Donate
For another exciting opportunity, we have partnered with AmazonSmile. A portion of your AmazonSmile purchases will be donated to NJOP.
If you would prefer to donate by mail or through a donor advised fund you may send a check payable to NJOP:
Selecting a “Donate” link will present you with the option to use your PayPal account or donate with a card.
Dedication Opportunities
Dedications in honor of someone important in your life is an excellent means of supporting NJOP’s vital work. Below are some suggested donation opportunities that NJOP is looking to fulfill.
Jewish Treats: Dedicate a dose of “Juicy Bits of Judaism, Daily”
Jewish Treats is the Social Media Arm of NJOP. Your tax-deductible gift will help us continue to share interesting and enjoyable observations about Judaism, which we like to call “Juicy Bits of Judaism”.
Share the beauty of Jewish life by sponsoring Jewish Treats on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Multimedia Crash Course In Jewish History (CCJH)
Bring Jewish history to life in a whole new way. Help NJOP create a digital version of the CCJH.
Jewish Treats Holiday eGuides
Enable NJOP to continue enhancing the celebration of the Jewish festivals by extending our line of Jewish Treats holiday eGuides.
Reishith Binah
Dedicate a printing (1,500 copies) of Reishith Binah, NJOP’s free, widely-acclaimed Hebrew Reading primer used in conjunction with the Hebrew Reading Crash Course.
Special Edition Mini-Reishith Binah Booklets
Facilitate the printing of 10,000 copies of a special edition of the mini-Reishith Binah that will include either a selection of High Holiday prayers or the Mourners Kaddish.
Rabbi Buchwald’s Weekly Video on YouTube
Sponsor NJOP’s Director Rabbi Buchwald as he shares fascinating insights connecting Jewish life with contemporary and timely topics.
Hebrew Reading App
Sponsor the development of NJOP’s Hebrew Reading App, and enable students to learn Hebrew at their own pace.
Social Media Posters and Videos
Enable NJOP to create more inspiring virtual posters and videos to be shared on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter. These Jewish-themed graphics and videos generate thousands of shares, while instilling Jewish pride and spreading both inspiration and the Jewish Treats brand.
To discuss these or any other sponsorship opportunities, contact Larry Greenman at 646-871-0113 or [email protected].
NJOP
NJOP Blogs
Browse our archive of NJOP collections and posts.
April 24, 2020
“If These Walls Could Talk”
The cryptic "spiritual" dermatological disease of tza'ra'at differs from a…
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June 20, 2019
Ice Cream Soda Day
With the summer solstice arriving at midnight tonight, let us contemplate…
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May 6, 2019
Liturgical Songs
The poems, zemirot, and songs we sing on Shabbat and Jewish holidays were…
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February 7, 2017
Never Too Late To Educate
It is a well-known fact that Judaism places tremendous emphasis on…
0 Comments2 Minutes
February 7, 2017
Support Education
In honor of NJOP's Annual Dinner tonight, make a donation to support its…
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September 19, 2016
Michelle-2006
Michelle was a young, single mom who had just started dating Jeff, a…
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March 21, 2016
Ellen Lipkis Letter
A Note from Ellen Lipkis Dear Rabbi Buchwald, Thank you for always being…
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November 28, 2014
Something Special
If you take advantage of Black Friday sales, buy something special for…
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June 27, 2014
Bring Back Our Boys
Baruch Dayan Emet, Blessed is the True Judge. NJOP joins the world…
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March 19, 2014
Supper Choices
Find out which stores in your area carry kosher chicken.
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February 18, 2014
Look To The Stars
On the next clear night, look up at the stars and contemplate the infinite…
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February 11, 2014
Act of Support
Help support Jewish education. Donate to NJOP, the parent organization…
0 Comments1 Minute
December 2, 2013
Support Jewish Treats and NJOP
Jewish Treats is the social media arm of NJOP, a non-profit,…
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March 21, 2013
Sam Domb Book Offer
NJOP is blessed with an exceptional supporter by the name of Mr. Sam Domb,…
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December 3, 2012
Logo
When the National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP) was founded in 1987, we…
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June 20, 2012
Well It’s Been A Long Day
Today is the longest day of the year - the summer solstice. Technically,…
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June 11, 2012
Summer Camp
The end of the school year is upon us, and across the country, many parents…
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My NJOP
MY NJOP
Welcome to NJOP
Since NJOP’s founding in 1987, we have partnered with over 5,154* locations in 44* countries to bring free and low cost programming, and positive, joyous Jewish experiences to over 1,709,568* Jews.
