The Purim Story in Under 300 Words
At the end of an 180-day feast, Achashverosh, the King of Persia-Media, banished (some say, executed) his wife Vashti for refusing to appear at his banquet. He then staged an elaborate…
Get Ready For Purim
To prepare for Purim, register today to attend NJOP Director Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald’s inspirational Purim Workshop on Wednesday, March 20th at 7:00 PM EDT. To learn more about the…
In-House Audit
Reading news reports about financial misconduct should definitely be shocking. Alas, since it is an all-too-common occurrence, most of us merely sigh in disgust and move on with our…
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…
Finally Buried
On the 4th of Adar 1307, corresponding to today’s Hebrew date, the Maharam of Rothenburg was buried in the Jewish cemetery in Worms, fourteen years after his death. The rabbi’s remains…
The Origins of Formal Jewish Education in the United States
Today, thankfully, there are hundreds of Jewish elementary schools in the United States that teach both Judaic and general studies. The paradigm for this movement was the founding of…
Jews in Mauritius
In the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of Africa, is the island nation of Mauritius. Despite the general absence of Jews in Mauritius in the past, there is enough of a Jewish community…
Pekudei 5784-2024
“Building an Everlasting Sanctuary” (updated and revised from Pekudei 5768-2008) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Pekudei, we are told that, at long last, all…
When Adar Begins
Today is the first day of Adar Sheni, the month of second Adar. Since this year is a leap year, a second month of Adar is added to the calendar. The Talmud (Ta’anith 29a) states regarding…
Pre-Purim Workshop on Zoom
New Purim Class on Zoom this MarchJoin NJOP for an exciting class on Zoom to help prepare you for Purim! Forward to a…