The Fast of Esther
The Fast of Esther will be observed tomorrow, March 13th which coincides with the 13th of Adar on the Hebrew calendar. “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and…
Plan Ahead
The joyous celebration of Purim begins tomorrow night. Plan your schedule so you’ll be able to hear the Megillah read both tomorrow night, on Purim evening, and again on Friday, Purim…
Costume Time
Those who first hear about the custom of wearing Purim costumes might assume that the tradition began as an imitation of Halloween. Research, however, places the origin of Halloween…
Prepare Your Purim Costumes
Choose Purim costumes that somehow relate to the Purim themes. For example, wear a mask or disguise that represents “Ve’na’haphoch Hoo,“ “and it was reversed,” or "hester panim," the idea…
Kee Tisah 5785-2025
“The Role of Aaron and the Golden Calf” (updated and revised from Kee Tisah 5766-2006) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The central focus of this week’s parasha, parashat Kee Tisah, is the…
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 (present day Iran) and the rich traditions of Persian Jews today (mostly in exile).
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 Birth and Death of Moses
One of the 13 principles of faith according to Maimonides is believing that Moses was the greatest of all the Jewish prophets. He was so great, that God feared he would be worshipped…
Humility Personified
Whether one observes the 7th of Adar as Moses' yahrzeit (anniversary of his death) or not, take a page out of Moses’ book and try and act with humility.
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…
Purim is Coming
To prepare for Purim, register today to attend NJOP Director Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald’s inspirational Purim Workshop on Wednesday, March 12th at 7:00 PM EDT. To learn more about 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.
Tetzaveh 5785-2025
“Drawing Close to G-d" (updated and revised from Tetzaveh 5766-2006) by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Tetzaveh, G-d instructs the people to make sacred garments…
Sisterhood Power
Carrie ObeCarrie Obendorfer (1872-1961) knew the power, joy and motivation of organized women since her mother founded and led the Cincinnati branch of the National Conference of Jewish…
The Sisterhood
Recognize the positive contributions made by synagogue sisterhoods upon religious life in the community.
The Divine Dwelling
In Judaism, there is a strong focus on the city of Jerusalem and the first and second Holy Temples that were built in that city. And while Jerusalem was the place God chose for His spirit…
Divine Presence
As God is everywhere, try and remember that all of our actions are performed in the presence of the Divine. While we can understand the concept of the Mishkan, a physical sanctuary where…
The Elder of Slabodka
Students who choose to study the history of the development of the twentieth century rabbinic leadership will likely come across the name “Slabodka.” The town for which the renowned…
Child Rearing Advice
Follow in the footsteps of Rav Nosson Zvi Finkel, known as “Der Alter” of Slabodka, by guiding each of your children according to their own individual growth needs and be sure to impart a…
Jewish Jeaneology
February 26th, celebrated as “Levi Strauss Day,” is the day in 1829, that marked the birth of the blue jeans icon. Born in Bavaria, Levi Strauss immigrated, along with his mother and two…
Jewish Owned Companies
Support companies owned by Jews who are charitable and govern their charity by Jewish values.
Random Acts of Kindness
An entire generation of North Americans hear the words “random acts of kindness” and immediately think of Oprah Winfrey. Without question, the former queen of afternoon television has…
Positive Impact
In the merit of the safe return of the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza, consider performing a random act of kindness by calling or helping someone who would really appreciate it.
Terumah 5785-2025
“G-d’s Love Letters” (updated and revised from Terumah 5767-2007) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Terumah, we begin a series of five parashiot that deal,…
A Comedic Original
“I once wanted to be an atheist, but I gave it up. They don’t have any holidays.” Henry “Henny” Youngman (originally Yungman) was the king of the one-liners and was one of the first…
The Best Medicine
Go ahead and use humor and laughter to lift someone’s spirits with a few good one-liners.
Judge Fairly
The Sixth Amendment in the United States’ Bill of Rights (requiring a speedy trial, impartial jury, confrontation of witnesses, council, etc) is, perhaps, one of the most difficult to…