Jewish Treats

Chag Ha’matzot

The name of the holiday “Passover,” is an allusion to God’s passing over the Israelite households during the plague of the firstborn, a critical element in the events of the Exodus. The…

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Jewish Treats

Accepting Wisdom

“Ben Zoma said: ‘Who is wise? One who learns from all people, as it is said (Psalms 119:99): 'From all those who taught me, I gained understanding'” (Pirkei Avot/Ethics of the…

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Jewish Treats

The Marquess of Reading

There have been few Jews included among the peerage of the United Kingdom, and only one who was awarded the title of Marquess. Sir Rufus Daniel Isaacs, the Marquess of Reading, was born…

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Jewish Treats

Lag Ba’Omer

The period of mourning* (for the 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva who died of plague) associated with Sefirat Ha’omer is not observed on the 33rd day of the Omer, a day known…

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Jewish Treats

Chag Ha’matzot

The name of the holiday “Passover,” is an allusion to God’s passing over the Israelite households during the plague of the firstborn, a critical element in the events of the Exodus. The…

Read More

Jewish Treats

In A Challenging Situation

There’s a famous pithy saying that “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” This American proverb is understood as a tribute to those who step forward and take charge when faced…

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Jewish Treats

Invitation To Give Thanks

The verse found in Deuteronomy 8:10, “You shall eat, be satiated and bless God,” is the source of the biblical mandate to recite the Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals, also known in…

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Jewish Treats

Homestead Bride

The Homestead Act of 1862, which was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln on May 20, 1862, opened up a huge swath of the western United States to settlement. In order to claim…

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Jewish Treats

Curse You – Not!

In a perfect world, one would never feel such intense anger at another person that one would actually wish them harm. Alas, we do not live in a perfect world. When emotions run high, some…

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Jewish Treats

Using A Live Virus

Mention the polio vaccine and most people think of Jonas Salk. The fact is, however, that the polio vaccine used today is actually based on the work of another Jewish physician, Albert…

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