Honor The “Hoary Head”
Senior Citizen Day, an annual event observed on August 21st, is a day meant to both honor both older citizens and to remind the government that seniors are a large and powerful…
Educating American Girls
When Vichna Kaplan (1913–1986) arrived in America in 1937, her experiences confirmed the country’s reputation as a place where Jewish religious life was in danger. This was particularly…
No Holiday as Joyous
Tu b’Av (The Fifteenth of Av), which is today, is no longer the well-known holiday on the Jewish calendar that it was in ancient times. In fact, the Talmud states that: “There were no…
Eikev 5784-2024
“Understanding Birkat Hamazon, the Grace After Meals” (updated and revised from Eikev 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Eikev, we are told of the…
A Whispered Line
The Shema is both a prayer and a statement of the most fundamental aspect of Jewish theology: God’s oneness. The words of the first line of the Shema are found in this week’s Torah…
Remember to Whisper
When reciting the Shema, whether in the morning or in the evening, remember to recite the words Baruch shem k’vod malchuto l’olam va’ed" (‘Blessed be the name of His glorious kingdom for…
Sir Moses Montefiore
Sir Moses Montefiore (1784-1885) had an extraordinary impact on the world. Beginning a career in general business, Montefiore quickly gained one of the 12 brokers’ licenses that were set…
Leading by Example
Learn more about much-admired philanthropists like Sir Moses Montefiore, who not only support, but also perform good deeds on behalf of the Jewish community, and emulate their ways.
Fyvush
There are certain entertainers who are known by their first name, such as Matisyahu, Madonna, Cher, Eminem, etc. Others are known by their first name, despite widespread knowledge of…
Yiddish Theatre
Learn about the Yiddish theater which was a staple of the Jewish immigrant experience in the early years of the 20th century.