The Fast of Gedaliah (Tzom Gedaliah)

The Fast of Gedaliah is observed to commemorate the assassination of Gedaliah, the son of Achikam, which is described in the last chapter of the Second Book of Kings. This murder resulted…

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A Phoenix in Bnei Brak

Fifty-five years ago, corresponding to the 20th of Elul, which is today, Rabbi Joseph S. Kahaneman, known to the world as the “Ponevezher Rav,” passed away. Fifty-five years ago,…

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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 recited twice daily, from the beginning of the month of Elul through the conclusion of the…

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Samuel Gompers, Labor Leader

In honor of Labor Day, Jewish Treats presents a brief biography of Samuel Gompers, a man who helped transform the early American Labor Movement. Born in London, England, on January 27,…

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Rabbi Shmuel Salant

On the 29th of Av, 1909, Rabbi Shmuel Salant, Jerusalem’s Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi, for almost 70 years, passed away. Rabbi Shmuel was born in 1816 in Bialystok, then part of Czarist Russia.…

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Eikev 5784-2024

“Understanding Birkat Hamazon, the Grace After Meals” (updated and revised from Eikev 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Eikev, we are told of the…

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Pre-High Holiday Hebrew on Zoom

Pre-High Holiday Hebrew Classes on ZoomBuff up your Hebrew reading skills in time for the High Holidays with Zoom classes!…

Pinchas 5784-2024

"Whatever Became of the Sons of Korach” (updated and revised from Pinchas 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald   This week’s parasha, parashat Pinchas, opens with the Al-mighty’s…

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Balak 5784-2024

“Bilaam, Prophet to the Nations” (updated and revised from Balak 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The Jews and their philosophers have long been troubled by the concept of the…

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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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