The Bird of Thanks
On Thanksgiving day, it is customary in the United States to eat a turkey dinner. The Hebrew word for turkey is “tar'negol hodu,” literally, an “Indian Rooster.” It came by this…
NJOP – A History
It all began in December 1975, when Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald, then the Educational Director at Lincoln Square Synagogue in Manhattan, launched the now acclaimed "Beginners Service." As…
Lift Them Up
Share a joke or two with a friend or family member going through a rough period to lift their spirits and make them laugh! NJOP will be featuring comedian Elon Gold at our upcoming…
On the Blech
Challah, chicken soup, gefilte fish, kugel, chamin/cholent...the delightful foods associated with Shabbat are seemingly endless. Perhaps they are so delightful because the Shabbat foods…
The Appeal
“One who studies the Torah and teaches it in a place where there is no wise man is like the myrtle in the wilderness, which is precious” (Rosh Hashanah 23a). Since the 1990s, the internet…
For the New Month
As both tonight, the last night of the month of Shevat, and tomorrow night, the first night of Adar I, are treated as Rosh Chodesh, prepare something special for dinner to mark the…
Something Special
As both tomorrow night, the last night of the month of Shevat, and Friday night, the first night of Adar I, are treated as Rosh Chodesh, prepare something special for dinner each night to…
Seven Blessings-Sheva Brachot
A couple just starting their lives together inspires joy and hope, and everyone wants to wish them success. These blessings of good will are so important to a new couple that the Jewish…
The Afikomen
Those who have attended a Passover Seder know that one of the most beloved Seder traditions is the hiding* of the afikomen, a specially designated half-piece of matzah. But what exactly…
Nice Invitations
“Rabbi Meir used to say: A man should not urge his friend to dine with him when he knows that his friend will not do so. And he should not offer him many gifts when he knows that his…