L’Chaim

Fiddler on the Roof made the Jewish drinking toast “L’Chaim” - To Life! - famous. Where does the phrase come from? Why do Jews say “To life!” when drinking? Many concepts in Judaism can…

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Put On A Happy Face

"When one shows his teeth [smiles] to his fellow man, it is better than giving him milk to drink" (Talmud Ketubot 111b). How does the song go? “When you’re smiling the whole world smiles…

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L’Chaim

Fiddler on the Roof made the Jewish drinking slogan “L’Chaim” - To Life! - famous. Where does the phrase come from? Why do Jews say “To life!” when drinking? Many concepts in Judaism can…

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The Mother of Women’s Basketball

As today is International Women’s Day, Jewish Treats highlights some of the many accomplishments of Senda Berenson, the mother of women’s basketball, who revolutionized women’s athletics.…

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Vayeira 5770-2009

"Hospitality at Its Finest" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald At the conclusion of last week's parasha, parashat Lech Lecha, we learn that, at age 99, Abraham had undergone the painful…

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The Fast Of Gedaliah (Tzom Gedaliah)

Tzom GedaliahThe Fast of Gedaliah Table of Contents What When Do’s & Dont’s What The Fast of Gedaliah is…

Bo 5769-2009

"It's Payback Time!" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In the concluding chapter of this week's parasha, parashat Bo, G-d commands Moses to inform the people to sanctify the firstborn. The…

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Ki Tisah

Ki TisahIn the parasha, Parashat Ki Tisah, we read of the infamous episode of the Golden Calf.In preparation for the…

Kee Tisah 5765-2005

"Shabbat as a Priority in Jewish Life" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Although there are many dramatic moments in the latter parts of parashat Kee Tisah, the early parts of the parasha…

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v’Zot Habracha-Simchat Torah 5770-2009

"The Confluence of v'Zot Habracha and the Holiday" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The festival of Simchat Torah, the rejoicing with the Law, is one of two major festivals during which we…

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