Jewish Treats

These Lights We Kindle

While the mitzvah of lighting the menorah is an outward-focused mitzvah – the menorah is lit in a window or doorway – it is also an opportunity for personal reflection on the deeper…

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Jewish Treats

Giving Gifts

“A person who is diligent in lighting Chanukah candles will have children who are scholars” (Talmud Shabbat 23b). The desire for scholarly children was actually one of the motivations for…

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Jewish Treats

The Final Analysis

After the soul departs, it journeys to the gates of heaven where it must present its case for entry. The Talmud (Shabbat 31a) states, “When an individual is brought before the Heavenly…

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Jewish Treats

A Kosher Buffet

While it seems a bit counterintuitive to have a day celebrating abundant eating the day after a national holiday (New Year's Day), nevertheless, January 2nd is celebrated as “Buffet……

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Jewish Treats

Humiliation Day

In an effort to make the calendar more interesting, there are many days on the calendar that have been designated as “holidays.” Many of these so-called “holidays” are intended to be cute…

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Uncategorized

Calligraphy

In honor of National Handwriting Day, which is today, Jewish Treats explores the unique calligraphy practiced by a Jewish sofer (scribe). The Hebrew letters used in a Torah scroll, as…

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Jewish Treats

Penny Lane

While the well-known adage requests, “A penny for your thoughts,” perhaps those coins should be sought, instead, in between the cushions of sofas and car seats, in washing machines and in…

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Jewish Treats

Giving With a Full Heart

There is a well-known adage that asserts that “It is better to give than to receive.” When you do give, make sure to give with a full heart. This week’s Torah portion, Terumah, begins…

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Jewish Treats

President Warren Harding

In honor of President’s Day, Jewish Treats presents a quick look at the relationship of President Warren Harding (1865–1923) and the Jews. Although Harding may be criticized for…

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Jewish Treats

Say Cheese!

For decades, the word "Polaroid" was synonymous with 60 second instant photography, in an era when film canisters were removed from the camera and developed into photographs by a third…

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