Checkmate
In honor of International Chess Day and former Jewish chess master, Samuel Reshevsky, who won many U.S. Championships, find some time today to enjoy a game of chess.
Va’etchanan 5781-2021
“Loving the Land of Israel” (Updated and revised from Va’etchanan 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s Torah portion, parashat Va’etchanan, is an extremely rich parasha.…
Tisha b’Av
This Saturday night at sunset, the saddest day on the Jewish calendar begins. Known as the Fast of the 9th of Av (Tisha b’Av), the observances of the day are very similar to Yom Kippur,…
Gain Clarity and Wisdom
To gain clarity and a deeper understanding of a passage in the Talmud, be sure to study Rashi’s commentary and those of the Ba’alei Tosafot, some of whom were his progeny. Study the…
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…
Preparing for the Nine Days
The Mishna, in Tractate Ta’anit 27b, teaches that when the month of Av begins, we curtail our joy. Study this overview to prepare for the upcoming “Nine Days” that begin with the onset of…
Herzl’s Vision of Haifa
International air travel today can be frustrating, annoying and anxiety-provoking. Because of the extra costs of traveling to and from airports, navigating the heightened security…
Always (Kosher) Coca Cola!
I’d bet you never heard of the Pemberton Medicine Company! Perhaps you have heard of the company into which it was incorporated on January 15th, 1889? That would be the Coca Cola Company…
Make a Difference in This World
Study Torah and find ways to improve and perfect the world that we inhabit. Learn more in the second Mishna of the first Chapter of Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers about the three…
In Celebration of Thirteen Years
Every person has special days in their life that they remember and mark from year to year, such as birthdays and anniversaries. Judaism also marks dates on an annual cycle such as…