Celebrate Purim
As today is Purim, remember to give Matanot La’evyonim, gifts to the poor, Mishloach Manot, a gift of food to a Jewish friend or neighbor and prepare or attend a seudat Purim, a festive…
Kee Tisah 5783-2023
“The Story of Esther--Making Choices for Jewish Destiny” (updated and revised from Kee Tisah 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Because the joyous festival of Purim will be…
The Four Mitzvot of Purim
This year, Purim will be celebrated beginning this evening, March 6th after sunset, and continue through tomorrow, Tuesday, March 7th. Four mitzvot are associated with the holiday:…
The History Around Purim
The story of Purim takes place at the very end of the era known in Jewish history as the Babylonian Exile. King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian legions destroyed the Temple and…
Study the History of Persian/Iranian Jews
Make the effort to study the history of the Jewish presence in Persia and the rich traditions of Persian Jews today (mostly in exile).
The Purim Story in Under 300 Words
At the end of a 180-day feast, the King of Persia-Media, Achashverosh, banished (some say, executed) his wife, Vashti, for refusing to appear at his banquet. He then staged an elaborate…
Tetzaveh 5783-2023
“Keeping the Priests Humble” (updated and revised from Tetzaveh 5764-2004) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week’s parasha, parashat Tetzaveh, we read, in rather minute…
Live Long And Prosper
Every “Trekkie” knows that Spock’s Vulcan salutation is accompanied by a strange hand gesture. What many don’t realize is that Leonard Nimoy who played Spock, borrowed this symbol from…
Popular Culture References
Express Jewish pride when popular cultural references find their source in Jewish tradition and wisdom.
What Wood?
A large portion of the Book of Exodus describes the lengthy instructions for the building of the Mishkan (the portable Tabernacle) and its actual construction. Among the many fascinating…