Jewish Treats wants to know: Do you know your Hebrew…
The Occident
In honor of World Press Freedom Day, today, May 3rd, as declared by the United Nations General Assembly, Jewish Treats takes a quick glance at the first* general Jewish periodical in the…
The Second Passover
On the first anniversary of the Exodus from Egypt, the Children of Israel prepared to celebrate their first Passover as free people. God decreed that they should eat matzah and maror…
Shemini 5781-2021
“Using, Not Abusing, a Sanctified Substance” (updated and revised from Shemini 5763-2003) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Shemini, opens at a most…
Countdown To Freedom
Americans begin preparing for Thanksgiving, days or perhaps a week in advance. But, when it comes to Jews and Passover, much more preparation time is needed. Jewish tradition teaches that…
Pekudei,Vayakhel,Weekly Message
Vayakhel-Pekudei 5781-2021
“The Original Jewish Renewal Movement” (Updated and revised from Vayakhel-Pekudei 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This Shabbat, two parashiot, Vayakhel and Pekudei, are read,…
More Than Shabbat
Ahad Ha’am (Asher Ginsberg, poet and Zionist ideologue: 1856-1927) is quoted as saying, “More than Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews.” This statement is part of the key to…
Rabbi Judah The Pious
Unlike so many stories one hears about famous scholars (which usually reflect on their childhood brilliance), the tales regarding Rabbi Judah Hachasid (the Pious) describe him as a…