Breslov
Jewish Treats is pleased to share the oft-quoted words of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov: “To always be happy is a great mitzvah.” These famous words of Rabbi Nachman have inspired the…
Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Rabbi Nachman of Breslov declared that it is a great mitzvah to always be in a state of happiness. So go ahead and smile!
Navy Man
Jewish Treats presents a biography of Uriah P. Levy, the U.S.’s first Jewish commodore. Born in Philadelphia in 1792, Levy took to the seas early (some sources report that he was 10 and…
Patriotic Americans
Endeavor to learn about Jews who have acted heroically in the defense of our country.
Tzav 5784-2024
“Do Sacrifices Have Any Relevance for Us Today?” (updated and revised from Tzav 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Tzav, continues the Torah’s…
Purim Again?
Unique to the Jewish calendar, the festival of Purim is actually observed on different days depending on a person’s location. The majority of the Jewish people celebrate Purim on the 14th…
Divine Providence
Bring the spirit of Purim into the rest of your year by looking for the subtle Hand of God in your daily life.
Who Was Mordechai?
There are some people in this world who always seem to be right in the thick of the action. As described in the Book of Esther, this was Mordechai. It is Mordechai’s cousin, Esther, who…
Celebrate Purim!
As today is Purim, remember to hear the Megillah, give matanot la’evyonim, gifts to the poor, mishloach manot, a gift of food to a Jewish friend or neighbor and prepare or attend a seudat…
The Sabbath of Remembering
This Shabbat is Shabbat Parashat Zachor, the Sabbath of Remembering. The Torah portion that is read as the Maftir (additional) portion, after the conclusion of the regular weekly Torah…
Remember!
Whether the English "Remember," the Hebrew "Zachor" or the Yiddish "G'denk," it is a sacred obligation of all Jews to remember our past in order to move forward meaningfully into any…
The Four Mitzvot of Purim
This year, Purim will be celebrated beginning Saturday evening, March 23rd, and continue through the following day, Sunday, March 24th. Four mitzvot are associated with the holiday:…
Make it a Meaningful Purim
Consider following a directive from Maimonides for the celebration of Purim: In his Mishneh Torah (Laws of Megillah and Chanukah 2:17), he writes: “It is preferable to spend more money…
The Fast of Esther
The Fast of Esther will be observed tomorrow, March 21st which coincides with the 11th of Adar on the Hebrew calendar. While the Fast of Esther is normally observed on the 13th of Adar,…
Set Your Calendar
The joyous celebration of Purim begins this coming Saturday evening. Plan your schedule so you’ll be able to hear the Megillah read both on Purim evening and on Sunday, Purim day.
The History Around Purim
The story of Purim takes place at the very end of the era known in Jewish history as the Babylonian Exile. King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian legions destroyed the Temple and…
Study the History of Persian/Iranian Jews
Make the effort to study the history of the Jewish presence in Persia and the rich traditions of Persian Jews today (mostly in exile).
Vayikra 5784-2024
“Parashat Zachor: 'Hating as a Mitzvah'" (updated and revised from Vayikra 5763-2003) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Since the festival of Purim will be celebrated this coming Saturday…
The Purim Story in Under 300 Words
At the end of an 180-day feast, Achashverosh, the King of Persia-Media, banished (some say, executed) his wife Vashti for refusing to appear at his banquet. He then staged an elaborate…
Get Ready For Purim
To prepare for Purim, register today to attend NJOP Director Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald’s inspirational Purim Workshop on Wednesday, March 20th at 7:00 PM EDT. To learn more about the…
In-House Audit
Reading news reports about financial misconduct should definitely be shocking. Alas, since it is an all-too-common occurrence, most of us merely sigh in disgust and move on with our…
Full Transparency
Whether you are responsible for maintaining records of public funds or running a private business, take heed of the Torah’s description of the full accountability and transparency of the…
Finally Buried
On the 4th of Adar 1307, corresponding to today’s Hebrew date, the Maharam of Rothenburg was buried in the Jewish cemetery in Worms, fourteen years after his death. The rabbi’s remains…
Great Jewish Scholars
Study the history of great Jewish scholars, who, throughout the generations, have served as spiritual leaders guiding the Jewish community.
The Origins of Formal Jewish Education in the United States
Today, thankfully, there are hundreds of Jewish elementary schools in the United States that teach both Judaic and general studies. The paradigm for this movement was the founding of…
The Critical Importance of Jewish Education
Vigorously support Jewish education, whether formal or informal, primary or secondary, for novices or advanced rabbinical students.
Jews in Mauritius
In the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of Africa, is the island nation of Mauritius. Despite the general absence of Jews in Mauritius in the past, there is enough of a Jewish community…
Study Jewish History
Appreciate the acts of kindness performed by several Jewish organizations in South Africa, which supplied both food and religious items to the Jewish community on the island of Mauritius.
Pekudei 5784-2024
“Building an Everlasting Sanctuary” (updated and revised from Pekudei 5768-2008) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Pekudei, we are told that, at long last, all…
When Adar Begins
Today is the first day of Adar Sheni, the month of second Adar. Since this year is a leap year, a second month of Adar is added to the calendar. The Talmud (Ta’anith 29a) states regarding…