Each Fall we work with locations throughout North America in partnering with us for Read Hebrew America and Canada, our continent-wide Hebrew literacy campaign that takes place after the High Holidays. We have dozens of programming options to be run throughout the year ranging from our flagship campaign Shabbat Across America and Canada, to our acclaimed Crash Courses in Basic Judaism and Jewish History. We also provide materials for both your Shabbat and High Holiday Beginners Service programs. A full list of our programs and classes can be found below, and most are free of charge!
So look around, and when you are ready, fill out this form to let us know which classes or programs you are interested in participating in and we will help you connect with what you’re looking for.
Jewish Treats is the social media arm of NJOP. When launched in 2008, NJOP’s social media platforms have become one of the go-to places for Jewish education and experiences on the social web. Find us at JewishTweets on Twitter, the Jewish Treats Facebook Page, on Instagram, our Pinterest Boards and YouTube Channel.
*Figures as of 12/20.
Attend a Class or Program
Participate in NJOP’s Renowned Programs and Classes
Discover Even More Resources From NJOP
Community
Community
Resources and programs for rabbis, Jewish educators and synagogue representatives
Welcome NJOP Partners
Since NJOP’s founding in 1987, we have partnered with over 5,127* locations in 44* countries to bring free and low cost programming, and positive, joyous Jewish experiences to over 1,706,552* Jews, many of whom were previously unaffiliated, or marginally affiliated.
Each Fall we work with locations throughout North America in partnering with us for Read Hebrew America and Canada, our continent-wide Hebrew literacy campaign that takes place after the High Holidays. We have dozens of programming options to be run throughout the year ranging from our flagship campaign Shabbat Across America and Canada, to our acclaimed Crash Courses in Basic Judaism and Jewish History. We also provide materials for both your Shabbat and High Holiday Beginners Service programs. A full list of our programs and classes can be found below, and most are free of charge!
So look around, and when you are ready, fill out this form to let us know which classes or programs you are interested in offering at your location and we’ll have your regional program coordinator contact you to finish the registration process. Remember, the NJOP programming team is here to help every step of the way.
*Figures as of June 2020.
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Jewish Treats
Jewish Treats
New blog posts each weekday sharing interesting and enjoyable observations about Judaism, called “Juicy Bits of Judaism.” These bite-sized facts and actions are easy to digest and are a great way to make a daily connection to Judaism in about two minutes.
Explore the world Jewishly with these enticing tidbits of fun Jewish news, pop culture, history, factoids and surprising snippets of knowledge daily.
Sign up to receive Juicy Bits of Judaism, Daily.
March 4, 2021
Shabbat’s Angel Companions
In the Talmud (Shabbat 119b), Rabbi Josi the son of Judah is quoted as…
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March 4, 2021
Don’t Be Left Out
Join NJOP TONIGHT at 8:00 PM (EST) for a special virtual event about…
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March 3, 2021
Sisterhood Power
Carrie Obendorfer (1872-1961) knew the power, joy and motivation of…
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March 3, 2021
The Sisterhood
Recognize the positive contributions made by synagogue sisterhoods upon…
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March 2, 2021
The Power of Shabbat
Jewish life ebbs and flows around the celebration of Shabbat. The days of…
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March 2, 2021
Join the Celebration
Register now for Shabbat Across America and Canada at Home set to take…
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March 1, 2021
Rabin
Born in Jerusalem on March 1, 1922, Yitzhak Rabin grew up in Tel Aviv. He…
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March 1, 2021
Words Matter
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February 26, 2021
Purim Again
Unique to the Jewish calendar, Purim is actually observed on different days…
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February 26, 2021
Happy Purim Times Three!
Enjoy and rejoice on this very special day of Purim and consider that those…
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February 25, 2021
The Four Mitzvot of Purim
This year, Purim will be celebrated beginning this evening, February 25th…
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February 25, 2021
Maimonides’ Approach to Purim
Consider following directive from Maimonides for the celebration of Purim:…
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February 24, 2021
The Fast of Esther
Tomorrow, the 13th of Adar, is the Fast of Esther. “Go, gather together all…
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February 24, 2021
From Sadness to Joy
Experience the transformation tomorrow from a somber day of fasting on the…
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February 23, 2021
Rabbi Judah The Pious
Unlike so many stories one hears about famous scholars (which usually…
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February 23, 2021
Learn More
Study the Sefer Hachasidim (Book of the Pious Ones), authored by Rabbi…
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February 22, 2021
Humble Bee
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February 22, 2021
A Real Leader
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February 19, 2021
The Sabbath of Remembering
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February 19, 2021
Remembering Amalek and Haman
Prepare for Parsahat Zachor this Shabbat and for Purim this coming Thursday…
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February 18, 2021
Until 120!
