Meaning of an Olive Tree Metaphor
Biblical texts are rife with metaphors, particularly metaphors that are connected to nature. Throughout the Biblical canon, many such “nature” metaphors are used for the Children of…
Explore the Meaning and Calling of a Name
A name is meant to connect the individual with his or her namesake. Don’t underestimate the significance of a name.
Fast with Meaning
Make the most of the fast of Tisha b'Av by focusing on the effect of these tragedies on the Jewish people.
Break Fast With Meaning
During dinner, after the fast, discuss with family or friends how fasting impacts the way you think about the day.
The Meaning and Use of Language
Lazarus Geiger believed that there was a great deal to learn about humanity from studying the development of language. Then, there is the actual use of language. In the first chapter of…
The Meaning of “Lamed”
Today’s Treat is brought to you by the Hebrew letter lamed and the number 30, as that is its value in gematria (a mystical system of understanding deeper meanings through numeric…
Bamidbar 5770-2010
"The Meaning of the Wilderness" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The fourth book of the Torah, Bamidbar, opens with the following words (Numbers 1:1): "Vah'y'dah'bayr Hashem el Moshe…
Bamidbar 5764-2004
"Surviving the Wilderness" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Bamidbar, the Israelites enter the wilderness of Sinai and begin their journey to the land of…