The Great Shabbat

This Shabbat, the Shabbat immediately preceding Passover is known as Shabbat HaGadol, the Great Shabbat. It is best known for being the Shabbat on which the rabbi of the community (or…

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Searching for Chametz

On Passover, Jews are commanded to get rid of all “chametz” (leaven) which may be in their possession. It is not unusual to begin cleaning and scrubbing the home weeks before the holiday.…

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Seek the Answer

The Four Questions (Mah Nishtana – What makes it different?) is one of the most famous features of the Passover seder. In Ashkenazi homes, these four questions are recited by the youngest…

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Chol Hamoed

Most holidays in Western society last for a single day, which is often extended into the weekend. And, while most people are aware that Chanukah is celebrated for eight days, many people…

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The Song of Songs

“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth, for your love is better than wine. Because of the fragrance of your goodly oils, your name is ‘oil poured forth.’ Therefore, the maidens…

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Seven Days to the Sea

The Passover celebration lasts seven days in Israel and eight days, outside of Israel. (For more information as to why, please click here). The first day (and second, outside of Israel)…

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Isru Chag

The day after vacation is often a time of distraction and disorientation. The same is true of the day following a religious holiday, especially after one of the week-long holidays…

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Einstein’s Jewish Life

Albert Einstein, whose yahrzeit is the 26th of Nissan (Saturday), is one of the most admired men in history. His name and his face are almost universally recognized, and his scientific…

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The Occident

In honor of World Press Freedom Day, May 3rd as declared by the United Nations General Assembly, Jewish Treats takes a quick glance at the first* general Jewish periodical in the United…

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