Five Wise Sisters
Few women are mentioned by name in the Torah, and those who are, are generally the major players (i.e. Sarah, Rachel, Miriam). Yet twice in the Torah, Mach’lah, Noa, Hoglah, Milcah and…
Plan Ahead
Think ahead and put together a plan how you’d like your estate assets to be distributed. Clearly Zelophchad’s daughters were both virtuous and wise and took the initiative to advocate…
A Day to Firgun
In the age of the internet, there are an incredible number of new “holidays.” In the next few days, we “celebrate” National Caviar Day (18th), Moonday (20th) and National Junk Food Day…
Positive Thoughts
Make an active effort to look positively at the actions of your friends, relatives and coworkers.
Yiddish in Shanghai
During World War II, Japanese-occupied Shanghai, China became a haven for Jewish refugees, most notably for the students of the Mirrer Yeshiva. After the “Battle of Shanghai,” in 1937,…
Jewish Travel
On a future trip to the area, plan to learn more about the Jewish refugees of Europe including some 400 students from the Mirrer Yeshiva. Despite very difficult and trying circumstances,…
Gummi Worms, Gelatin and Jews
Today is “National Gummi Worm Day,” celebrating the popular sweet and sour candy, which was introduced on this day in its current shape by the German confectionary company, Trolli. Gummy…
Is it Kosher
Marrying the ancient kosher laws with modern day food technology and trends has made possible many different cuisines that the kosher consumer can now enjoy. Do you like Mexican food? Try…
Pinchas 5785-2025
“The ‘Zealotry’ of Pinchas” (updated and revised from Pinchas 5766-2006) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Pinchas, opens with the conclusion of the story, that…
The Antidote for Baseless Hatred
The calendrical period between the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz and the Fast of Tisha b’Av is known as Bein Hame’tzarim (in the midst of distress) and is referred to colloquially as the…
Seeing the Positive
Next time you hear something about someone who hurt you, try to find a way to see it in a positive light, even though it is difficult.
Goodly Tents
Much of Jewish life is built around community. Jews often live close to each other, in many instances with a synagogue or synagogues at the center of their neighborhoods. As important as…
Good Neighbors
Be cognizant of the sensitivities of your neighbors. The ability to recognize the greatness of neighbors and coworkers begins by first being aware and conscious of interactions with them…
Smashing the Tablets
The sages declare that five tragedies occurred on the Seventeenth of Tammuz, which is this coming Sunday, that we observe as a fast day. Days of what we might now call “bad karma” (on…
The Three Weeks
This Sunday, the fast of the Seventeenth of Tammuz, is the beginning of a period known as The Three Weeks, when we mourn the national tragedies that befell the Jewish people throughout…
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.