World Hello Day
In 1973, Brian and Michael McCormack created World Hello Day as a reaction to the Yom Kippur War (what is this reference to YK war?). College students at the time, the brothers started a…
The Flying Rabbi
On October 24, 2011, a memorial to 14 Jewish chaplains of the United States Armed Services was dedicated in Arlington National Cemetery. The 14 Jewish chaplains whose names were inscribed…
Sukkot Across America 2022 Application
Please complete the application below to be considered for a Sukkot Across America grant. Please note that this does not guarantee acceptance. You will be notified by NJOP if you are…
Start Preparing
As we approach the onset of the Jewish New Year, consider the multifaceted nature of Rosh Hashana, with its distinct names, and determine the positive changes you plan to make during this…
Mezuzah: Complete Fulfillment
A mezuzah on the doorpost is a public sign of a Jewish home. If you open the decorative container of the mezuzah, you will find a piece of parchment with two sets of Hebrew verses from…
Minsk, Pinsk and Dvinsk?
Dvinsk, also known as Daugavpils or Duenaburg, is Latvia’s second largest city, situated 140 miles southeast of Riga, Latvia’s capital (Dvinsk is the city’s Russian name). Dvinsk became a…
The Month of Av
The months of the Jewish year are called in the Torah by number only (the first month, second month, etc.). Over time, during the exile, the months assumed the names given to them by host…
Lions and Jerusalem Day
The original city of Jerusalem, conquered by King David from the Jebusites, is now known as Ir David, situated in the Silwan neighborhood, south of the Temple Mount. Over time, Jerusalem…
They Make Us Laugh
When the hit comedy Funny People was released in movie theaters (2009), it was frequently noted in the Jewish press that almost all of the comic actors in the film, including the…
Va’eira 5782-2021
“Can We Question G-d and Get Away with It?” (Updated and revised from Va’eira 5762-2002) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Va’eira, opens with G-d’s response to…