According to Wikipedia, “The oldest verified person on record was French…
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February 18, 2021
Learn from Moses
Study the Torah to appreciate many of the great characteristics that Moses…
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February 17, 2021
Random Acts of Kindness
An entire generation of North Americans hear the words “random acts of…
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February 17, 2021
Make a Difference Today
In honor of Random Acts of Kindness day, be proactive and make a difference…
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February 16, 2021
Finally Buried
On the 4th of Adar 1307, the Maharam of Rothenburg was buried in the Jewish…
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February 16, 2021
Explore Jewish History
Study the history of great Jewish scholars, who, throughout the…
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February 15, 2021
Presidents’ Day: The Jews and Martin Van Buren
In 1840, the news of the terrible fate of the Jewish community of Damascus…
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February 15, 2021
Be Thankful for Freedom of Religious Practice
Appreciate the United States and its presidents who have taken public…
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February 12, 2021
Just a Half Shekel
This Shabbat is Parashat Shekalim (shekels, the Biblical monetary units).…
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February 12, 2021
You Count?
Take to heart that regardless of a person’s great wealth or the lack…
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How To Keep Kosher
Introduction
We are living in quite unusual times, especially for Jews. Remarkably, perhaps miraculously, Jews of all ages and backgrounds, are now taking steps to return to the heritage of their ancestors. Hence, the growing interest in kashruth, and kosher homemaking. While you may or may not have already decided to kosher your home, it’s important that you realize that making your home kosher is not only the fulfillment of a religious precept, but also a vital social and national action. By making your home kosher, any Jew, from anywhere in the world will feel welcome in your home, and by taking this important step, you will also be saying that you wish to identify with the Jewish people, and be a part of their cultural legacy.
One can become obsessive about almost any activity in life. Koshering one’s home can seem overwhelming, but it need not be. In fact, with all the modern appurtenances, a home can be kashered in very few hours, and even if mistakes are made, now, or in the future, they can be readily corrected. Not only your rabbi, but also many observant lay Jews are knowledgeable enough to help you, and are eager to do so.
Whatever you do, do it slowly and considerately. Ask your rabbi or a knowledgeable advisor to come to your home and explain to you exactly what is going to happen. Let him/her inspect your pantry and examine the products, and teach you how to identify kosher products and the major kosher symbols. Let the advisor review the dishes, pots, pans, utensils, silverware and indicate to you the various actions which need to be taken for kashering, which utensils may be saved and which must be discarded. Kashering your home is a bonding action with the Jewish people, past, present, and future. Be calm, relish the experience, work diligently, and before you know it you will look upon the kashering process as a wonderfully meaningful memory.
The basic principle to bear in mind when kashering is: the way the non-kosher food substances are absorbed into the walls of the utensil, that is the way it is expelled. Hence, a pot used for stewing can be kashered by boiling; a pan used for frying or baking can be kashered only by blowtorching (direct contact with heat).
How To Kasher an Oven
Gas & Electric
The most difficult item to kasher properly is the oven, because it requires an absolutely thorough cleansing. Please note the following steps in cleaning:
- The oven should not be used for twenty-four hours prior to kashering.
- Spray all internal surfaces of the oven with a chemical cleanser to remove all surface dirt.
- Disassemble the inner parts of the oven: remove grates, the shelf separating the oven from broiler, remove the entire broiler and its drawer.
- Check all of the above surfaces for dirt. Use chemical cleanser a second time, scrub with steel wool, screwdriver, and/or a scraper to remove remaining spots. Carefully check difficult areas (use a flashlight, if necessary): internal corners, door edges, the area behind the flame burners, and the grooves of the broiler tray shelves. CAUTION: Do not disturb the thermostat wire. The interior of oven should look new.
- Reassemble the oven. Set the oven dial at top heat (broil) for 1« hours. Unless the broiler tray is blowtorched (or heated in a self cleaning oven cycle) food should never be placed directly on it. Cover the tray with the aluminum foil or place food in a pot or pan on the broiler tray.
- Some have the custom of blowtorching the interior surfaces of the oven in order to assure the removal of any remaining dirt.
Self-Cleaning
Self-cleaning ovens are self kashering. Kasher the oven automatically by putting it through one full cleaning cycle, (approximately 3 hours). Don’t forget to clean the top cooking area, as indicated below.
Gas Range Tops
- Disassemble and remove spiders, burner jets, drip trays, and the entire oven top if possible.
- Clean with steel wool, soap and water.
- Clean the entire surface under top of the oven.
- Reassemble the cooking surface and ignite the fire under the spiders at top heat until they glow red (15-20 minutes). If possible, invert spiders so that they get closer to the fire source.
Electric Stove Top
Follow the above cleansing procedures. Set the electric burners on the highest setting until they glow red after a few minutes.
Cooking In A Kosher Oven
There are various customs with respect to cooking milk and meat dishes in the same oven. Some people only cook meat in their ovens, and have small toaster ovens for milk dishes.
