Written for Their Sons
Imagine traveling forward 500 years in time and discovering multitudes of people studying something you had written for your child. Imagine walking into a bookstore and finding multiple…
Plan Ahead
In addition to sumptuous food and playing with friends, it behooves those responsible for children to identify spiritual pursuits for children as well, be they prayers, or Torah study.
Always (Kosher) Coca Cola
I’ll bet you have never heard of the Pemberton Medicine Company! But, perhaps you have heard of the company into which it was incorporated on January 15th, 1889? That would be the…
Is it Kosher
Be sure to always check for proper kosher certification of a food item, even one with which you are familiar, because sometimes ingredients or the manufacturing process may change, which…
Balak 5785-2025
“The Enemy Within” (updated and revised from Balak 5767‑2007) by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald One of the most intriguing and perplexing patterns found in Scripture is the frequent emergence of…
Magen David Adom
The opportunity to save a life (hatzalat nefashot) is one of those unique events that may never occur in a person’s lifetime. Today, Jewish Treats salutes those who often risk life and…
To Save a Life
If you are able, train to become an EMT or paramedic and, if you have one in your local community, consider volunteering for the Hatzalah organization, which offers life-saving services…
Modern Day Maccabees
Forty-nine years ago today, on July 4, 1976, the Israeli military freed 106 hostages, consisting of 94 passengers and 12 crew members, whose Paris-bound Air France Airbus, which…
Honor America’s Value on July 4th
Think about the old adage, "Freedom is not free" on this Independence Day. Discuss America's enduring values with those with whom you spend Independence Day. In the 5th chapter of Pirkei…
The Truth About Mitzvot
It is recorded in the Midrash Rabbah that Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai was once confronted by a man who challenged him about the purifying ritual of the Red Heifer (click here for details)…
For the Mitzvah
Embrace the experience of doing mitzvot for the joy of doing them and for knowing that this is the heart of Jewish life.
Does the Torah Support the Belief in Extraterrestrial Life?
Today, July 2nd, is celebrated world-wide, as "World UFO Day." On July 2, 1947, W.W. “Mac” Brazel discovered a metallic object on his Roswell, New Mexico ranch. The U.S. government…
There’s Work To Do
Before contemplating life in the vast beyond, focus your energy on fixing the world we inhabit.
Appointed by Trudeau
In honor of Canada Day (July 1st), Jewish Treats proudly presents a brief biography of the first Jewish member of the Canadian Supreme Court, Bora Laskin (1912–1984). Born in Fort…
Happy Canada Day
Recognize the many positive contributions that Jewish Canadians have made to their country.
Chukat 5785-2025
“The Excesses of Rationality” (updated and revised from Chukat 5767‑2007) One of the most common issues raised when analyzing a Torah text is the question of “juxtaposition”: Why does a…
Jewish Treats-Free To All
On June 30, 2008, the first Jewish Treat was published, and, at the time, there were fewer than 50 subscribers. Today, we are proud to say, that over 5,000 people receive Jewish Treats in…
Share the Wealth
If you enjoy receiving Jewish Treats, share them with a friend.
The Rebbe
Jews worldwide observe the yahrzeit (anniversary of death) of the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of blessed memory, on the 3rd of Tammuz, which will be…
Do a Mitzvah
If there's any universal message the Chabad movement would want transmitted in memory of the Seventh Rebbe, it would be to perform mitzvot (good deeds) and connect Jewishly. In the fourth…
Filene’s Credit Union
On June 26, 1934, Congress passed the Federal Credit Union Act, allowing for the creation of what is now known as CUNA (Credit Union National Association). While there were many factors…
Use Your Talent
If you have a special talent that will enable you to create an organization or infrastructure that will "give back" to the community, go for it!
Virginia is for Lovers…of Israel
While cities like Charleston, Philadelphia and New York contained Jewish communities during the pre-revolutionary period, Virginia, the largest of the colonies, did not. Individual Jews…
Study the Jewish History of Virginia
Before you travel to or through Virginia, learn about its rich Jewish history.
His Wife Saved His Life
In this week’s Torah portion, Korach, we learn that Ohn, the son of Pelet, was a Reubenite who fell under the sway of a rebellious Levite named Korach. Korach felt that a great injustice…
Be Your Own Person
If you feel the actions you are taking aren't leading you where you want to go, don't be afraid to change paths.
Korach 5785-2025
“The Lesson of the Fire-pans” (updated and revised from Korach 5766-2006) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Korach, Korach, Datan, Abiram and the 250 leaders…
Protecting Widows
Today, June 23rd is the official date recognized by the United Nations as International Widows Day. The day was first observed in 2005, and, in 2010, it was ratified by the U.N. to…
Be Especially Considerate
On International Widows Day, be especially careful to adhere to the Torah’s admonition to not cause pain to the widow (Exodus 22:21).
She Brought Them Home
There were many heroes involved in the incredible effort to secretly bring thousands of imperiled Jews from Europe after the war to the Land of Israel despite the British blockade. More…