The Jews of Panama
The history of the Jews in Panama is similar to Jewish history in other South and Central American countries. Conversos came to the region with Spanish settlers, but, in time, became…
Celebrate our Jewish Distinctiveness
While living in exile among different cultures, we need to be mindful that in order to perpetuate Judaism, we need to assure that we do not lose our special values that make us distinct.
The First Inquisition
Although it was not the first Inquisition, the Spanish Inquisition* was unique from its very inception on November 1, 1478, because it was controlled by the monarchy rather than the…
Vayeira 5781-2020
“Mount Moriah: Building for the Future through Love” (updated and revised from Vayeira 2000-5761) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Last week’s parasha, parashat Lech Lecha, began with G-d…
The World To Come
“This world is like the eve of Shabbat, and Olam Habah (the World to Come) is like Shabbat. He who prepares on the eve of Shabbat will have food to eat on Shabbat.” (Avodah Zara 3a). Olam…
National Hermit Day
Judaism is not known for encouraging asceticism. While the Torah commands the Jewish people to “afflict” themselves on Yom Kippur by fasting and refraining from certain pleasurable…
Dear Yenta: The Matchmaker (Shadchan)
With the widespread proliferation of internet dating sites such as eharmony, Match.com and JDate, the idea of a shadchan, a matchmaker, sounds archaic and primitive to most modern Jews.…
The Flying Rabbi
Today, Jewish Treats presents a short bio of Rabbi Louis Werfel (1916-1943). Rabbi Werfel attended Yeshiva College and the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), both schools…
Selfless Dedication
Recognize the selfless dedication of the chaplains who faithfully serve Jewish members of the U.S. military around the world.
Lech Lecha 5781-2020
“Lot, Nephew of Abram: The Promise and the Tragedy” (updated and revised from Lech Lecha 2000-5761) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Lech Lecha, we encounter…