Holiday Greetings
The standard pre-Rosh Hashana greeting of “K’Tiva Va’Chatima Tova,” May you be written and sealed for good, is deduced from a Talmudic discussion concerning the three heavenly books that…
Send Your Best
On behalf of NJOP, Jewish Treats would like to wish all of our fans and followers “L’shana Tova Tikatayhvu," may we all be inscribed for a year of good health and happiness. To better…
Tashlich
The popular Rosh Hashana tashlich ritual is a tradition that is dear to all the many diverse Jewish communities. Tashlich literally translates as, “You will throw.” But what, exactly, is…
Visit a Body of Water
Make an effort over Rosh Hashana to visit a local fish-filled body of water (lake, river, stream, ocean, etc) in order to perform tashlich. If you are unable during the holiday, the…
Weekly Message,Haazinu,Rosh Hashana
Rosh Hashana/Haazinu 5785-2024
“Jewish Normal, Is Not Very Normal” (updated and revised from Haazinu-Rosh Hashana 5774-2013) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Haazinu, Moses, speaking to the…
Avinu Malkeinu
No prayer so thoroughly captures the Jewish people’s dual relationship with God as does the prayer Avinu Malkeinu, “Our Father, Our King.” While Avinu Malkeinu is a prayer widely known to…
Our Father Our King
Seize the opportunity to approach God in prayer by recognizing the dual nature of His status as both Our Father and Our King.
Selichot
In addition to the unique prayer services of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, the High Holidays are known for one other service: selichot. A collection of religious poems and verses, selichot…
Appealing for God’s Mercy
As we prepare for the upcoming High Holidays, contemplate the words of the "Thirteen Attributes of God’s Mercy" and recognize the opportunity that we all have to come closer to God. With…
Symbolic Foods
Since Rosh Hashana is the Day of Judgment, it is customary to eat simanim*, foods with symbolic meanings that invoke God’s blessing. We also recite a short prayer before eating them.…
Shop Now
With Rosh Hashana less than a week away, learn more about and purchase some of the special simanim, the symbolic foods that are eaten on Rosh Hashana, so you will be able to recite the…
Annulment of Vows
“I swear that this time I will lose weight.” “I am going to pray every day…” We make promises all the time. We swear that we are going to do something, and then hope that we will be in a…
Be Careful What You Promise to Do
The annual annulment of vows reminds us how careful we need to be when we speak. This is especially true before promising to do something.
Teshuva: To Where Are We Returning?
The process of introspection and repentance in order to accomplish transformation really begins a month before Rosh Hashana, with the advent of the Hebrew month of Elul. During this…
Recall a Better Time
When engaging in introspection during this time of year, try to recall and “return to” a time you are proud of in your past.
Vayeilech,Nitzavim,Weekly Message
Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5784-2024
“Choosing Life” (updated and revised from Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5763-2003) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald There’s something very distinctive about the arrival of the Jewish New Year. Whenever…
A Phoenix in Bnei Brak
Fifty-five years ago, corresponding to the 20th of Elul, which is today, Rabbi Joseph S. Kahaneman, known to the world as the “Ponevezher Rav,” passed away. Fifty-five years ago,…
For the Love of Torah
Learn how the Ponevezh Yeshiva was built in Bnei Brak, Israel and became an outstanding Torah institution.
Saying Amen
The word “Amen” seems to be one of those words associated with prayer throughout the Judeo-Christian culture, but what does it mean? The response Amen at the end of an oath or a prayer…
The Significance of Saying Amen
Don’t miss an opportunity to recite "Amen" to a blessing as it represents an affirmation that the statement made in the blessing is in fact true. In this week’s Parsha, Kee Tavo, we…
Paying the Pledge
It is easy to pledge money to an organization. There are an astounding number of well-intentioned non-profits that send mailings or solicit donations over the phone or by email. There are…
Keeping Your Word
Make certain to take stock of any outstanding pledges which you might owe and fulfill your pledge.
The Five Names of Rosh Hashana
In Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashana has several names that can help us understand the importance and power of this holiday. Rosh Hashana, which begins two weeks from tonight, on Wednesday…
What’s in a Name?
Study the five different names of Rosh Hashana and develop a deeper appreciation for the meaning and significance of each as they pertain to the holiday.
Article VI
September 17th is Constitution Day, in honor of the ratification of the United States Constitution in 1787. The Constitution was a radical document at that time, and one of its unique…
National Gratitude
Be grateful for living in a country that protects an individual's freedom of religion.
Kee Tavo 5784-2024
“Contemporary Implication of an Ancient Ritual” (updated and revised from Kee Tavo 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In our message for parashat Kee Tavo for…
Forgiveness: An Elul Treat
Many people feel that the three most difficult words to say, in any language are: "I am sorry." Yet, we all know how very important those words are. Indeed, a person saying they are…
Time to Say “I’m Sorry”
ln the run-up to the High Holidays, use the month of Elul proactively by approaching those you may have wronged and ask them for forgiveness.
Positive Thinking
One of the new holidays that has gained traction due to internet calendars is “Positive Thinking Day,” celebrated this year today, on September 13th. With a little more than than two…