The Jews of Brazil
The Jewish community of 21st century Brazil is much like that of other South American Jewish communities. The Brazilian Jewish community is diverse, consisting of Ashkenazim and…
Before Bagels On Broadway
During the 2016 election, a presidential candidate uttered the words, “New York values,” and was accused of referring pejoratively to New York Jews. Of course, he denied the allegation.…
Before Bagels On Broadway
There is no doubt that New York is home to the largest Jewish community outside of the State of Israel, with a population well over one million. But, who was New York’s first Jew? That…
He Gave Us Curious George
Today, September 16th, is the birth date of the father of the famed children’s book series Curious George. Hans Augusto Reyersbach, better known as H.A. Rey, was born on this day in 1898…
Deep in the Caribbean
The thought of a Caribbean vacation readily arouses lovely fantasies as the cold days of winter set in. Consider, perhaps, a trip to Curacao, where one can enjoy sun and surf and also…
The First Jew in the Colonies
When does American Jewish history begin? Some would say that it begins in 1492, when Columbus set sail on his historic voyage accompanied by at least one known Jewish crew member (Luis de…
An Island Community
As the chill of winter settles in, Jewish Treats brings you warm thoughts of the Caribbean - of Barbados to be exact. The first known Jews to arrive on Barbados were refugees from the…
Heard About the Jews in Suriname?
Located on the north-east coast of South America, Suriname has a small Jewish community with a long history. Today, this smallest of South American countries has approximately 200 Jews,…
Terumah 5766-2006
"Make for Me a Sanctuary, And I Shall Dwell in Their Midst" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Terumah, G-d tells Moses to instruct the Jewish people to…
America’s First Synagogue
In 1656, Shearith Israel, the first synagogue was established in the territory that came to be known as the United States. The synagogue, also known as the Spanish and Portuguese…