Jewish Treats

Sweet As Honey

According to Wikipedia, in 1989, the month of September was declared National Honey Month because it is the month when the honey collection season ends for most beekeepers in the United…

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Jewish Treats

Why Am I Not Interested in Idols?

There is an interesting dialogue between the elders of Rome and the sages of Israel recorded in Talmud Avodah Zarah 55a:  [Rome]: "If [your God] has no desire for idolatry, why does…

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Jewish Treats

Picking Up Pigskin

The Jewish dietary laws prohibit Jews from eating any food products derived from animals that do not have both split hooves and chew their cud. It is a not uncommon assumption that Jews…

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Jewish Treats

Total Eclipse

Last night/early this morning, North Americans were able to view a complete lunar eclipse. While this is not a rare occurrence, it is always a fascinating event. One might expect the…

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Jewish Treats

When Funerals Are Forbidden

Any man who is a patrilineal descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses, is deemed to be a kohain, a member of the priestly family of Israel. Aaron and his sons were called upon by God to…

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Jewish Treats

Picking Up Pigskin

The Jewish dietary laws prohibit Jews from eating any food products derived from animals that do not have both split hooves and chew their cud. It is a not uncommon assumption that Jews…

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Jewish Treats

Eclipse

In recognition of today’s total solar eclipse, Jewish Treats offers a Jewish angle for consideration. One might expect the sages to record eclipses as moments of awe, but instead the…

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Bereshith,Weekly Message

Bereshith 5767-2006

"Pardes--the Four Levels of Understanding Torah" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald The Talmud in Chagiga 14b, tells the story of four great scholars, Ben Azai, Ben Zoma, Acher, and Rabbi Akiva,…

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Metzorah,Weekly Message

Metzorah 5763-2003

"The Nidah--Affirming the Value of the Sanctity of Life" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Towards the end of this week's parasha, parashat Metzorah, we learn the laws of the Zav, the Baal…

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Metzorah,Weekly Message

Metzorah 5760-2000

"The Ultimate Value and Sanctity of Human Life in Judaism" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Metzorah, is often combined with last week's parasha, parashat…

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