Teshuva: To Where Are We Returning?

The process of introspection and repentance in order to accomplish transformation really begins a month before Rosh Hashana, with the advent of the Hebrew month of Elul. During this…

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A Phoenix in Bnei Brak

Fifty-five years ago, corresponding to the 20th of Elul, which is today, Rabbi Joseph S. Kahaneman, known to the world as the “Ponevezher Rav,” passed away. Fifty-five years ago,…

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Forgiveness: An Elul Treat

Many people feel that the three most difficult words to say, in any language are: "I am sorry." Yet, we all know how very important those words are. Indeed, a person saying they are…

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Shoftim 5784-2024

“The Extent of Rabbinic Authority” (updated and revised from Shoftim 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Shoftim, 41 new Torah laws, are…

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Cover Your Ears

The Talmud, in tractate Yoma 9B states that the Second Temple was destroyed because of Sinat Chinam, baseless hatred. Today, on Tisha b’Av, Jewish Treats takes a closer look at the…

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Va’etchanan 5784-2024

“The Jewish Attitude Toward Intermarriage” (updated and revised from Va’etchanan 5765-2005)   by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald  This week’s parasha, parashat  Va’etchanan, is chock-full…

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Immersing the Vessels

When shopping for common kitchen items, a person typically does not ask the sales clerk, “Who manufactured them?” But, this information determines whether or not that individual must…

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Matot-Masei 5784-2024

“Taking a Stand Against the Banality of Evil” (updated and revised from Matot-Masei 5766-2006) by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald  Parashat Matot, the first of this week’s double parashiot,…

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Feast of Weeks

Shavuot, which we begin celebrating next Tuesday night (June 11th), is the only holiday listed in the Torah without the date on which it is to be observed. Rather, the Torah states that…

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Make Me the High Priest

The Talmud (Shabbat 31a), relates the strange story of a non-Jewish man who wished to convert to Judaism in order to ultimately become the High Priest of Israel. He believed that, in this…

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