Chayei Sarah 5785-2024
“Reaching Out to Family Members” (updated and revised from Chayei Sarah 5765-2004) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Chayei Sarah, the aged Abraham instructs…
A Historical Overview of Jews in Morocco
Jews have lived in Morocco for thousands of years. Jewish nomadic tribes integrated into all aspects of Moroccan life even before the Mohammedan conquest of Morocco in the 7th century.…
The Jewish Experience in Morocco
Study the history of the Jewish experience in Morocco and their survival throughout the generations despite the many trials and tribulations they faced.
Visiting The Sick
“It was taught: There is no measure [of reward] for visiting the sick. What is meant by, ‘there is no measure for visiting the sick?’ Rabbi Joseph thought to explain that: Its reward is…
Make an Impact
If there is someone you know who is ill, try to visit them and, think of ways to lift their spirit and let them know that you have them in mind in your prayers. To learn more about the…
Jewish Work in Diabetes
Not so long ago, diabetes was often thought of as a “Jewish disease.” This was before doctors and scientists understood genetics. The idea of diabetes as a “Jewish disease” also pre-dated…
Be Healthy
Be conscious about how your diet affects your health. Remember, staying healthy is a mitzvah!
The Chazon Ish
Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz, known as the Chazon Ish, was considered to be one of the most important rabbinic voices in Europe and Israel in the period before World War II and its…
Jewish Leaders to Emulate
Study the history of sages recognized as religious leaders of the Jewish people who are presumed to possess not only superior Torah knowledge but also live lives of righteousness and…
The Little Terror
While some athletes are known to be Jewish only because of their Jewish-sounding last names, others wear their Jewish identity on their shirtsleeves – or, in the case of Alphonse Halimi,…
Know Your Jewish Athletes
Calculate how many Jewish athletes you can name who have been highly successful in competitive sports.
Vayeira 5784-2024
“The Benefit of Broad-heartedness” (updated and revised from Vayeira 5765-2004) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald ֹ In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeira, we read of the miraculous birth of…
In Honor of Veterans Day- A Jewish War Hero Remembered
Sammy Dreben, “The Fighting Jew” (1878-1925), was a new immigrant from Russia to the United States when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. It’s ironic that one of the main reasons that Dreben…
Honor Their Memory
As today is Veterans Day, honor those who fought for and helped protect our way of life.
Who Was Hagar?
Stating simply that Hagar was the second wife of Abraham and the mother of Ishmael simplifies an incredibly complex character whose emotions and motivations are fleshed out in the Oral…
Learn More About the So-Called Minor Biblical Personalities
Every individual included in the Torah is intended to teach us a lesson. Investigate and delve into all the Biblical characters, especially those less well known. There is much to glean…
Kristallnacht
Kristallnacht, literally the "Night of Crystal," but generally translated as the "Night of Broken Glass," was a tragic turning point in the fate of Germany’s Jewish community. The…
Never Again
Recent acts of antisemitism in this country and the tragic events that have unfolded in the last 13 months in Israel remind us of the words found in the Passover Hagaddah: "In each…
Spiritual Compass
Today, November 6th, is yet another odd, seemingly random holiday that has grown out of the internet age: “Marooned without a Compass Day.” While the name of the day may seem quaint and…
Israel On Our Minds, Our Minds On Israel
To better appreciate Judaism's connection to the land of Israel from a legal, historical, philosophical, ethical and spiritual perspective, watch these fascinating and captivating videos…
Go Vote! It’s an American and Jewish Value!
Voting in free and fair elections is one of the most profound privileges that Americans and citizens of other democratic countries enjoy. Almost 700,000 American soldiers* have died in…
Go Vote!
In addition to engaging in a patriotic and civic act, voting may also help determine the policies which you value.
Lech Lecha 5785-2024
“Was Hagar Abused?” (updated and revised from Lech Lecha 5765-2004) by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Lech Lecha, we are introduced to the great patriarch and…
A Candy Treat
While most people would not be surprised at the Jewish back-story of Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews, they might not realize just how deeply involved Jews were in the development of the early…
Check the Wrapper
While everybody loves great candy, be sure to check the candy wrapper to determine if it includes a proper Kosher symbol.
The Month of Mar-Cheshvan
Today and tomorrow are Rosh Chodesh, and tomorrow is the first day of the month of Mar-Cheshvan, which is the eighth month of the Hebrew calendar (the count of the months begins with…
Time to Focus
Since the new month of Mar-Cheshvan does not contain any Jewish holidays, seize the opportunity to attend a class, lecture series or begin studying the weekly Torah portion to enhance…
His Tricks Were Quite a Treat
It is commonly acknowledged that the magician and escape artist Harry Houdini (1874-1926) set the standard for all performing magicians to come. Many people are also aware of the fact…
Marvel at the Artistic Accomplishment of Jewish Performers
Many Jews have been trailblazers in the entertainment industry. Take pride in their accomplishments.
Three Times Strong
One of the beautiful aspects of Jewish living is that it often strives to bring together the spiritual and the practical. Judaism is a growth-oriented religion. At the same time, it is…