Skeptic Questioning
Tomorrow, January 13th, is National Skeptics Day, a day that encourages people to ask questions. Those who are curious might be inclined to ask whether Judaism has any room for…
Worth the Time
Study the Talmud in order to develop a deep appreciation of the benefit of asking probing questions that can potentially lead a person to a stronger sense of Jewish faith.
Insights into the Burning Bush
The release several years ago of the motion picture Exodus: Gods and Kings is one in a long line of dramatic recreations of Biblical narratives. Such dramas have been attempted long…
Shemot 5783-2023
“The Making of a Concerned Jewish Leader” (updated and revised from Shemot 5763-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald With the close of the Book of Genesis, the story of Joseph has come to…
Blood is Life
January has been labeled National Blood Donor Month, making it an ideal time for Jewish Treats to reflect upon Judaism’s special attitude toward blood. God called the very first human…
The Tenth of Tevet, Asarah b’Tevet
And it was in the ninth year of [King Zeddekiah’s] reign, in the tenth month, on the tenth (day) of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, came, he and all his legions, upon…
A Kosher Buffet
While it seems a bit counterintuitive to have a day celebrating abundant eating the day after a national holiday, nevertheless, January 2nd is celebrated as “Buffet Day.” The concept of a…
Vayechi 5783-2022
“How Important is Timing?” (updated and revised from Vayechi 5763-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Vayechi, contains a series of exalted poetic verses…
Vayigash 5783-2022
“Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers: The Triumph of Jewish Identity” (updated and revised from Vayigash 5763-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In a very real sense, according to…
Chanukah and Divine Order
Chanukah always overlaps with at least one Shabbat (if not two), and since Chanukah begins on the 25th of Kislev and lasts for eight days, the holiday always coincides with the…