Hester Panim
One might think that the Book of Esther is a heroic tale about Mordechai and Esther saving the Jewish people through diplomatic skill. Looking deeper, however, one is struck by the…
Pidyon Ha’ben – Redeeming the Firstborn
“You must redeem the firstborn of a person…when he is one month old, for the value of five silver shekels” (Numbers 18:15-16). God sanctified the firstborn male Israelites when He…
The Month of Av
The months of the Jewish year are called in the Torah by number only (the first month, second month, etc.). Over time, during the exile, the months assumed the names given to them by host…
Pidyon Ha’ben – Redeeming the Firstborn
“You must redeem the firstborn of a person…when he is one month old, for the value of five silver shekels” (Numbers 18:15-16). God sanctified the firstborn male Israelites when He…
Tazria-Metzorah 5770-2010
"The Human Animal" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald On three of the next four Shabbatot, the Torah readings will consist of combined parashiot. The main reason for the doubling up is to make…
Vayikra 5769-2009
"Shlamim: Expressing Wholehearted Gratitude" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In parashat Vayikra we learn of the various animal sacrifices that are offered to G-d on the Brass (or earthen)…
Serving the Public
As proclaimed by the United Nations, June 23rd is "Public Service Day." In honor of this designation, today's Jewish Treat introduces Sherut Le'umi, the national Public Service system of…
Bereshith,Weekly Message,Genesis
Bereshith 5771-2010
"The Help Meet" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week’s parasha, parashat Bereshith, we learn of the creation of the human being. The story of the human creation is a…
Serving the Public
As proclaimed by the United Nations, June 23rd is “Public Service Day.” In honor of this designation, today’s Jewish Treat introduces Sherut Le’umi, the national Public Service system of…
On Guard
The sanctity of life plays an unquestionably major factor in Jewish law. Not everyone, however, is familiar with how strongly Judaism stresses not only the sanctity of life, but also the…