Unique to the Jewish calendar, the festival of Purim is actually observed on different days depending on a person’s location.
The majority of the Jewish people celebrate Purim on the 14th…
It’s our wake-up call. As today is Rosh Chodesh Nissan, the first day of the month of Nissan, Passover is only two weeks away.
The intensive physical and emotional preparations for…
Like almost all festival meals, the Passover seder begins with Kiddush, the sanctification of the day over a cup of wine. On Passover, however, the first cup of wine is followed by three…
Aside from purchasing the items that you will need for your seder table, watch NJOP’s Passover Seder 101 web series featuring Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald. Click here for 15 short videos…
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth, for your love is better than wine. Because of the fragrance of your goodly oils, your name is ‘oil poured forth.’ Therefore, the maidens…
The Jewish people have often been cast as the proverbial “scapegoat.” When millions died during the Black Plague, the Jews were accused of poisoning the wells. Blood libels accusing Jews…
“The Counting of the Omer and the Celebration of Israel’s Independence”
(updated and revised from Emor 5763-2003)
by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald
This week’s parasha, parashat Emor,…