A second custom is to wait 24 hours between the cooking of milk and meat. The most lenient custom is to wait until the oven has cooled between the cooking of milk and meat. If the milk or meat is tightly covered (e.g. aluminum foil) it is not necessary to wait. If there is any spillage of meat, the oven may not be used for milk before it is cleaned thoroughly and set at top heat, and vice versa. It is wise to line the oven bottom and check the broiler for any spillage before cooking.
Microwave
Clean the microwave oven thoroughly and put a vessel with a few ounces of water in the oven. Allow the water to vaporize into steam.
How To Kasher Silverware
Silverware made of one piece of metal can be kashered. However, any utensils with a plastic, wood, or bone handle which will be damaged by boiling water cannot be kashered. If the plastic, wood or bone will not be damaged and can be cleaned properly. it may be kashered, employing the following procedure. Clean the utensils thoroughly of food and rust (especially at the joints). Wait 24 hours. Kasher the silverware by dropping them, one by one, into a vat of boiling water. Make sure that:
- The water is actually boiling when you place the silverware in the vat (Remember, that placing the utensils in the vat often lowers the temperature of the water below the boiling point).
- Large utensils may be purged in the water, one side at a time. But make certain that the part that you are immersing is completely surrounded by water.
- Remove the utensil and rinse in tap water. Use tongs or place a soft wire basket into the pot to help with removal.
How To Kasher Pots and Pans
- Metal (not enamel or teflon) pots and pans not used for frying, which can be thoroughly cleaned, can be kashered by the boiling method described above. If there is accumulated dirt under plastic pot handles, they must be removed before kashering.
- Frying and baking pots and pans can be kashered by slowly and deliberately glowing the utensil with a blowtorch,by placing them in a self-cleaning oven during a full cleaning cycle (not advised). It is usually very difficult to kasher them correctly. If possible, replace these utensils with new ones.
How To Kasher A Sink
A sink made of metal can be kashered by rinsing every square inch of the sink with boiling water (the water must be boiling right before you pour it.) Porcelain sinks cannot be kashered. In both instances it is wise to purchase plastic sink tubs, one for milk dishes and one for meat dishes.
How To Kasher Counters
Counters made of nonporous material can be kashered. (Anything porous like butcher-block counter must be sanded down and then kashered.) Simply follow the procedure applicable to sinks. It is preferable not to place hot utensils directly on the counters.
How To Kasher Dishes
China, earthenware, porcelain, corningware, corrella, pyrex, duralex enamel, glazed stoneware, may be kashered only by reglazing in a kiln at 900 F for one minute, or in a self-cleaning oven for an entire cycle. Extreme caution should be exercised since very delicate items may not be able to withstand the intense heat. Valuable porcelain dishes which were not used for one year, may, in consultation with your rabbi, be kashered by dipping in boiling water 3 times.
Glassware used for cold, or for tea and coffee may be kashered by soaking in room temperature water for 72 hours, changing the water every 24 hours.
How To Kasher A Refrigerator
A refrigerator may be made kosher by thoroughly cleaning with soap and water.
The Mikvah
Metal and glassware utensils used in preparing and serving food require immersion in a Mikvah (ritual pool).
Kosher
Kashruth in the 21 century is far more than a religious ritual. It is, in effect, a profound bond that unites Jew to Jew, a most meaningful tether that secures an individual to a nation, it is the sacred energy that connects a people and a nation to its very essence.
Recipes
We know you want the good stuff, skip ahead to all the great Kosher recipes on NJOP.
Kosher
Learn more about keeping Kosher and browse our collection of delicious recipes.
Resources
Discover the resources, exciting programs and interesting stories here on NJOP.
The Case For Keeping Kosher
The Case For Keeping Kosher
Kashruth – An Interpretation for the 21st Century
by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald
The recent growth in the observance of kashruth – Jewish dietary laws, despite their great antiquity, is rather unexpected. At a time when many Americans have distanced themselves from tradition, the rise in demand for kosher food is particularly surprising. But more remarkably…
Kosher
Kashruth in the 21 century is far more than a religious ritual. It is, in effect, a profound bond that unites Jew to Jew, a most meaningful tether that secures an individual to a nation, it is the sacred energy that connects a people and a nation to its very essence.
Recipes
We know you want the good stuff, skip ahead to all the great Kosher recipes on NJOP.
Kosher
Learn more about keeping Kosher and browse our collection of delicious recipes.
Resources
Discover the resources, exciting programs and interesting stories here on NJOP.
Rabbi Buchwald's Weekly Torah Message

Rabbi Buchwald's
Weekly Torah Message
Each week, NJOP’s founder, Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald, shares with you his fascinating insights on the upcoming parasha, the weekly Torah portion.
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