Tetzaveh 5774-2014
“The Choshen–the Breastplate of the High Priest” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Tetzaveh, focuses primarily on the priestly vestments, the garments worn by the…
Tetzaveh 5769-2009
"The Urim and Tumim--The Mysterious Priestly Accessory" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Tetzaveh, is concerned primarily with the vestments of the priests.…
Pekudei 5771-2011
"The Meaning of the Priestly Vestments" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Pekudei, opens with a full accounting of the precious metals-–gold, silver and…
Are There Limitations to Window Shopping?
As today is known as “Black Friday,” the biggest shopping day of the year, Jewish Treats will discuss a halachic (Jewish legal) issue regarding shopping. Window shopping is an accepted…
Jokes On Us
“Knock. Knock” “Who’s There?” “Jewish” “Jewish Who?” “Jewish Treats”....Ok, not so funny, but, when you get to the bottom of it, April Fools Day (or All Fools Day) is hardly a Jewish…
Tetzaveh 5767-2007
"Details, Details and More Details" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Parashat Tetzaveh continues the Torah's focus on the innumerable details of the Mishkan--the portable Tabernacle that…
Kee Teitzei 5774-2014
“Restoring Lost Possessions--Revisited” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Among the 74 commandments (47 negative and 27 positive) that are found in parashat Kee Teitzei is the mitzvah of…
The Ba’al Ha’turim
Spain in the Middle Ages was home to scholars of great renown such as Abraham ibn Ezra (1089 - c. 1164), Judah ha-Levi (1086-1145), Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (Maimonides/Rambam 1135-1204)…
Hey Cuz!
Today is celebrated as “Cousins Day.” Those whose parents have siblings, often have many great memories from shared family events, enjoyed in the company of cousins. With access to the…
Jokes On Us
“Knock. Knock”“Who’s There?”“Jewish”“Jewish Who?”“Jewish Treats”....Ok, not so funny, but, when you get to the bottom of it, April Fools Day (or All Fools Day) is hardly a Jewish holiday.…