Those Who Can Teach and Do
Among the many wise statements recorded in Pirkei Avot/Ethics of the Fathers is the following from Rabbi Ishmael the son of Rabi Yosi: “He who learns in order to teach will be enabled…
Mitzvah Study
Consider learning how to observe a new mitzvah that is not currently part of your life today. In the 4th chapter in Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers, Rabi Eliezer Ben Yaakov states:…
Jews and the American Revolution
In honor of July 4th, Independence Day, Jewish Treats would like to share some of the contributions made by two Jewish patriots who helped shape the fledgling nation. In 1776 there were…
The Jewish Contribution to a Fledgling Nation
Today, on Independence Day, study American history to better appreciate the important contributions made by American Jews to business and commerce during the early years of this country…
Tooning Machines
There are not many people whose names appear as a dictionary entry, and even fewer whose names have become adjectives. As of 1966, however, the name "Rube Goldberg" took on an official…
Cut to the Chase
Rather than choose a complicated way of getting things done, use the most efficient means to accomplish your goals.
Does the Torah Support the Belief in Extraterrestrial Life?
Today, July 2nd, is celebrated worldwide as "World UFO Day." On July 2, 1947, W.W. "Mac" Brazel discovered a metallic object on his Roswell, NM ranch. The U.S. government claimed that it…
Fix This World
Before contemplating life in the vast beyond, focus your energy on fixing the world we inhabit.
Korach 5784-2024
“Lessons from the Rebels” (updated and revised from Korach 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Korach, we learn of the infamous rebellion of Korach…
A Trap of Wealth
If I were a rich man…The most important men in town will come to fawn on me…When you’re rich they think you really know… The now classic words from the Broadway show “Fiddler on the Roof”…
Remain Humble
If you are fortunate to be successful, be grateful for your success and try not to flaunt it.
Fashion Statement
In Numbers 15:38, God commands the Jewish people to “make themselves tzitzit on the corners of their garments, throughout their generations.” Additionally, it is written in Deuteronomy…
Wearing Tzitzit
There is more than meets the eye. Study the Torah portion and its commentaries to learn the deeper meaning and significance of tzitzit. While the Torah admonishes a person in this week’s…
The Great Rae Landy
Today, Jewish Treats honors Rae Landy. To Rachel “Rae” Landy, nursing was far more than a job, it was a “calling.” Born in Lithuania on June 27, 1885, she came to America when she was 3…
Recognizing Heros
Remember to thank nurses for their wonderful work, especially for their heroic efforts if you or a loved one benefited from their assistance during an illness.
Making it Transfusable
In 1901, Karl Landsteiner (June 14, 1868–June 26, 1943) who was born Jewish but later converted out, discovered that people have different types of blood, and by 1909 he was able to begin…
They Saved Lives
Learn more about Jewish researchers like Karl Landsteiner, Alexander Solomon Wiener and Philip Levine who made lifesaving blood transfusions possible.
Out To Sea
In honor of International Seafarers Day, Jewish Treats takes a brief look at seafaring in the biblical canon. The patriarchs and matriarchs were total “landlubbers.” In fact, the closest…
Teach Them First
Before planning a day out on the water, in a boat or otherwise, be sure to first teach your children to swim.
Shelach 5784-2024
“Bread Alone” (updated and revised from Shelach 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald As the name of the parasha indicates, שְׁלַח לְךָ--send for yourself, this week’s parasha focuses…
Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel
The death of Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel, which occurred in 70 CE, on 20 Sivan, is part of the well-known and tragic episode of the deaths of the Ten Martyrs, that is included in the liturgy…
Learn More
Learn more about Torah scholars such as Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel to better appreciate their significant contributions to Jewish learning and leadership of the Jewish community.
Ethics of the Fathers
Ethics – it’s a big word in our day and age. Between political corruption and financial misdeeds, it is easy to wonder what ever happened to even the most basic ethical standards.…
Study an Ethical Blueprint
Study Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers, and recognize how much there is to glean from this incredible ethical blueprint. In the second chapter of Pirkei Avot, there is an especially…
Ice Cream Soda Day
With the summer solstice arriving today, let us contemplate one of summertime’s favorite heat-quenching beverages. June 20th is Ice Cream Soda Day. The ice cream soda, sometimes called an…
Elevate Your Beverage
Remember to recite the following blessing before enjoying your thirst-quenching beverage.
What A Player
Today marks 178 years since the first official game of baseball was played on June 19, 1846. In honor of this anniversary, today’s Jewish Treat presents a brief biography of a unique…
On and Off the Baseball Field
Given that baseball is America’s national pastime, collect fun trivia about Jewish players who played the game, especially those players who succeeded off the field.
World Sauntering Day
In Jewish life there is great admiration for a character trait known as z’reezut, which is often translated as "zealousness." The word z’reezut actually comes from the root…
Opportunity Knocks
When you have the opportunity to do a mitzvah, don't hesitate.