The Four Mitzvot of Purim
Purim is celebrated on Tuesday, March 10 (beginning at sunset on March 9). Four mitzvot are associated with the holiday: Megillah Reading - Book of Esther – The Megillah is read twice on…
Wash and Dry
The miracles of modern science have made us aware of the vast world of micro-organisms that previous generations never knew existed. We now know that there are good bacteria that help us…
Hail to the Chief
“A blessing for the czar? Of course. May God bless and keep the czar... far away from us.” So jokes the rabbi of Anatevka during the opening number of Fiddler on the Roof. This was a real…
It’s Not A Big Chicken
It is now November, and if there is one thing that is guaranteed to be in supermarkets in November, it’s turkey! In fact, many supermarkets even give them away to promote large purchases…
Travelin’
Ever feel nervous just before the start of a trip? Ever have sleepless nights before boarding an airplane? Perhaps these hesitations connect back to a time when travel, whether by road or…
Watch What You Say
One of the greatest figures in early-twentieth century Jewish life was a modest rabbi known as the “Chofetz Chaim” (Translation: He who desires life), in honor of his first published…
Military Trappings
On October 22, 1973, the tenuous ceasefire between the Israelis and the Egyptians attempting to end the Yom Kippur War, was broken. As a result, the Israel paratroopers captured the road…
Is Chanukah Really Eight Days?
Tonight is the eighth night of Chanukah, known as “Zot Chanukah,” a reference to the Torah portion that is read on the eighth day of Chanukah. Chanukah is set apart as an eight-day…
The Four Mitzvot of Purim
This year, Purim will be celebrated beginning Wednesday evening, March 16th after sunset, and continue through, Thursday March 17th. Four mitzvot are associated with the holiday: Megillah…
Jokes On Us
In honor of the upcoming “Joke Day” which is on July 1st: “Knock. Knock” “Who’s There?” “Jewish” “Jewish Who?” “Jewish Treats”….Ok, not so funny, but, when you get to the bottom of…