Bereshith 5781-2020

“The Origins and Meaning of Evil” (updated and revised from Bereshith 5762-2001) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald   After 9/11 and the World Trade Center terrorist bombings, we thought…

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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…

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The Four Mitzvot of Purim

This year, Purim will be celebrated beginning Wednesday evening, March 16th after sunset, and continue through, Thursday March 17th. Four mitzvot are associated with the holiday: Megillah…

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Isru Chag

The day after vacation is often a time of distraction and disorientation. The same is true of the day following a religious holiday, especially after one of the week-long holidays…

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Jokes On Us

In honor of the upcoming “Joke Day” which is on July 1st: “Knock. Knock” “Who’s There?” “Jewish” “Jewish Who?” “Jewish Treats”….Ok, not so funny, but, when you get to the bottom of…

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Kiss and Make Up

Today, August 25th, is the anonymously anointed “National Kiss and Make Up Day.” These modern “holidays” have little historic meaning, but Jewish Treats would be remiss in not noting that…

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The Five Prohibitions of Yom Kippur

“…on the tenth of the month, you shall afflict your souls and do no work at all…for on that day God will forgive you and cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before God”…

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The Month of Mar-Cheshvan

While today and tomorrow are celebrated as Rosh Chodesh, today is actually the last day of the month of Tishrei and tomorrow is the first day of Mar-Cheshvan, which is the eighth month of…

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Chanukah and Divine Order

Chanukah always overlaps with at least one Shabbat (if not two), and since Chanukah begins on the 25th of Kislev and lasts for eight days, the holiday always coincides with the…

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The Four Mitzvot of Purim

This year, Purim will be celebrated beginning this evening, March 16th after sunset, and continue through tomorrow, Thursday, March 17th. Four mitzvot are associated with the holiday:…

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