Take Two Tablets
Most artistic representations of the Ten Commandments present two rectangular tablets rounded off at the top. As pleasing to the eyes as this rounded design may be, tradition suggests…
Smashing The Tablets
The sages declare that five tragedies occurred on the seventeenth of Tammuz, which is why the day is observed as a fast day. Days of what we might now call “bad karma” (on which bad…
The Consequence of the Smashed Tablets
The Seventeenth of Tammuz is the beginning of the three weeks leading up to Tisha b’Av, the day we mourn the destruction of both the First and Second Temple. Read tomorrow’s Treat to…
Thanks for the Water
Before enjoying a glass of cold water, say the blessing: Ba'ruch Ah'tah Ah'doh'nai Eh'lo'hay'nu Melech ha'o'lam sheh'ha'kohl nee'h'yeh bid'varo. (Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of…
Kee Tisah 5784-2024
“Shabbat as a Priority in Jewish Life” (updated and revised from Kee Tisah 5765-2005 by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Although there are many dramatic moments in the latter parts of parashat…
Study the Weekly Portion
Set aside time each week to explore the weekly Torah portion to uncover the deeper meaning behind the text and the fascinating takeaway messages for daily living. As an example, there is…
The Fast of the 17th of Tammuz
Everyone knows about fasting on Yom Kippur. There are, however, several other fast days on the Jewish calendar that are not nearly as well known. One of the prominent fasts is the Fast of…
Kee Tisah 5782-2022
“Limitless Leadership” (Updated and revised from Kee Tisah 5764-2004) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Kee Tisah, we read of the fateful sin of the people of…
Terumah 5782-2022
“Being Transported by Torah” (updated and revised from Terumah 5764-2004) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Terumah, the Al-mighty reveals His plans for the…
Yom Kippur 5782-2021
“Smashing the Golden Calves” (updated and revised from Yom Kippur 5764-2003) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Virtually all the holidays and festivals of the Jewish calendar revolve around…