Everyone Does the Wave

One of the main mitzvot of the holiday of Sukkot is the waving of the Four Species: citron (etrog), palm branch, myrtle and willow. Trying to understand this mitzvah metaphorically, our…

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These Lights We Kindle

While the mitzvah of lighting the menorah is an outward-focused mitzvah – the menorah is lit in a window or doorway – it is also an opportunity for personal reflection on the deeper…

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Setting the Seder Table

Before beginning the seder this Wednesday night, it is important to make certain that everything necessary is available. No seder table is complete without the following: 1) Three…

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The Importance of Dad

In honor of Father’s Day, Jewish Treats presents this classic Treat on the importance of a father. Where does a child learn to be a mentsch (a decent person)? From his/her parents!…

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Seeking God in Elul

In anticipation of the High Holy Days and during the High Holy Days themselves, Psalm 27 is read twice daily from the beginning of the month of Elul through the entire holiday of Sukkot,…

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All That’s Left

August 13th is annually celebrated as “Left Hander’s Day.” Most Lefties, also known as “southpaws” due to the orientation of baseball stadiums in regard to the sun, are proud of their…

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Everyone Does the Wave

One of the main mitzvot of the holiday of Sukkot is the waving of the Four Species: citron (etrog), palm branch (lulav), myrtle (hadassim) and willow (aravot). Trying to understand this…

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Singing Praises

“…The prophets of the Jewish people ordained that the Hallel be recited on special occasions and celebrations [like Yom Tov], and at times of national deliverance from peril, in gratitude…

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Vanity of Vanities

Most people are unknowingly familiar with the beginning of the third chapter of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) because of the 1965 hit song by The Byrds: “To everything – turn, turn, turn/There…

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These Lights We Kindle

While the mitzvah of lighting the menorah is an outward-focused mitzvah – the menorah is lit in a window or doorway – it is also an opportunity for personal reflection on the deeper…

Read More