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…
Three Times the Charm
Consider taking on a new mitzvah, going for a daily walk or "unplugging" from mobile devices for an hour each day, and you may find that the more you do it, the more likely it is that it…
The First Rabbi in America
The first ordained rabbi to serve in an American congregation was Rabbi Abraham Joseph Rice (originally Reiss, 1800-1862). After studying in Germany, in Wurzburg and then Fuerth, Rice was…
Noah 5785-2024
“Eleven Lessons from Noah’s Ark” (updated and revised from Noah 5765-2004) By Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Noah, we read of the great deluge that inundated…
No Stumbling Blocks Please
In honor of World Blindness Awareness Month, Jewish Treats explores the Torah admonition and prohibition, “Do not put a stumbling block before the blind” (Leviticus 19:14). On the…
Be Considerate
In honor of World Blindness Awareness Month, and following the Torah's directive, take care to avoid actions that place literal and spiritual stumbling blocks before others.
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah
The holiday of Shemini Atzeret, literally the “Gathering of the Eighth,” is a connected, yet independent holiday that immediately follows Sukkot, which begins tonight. During the seven…
Chag Sameach
NJOP and Jewish Treats wish you and yours a hearty Chag Sameach (Happy Holiday!), as we celebrate the joyous holidays of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. The upcoming joyous festival of…
The Great Hoshana
One of the names that Rosh Hashana is known by is Yom Hadin, the Day of Judgment, on which God judges every person. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the day on which God finalizes His…
Grab the Opportunity
Perform an extra good deed or mitzvah on Hoshana Rabbah to improve your chances of being granted a year full of blessing.
Bereshith 5785-2024
“P’roo Ur’voo--Jewish Attitudes Toward Procreation” (updated and revised from Bereshith-Simchat Torah 5765-2004) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald For some parents, the greatest gift in life…
Rejoicing For The World
Among the unique rituals performed on the holiday of Sukkot were the additional offerings that were sacrificed in the ancient Temple. On the first day of the holiday, 13 young bulls were…
Happy for Rain
Be especially thankful when it rains enough for your land to flourish and all of your water needs are met.
The Sukkot Hoshanot Service
Walk into a traditional synagogue in the middle of morning services during the week of Sukkot and you might have to take care not to be trampled upon by the circle of congregants who are…