Shabbat Inspiration

Tap into the wisdom found in the writings and biographies of the chassidic masters to transform your Shabbat table into a truly uplifting experience. There is much to be gleaned from the…

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Symbolic Foods

Since Rosh Hashana is the Day of Judgment, it is customary to eat simanim*, foods with symbolic meanings that invoke God’s blessing. We also recite a short prayer before eating them.…

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The Sukkot Hoshanot Service

Walk into a traditional synagogue in the middle of morning services during the week of Sukkot and you might have to take care not to be trampled upon by the circle of attendees marching…

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Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah

Tonight starts the holiday of Shemini Atzeret, literally the "Gathering of the Eighth," a connected, yet independent, holiday that immediately follows Sukkot. During the seven days of…

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Add Light!

Looking at this week's horrific events in Israel and the tragic loss of life, catastrophic injuries and the unknown whereabouts and condition of the many hostages taken by the terrorists,…

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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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Book Respect

Because of the centrality of the Torah in Jewish life, the Jewish people are known as “The People of the Book.” Perhaps the Jewish people could also be known as “The People of the Books,”…

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Celebrating with a Parade

Name a Jewish celebration, that is not a wedding, but includes a chuppah, music and dancing. The answer is a Hachnassat Sefer Torah, literally “Welcoming the Torah Scroll,” the ceremony…

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Oh My Gosh! Passover Is Coming!

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…

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Ready, Set Seder!

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…

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