Neilah: The Final Serevice
While one may make requests of God or atone for transgressions at any time of the year, the first ten days of Tishrei (from Rosh Hashana through Yom Kippur) are considered particularly…
Four Steps of Repentance
In order to fully understand Yom Kippur, it is important to look deeper at the Jewish concept of teshuva, “repentance.” Teshuva is actually a process of self-evaluation and…
New Years Resolutions
Today, Jewish Treats looks at the Jewish nature of some of the most common New Year's Resolutions: 1. Lose Weight/Start Exercising/Eat Healthy Food: The mitzvah of saving a life……
No More Nightmares
There are many causes for bad dreams: anxiety, stress, indigestion, and, in very rare cases, a message from the Divine The sages were aware of the fact that a bad dream can have a…
Will I Forgive You for What!?
An ancient Jewish proverb declares: “Loose tongues are worse than wicked hands.” Truth is, people do the most damage to each other with their mouths. Things done with our hands, such as…
We’re Not Taking Care of Business
On Shabbat, the Jewish people are commanded: “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is Shabbat for the Lord your God; you shall not do any work” (Exodus…
Improve Your Odds
Use this Shabbat, known as Shabbat Shuva, to contemplate how to repent for prior transgressions and how to improve going forward. The famous Talmudic statement; "In a place where…
Words have Impact
Be aware of the words you choose to avoid transgressing the prohibition of slandering others. Words have a huge impact, and if we’re not careful, our hurtful words can lead to serious…
Taking Stock and Moving Forward
Utilize this Shabbat, known as Shabbat Shuva, to contemplate how to repent for prior transgressions and how to improve going forward. We are taught in Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers,…
Chukat 5765-2005
"Moses gets Battered by the Commentaries" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Chukat, we learn of the sin of May Meriva, Waters of Rebellion, where both…