Pidyon Ha’ben – Redeeming the Firstborn
“You must redeem the firstborn of a person…when he is one month old, for the value of five silver shekels” (Numbers 18:15-16). God sanctified the firstborn male Israelites when He…
Word Magic
Did you know that the origin of the magical word “Abracadabra” is Hebrew? Well, it is! Therefore, you may enjoy today’s Jewish Treat highlighting the etymological connection of some…
Full Transparency
Whether you are responsible for maintaining records of public funds or running a private business, take heed of the Torah’s description of the full accountability and transparency of the…
The Four Mitzvot of Purim
This year, Purim will be celebrated beginning Saturday evening, March 23rd, and continue through the following day, Sunday, March 24th. Four mitzvot are associated with the holiday:…
Remember!
Whether the English "Remember," the Hebrew "Zachor" or the Yiddish "G'denk," it is a sacred obligation of all Jews to remember our past in order to move forward meaningfully into any…
Who Was Mordechai?
There are some people in this world who always seem to be right in the thick of the action. As described in the Book of Esther, this was Mordechai. It is Mordechai’s cousin, Esther, who…
Breslov
Jewish Treats is pleased to share the oft-quoted words of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov: “To always be happy is a great mitzvah.” These famous words of Rabbi Nachman have inspired the…
How Now, Red Cow
Every year, on the first or second Shabbat following Purim, a special reading from Numbers 19 is added to the regular Shabbat Torah reading. Known as “Parashat Parah,” the Torah reading…
The Other Hand Washing
It’s been a lovely meal, from the fresh-baked French bread to the sinful chocolate mousse — every bite. All that is left to do is to recite Grace After Meals (Birkat Hamazon), thanking…
Parasha of The Month
This Shabbat we will read Parashat HaChodesh, the Sabbath of “the Month.” The Torah portion that is read as the Maftir (additional reading) after the conclusion of the reading of the…