Completing the Cycle of Talmud
In August 1923, weeks before the High Holidays, Rabbi Meir Shapiro, dean of the Chachmei Lublin Yeshiva in Poland, proposed that the entire Jewish world study a daily folio of Talmud (a…
Bloomies
When one thinks of the common denominator of many of the upscale national clothing store chains in the U.S., one finds that many have Jewish names, such as Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks…
The Tenth of Tevet, Asarah b’Tevet
And it was in the ninth year of [King Zeddekiah’s] reign, in the tenth month, on the tenth (day) of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, came, he and all his legions, upon…
Time for Contemplation
Set aside a few quiet moments each day to appreciate all the goodness that God has bestowed upon you. While taking time to contemplate life, it’s important to consider how best to face…
Show Compassion
Learn from Rabbi Nadich, the first Advisor on Jewish Affairs to the Commander of U.S. Forces in Europe, the importance of showing compassion for those less fortunate and taking concrete…
Focus on Your Blessings
Transform feelings of jealousy by focusing on the blessings you have in your life. According to the Midrash, the Matriarch Rachel, referred to in in Hebrew as Rachel Emeinu, and in…
Study the Torah
Set aside time to study the Torah each week to gain a better understanding of the Jewish heroes and heroines and their impact upon Jewish history. While the story about Dinah’s abduction…
Make it a “Great Shabbat”
Celebrate Shabbat Hagadol by learning more about Passover traditions and rituals. On this Shabbat HaGadol, the Haftarah, drawn from the final book of the prophets, Malachi describes that…
Naso 5783-2023
“Our Brother, Our Sister--the Proselyte” (updated and revised from Naso 5764-2004) By, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Naso, we learn of an intriguing law…
Time for Study
In order to demystify an otherwise difficult Biblical passage, set aside time to delve into the commentaries to appreciate the deeper meaning of the text. In this week’s Torah portion,…