The Disputation of Paris
The month of June, in the year 1240 C.E. was not a good time for the Jews of Europe. The trouble began with a Jewish apostate named Nicholas Donin. Wanting, perhaps, to prove his loyalty…
How Fortunate
Consider how lucky we are today to be able to study Jewish texts freely, in multiple languages, with full translation.
Shelach 5785-2025
“Who was Caleb?” (updated and revised from Shelach 5766-2006) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Parashat Shelach is probably the most heartbreaking parasha in the Torah. It is in this weekly…
Kosher Vacation
Wherever you plan to be on vacation this summer, be sure to search for kosher restaurants and kosher fare.
Heading to the Catskills
As the summer holiday season begins, Jewish Treats presents a mini-biography of Jennie Grossinger, who was once called “the best-known hotel keeper in America.” Her drive and her hosting…
The Importance of Dad
In honor of Father's Day, Jewish Treats presents this classic Treat on the importance of a father. Where does a child learn to be a mentsch (a decent person)? From his/her parents!…
Celebrate Father’s Day
Reach out to a father you admire and wish him a Happy Father’s Day.
The Importance of Flag Day
Tomorrow, June 14th is celebrated as Flag Day throughout the United States. On this day in 1777, the Second Continental Congress adopted the “Stars and Stripes” as the flag of the United…
Proudly Fly the Flag
Show your patriotism and proudly fly the Stars and Stripes. It's a symbol of a great nation, with great values. The great Jewish sage, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, z”l, who lived in America…
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…
Saving Lives
Learn more about Jewish researchers like Karl Landsteiner, Alexander Solomon Wiener and Philip Levine, who made lifesaving blood transfusions possible.
Anomalies and Interpretations
The writing of a Torah scroll is an incredibly intricate process. To write a Torah, the scribe must not only be meticulous and devout, but must know all of the many laws associated with…
Hidden Meaning
Dedicate time to the study of the weekly Torah portion to uncover the hidden meanings behind the text.
The Might of the Pen
The fact that today is National Ballpoint Pen Day offers Jewish Treats the opportunity to introduce Laszlo Biro, the Hungarian-Jewish inventor of the now ubiquitous ballpoint writing…
Don’t Lose the Ballpoint
While it has become more common today to record your "to do" list on your smart phone, take a moment to marvel at the ingenuity of the ballpoint pen invented by Hungarian Jew, Laszlo…
Latrun: Battles for the Hilltop
Today, the hilltop of Latrun, just 15 kilometers west of Jerusalem, is a popular commemorative site that features an armored corps museum. This landmark, which was once the location of a…
Recognize the Good
Recognize how fortunate we are, that for a people that had been wandering stateless for so long, we now have the State of Israel and its Law of Return, which affords every Jew in the…
B’ha’a’lot’cha 5785-2025
“With G-d as our Guide” (updated and revised from B’ha’a’lot’cha 5766-2006) By Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat B’ha’a’lot’cha, we are told that the travels of…
Keeping Ethical
Pirkei Avot is commonly translated as “Ethics of the Fathers” because many of its statements focus on ethical behavior. For those striving to be ethical, “Nittai the Arbelite says: Keep…
Good Neighbors
When considering a move to a new home, be sure to do your “due diligence,” and inquire whether your prospective neighbors are upstanding individuals. Never underestimate the critical…
The Jews’ Hospital of New York
Healthcare is a topic that is frequently in the news these days, and is a major part of the current public discourse. Before it became standard practice for governments to fund public…
Kosher Food
If you or a family member require hospital care, ask whether kosher food is available.
Equal Tribes
Each of the twelve tribes of Israel descended from one of Jacob’s twelve sons, and each had distinct qualities for which they were renowned. The tribe of Issachar, for instance, was known…
You Are Unique
Think of different characteristics and qualities that make you unique!
Naso 5785-2025
“A Lesson from the N’seeim--the Tribal Leaders” (updated and revised from Naso 5766-2006) By Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s Torah portion, parashat Naso, is almost always read on…
Shavuot 5785-2025
“Appreciating Shavuot” (updated and revised from Shavuot 5766-2006) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Of all the major holidays and festivals of the Jewish people, the one that is least known…
Preparing for the Torah
Shortly after the Israelites encamped at the base of Mount Sinai, they agreed to accept the Torah and do all that God had commanded. And so, God declared that He would bring Himself, in…
Prep Time
Use this Shabbat and this Sunday, erev Shavuot, both part of the Sh’loshet Y’mei Hagbalah, the three days that precede Shavuot, to learn more about, and to delve into the wisdom of the…
Cheesecake At Midnight
The holiday of Shavuot has three well-known, and well-loved, customs: Decorating our Homes and Synagogues with Plants and Flowers: According to the Midrash, at the time of the giving of…
Shavuot is Coming
Decorate, bake and set aside Jewish study material to enhance the joyous festival of Shavuot.