When God told Abraham "Lech Lecha", meaning "Go forth," He wasn't simply telling him to pack his bags and head to a new land. He was inviting Abraham to begin a deeply personal journey of discovery, growth and purpose.
Abraham's story, which we read in this week's Torah portion, reminds us that spiritual growth doesn't require leaving our past behind. Sometimes it simply means having the courage to take the next step.
What's one small step you could take to make your own Jewish journey more meaningful?
jewishtreats.beehiiv.com/p/t…
$32 million raised to stand up against antisemitism and hate!
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft brought together more than 800 guests, including Tom Brady, Jon Bon Jovi and leaders from the worlds of business, sports and faith, for the inaugural Blue Square Alliance Against Hate gala in New York City.
The star-studded evening raised a record-breaking $32 million to fight antisemitism and discrimination, proving that the Jewish community has powerful allies willing to stand up and make a difference.
Via @jewishinsider.
jewishinsider.com/2026/10/ro…
After a busy week of work, responsibilities and endless to-do lists, Shabbat is almost here to remind us that it's okay to slow down, step away from the hustle and simply enjoy the moment.
A time to rest, recharge, reconnect with loved ones and appreciate the blessings around us.
What's one thing you're looking forward to leaving behind when Shabbat begins?
Torah or modern education? Rabbi Azriel Hildesheimer refused to choose!
On this day in 1873, he founded a groundbreaking Berlin seminary. The Nazis shut it down in 1938, but 70 years later, his vision was reborn and the yesiva was resestablished with the support of the Central Council of Jews in Germany and the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation, and with the blessing of two of Hildesheimer's great-grandsons.
jewishtreats.beehiiv.com/p/t…
Parents put so much thought into their children's Jewish education leading up to their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Then, for many families, Jewish education and engagement suddenly take a back seat until college.
But what about the years in between?
In a thought-provoking @JewishJournal opinion piece, Masha Merkulova explores why we need to pay more attention to keeping our teens connected to Jewish learning, community and identity long before they arrive on a college campus.
jewishjournal.com/commentary…
Did you catch the hidden tribute in Netflix's The Diplomat?
The new season includes a powerful, subtle tribute to Hersh Goldberg-Polin and Aner Shapira, two victims of the October 7 Hamas attack. A seemingly ordinary WWII story carries an extraordinary message of courage, sacrifice and remembrance.
A touching reminder that the stories of their heroism will not be forgotten.
timesofisrael.com/new-season…
She wrote a letter honoring the courage of WWII soldiers, inspiring a nation. Hours later, she was killed by enemy fire.
Meet Lieutenant Frances Slanger, the Jewish Army nurse who was one of the first four nurses to bravely wade ashore on the beaches of Normandy to aid the seemingly endless stream of wounded soldiers needing urgent care.
jewishtreats.beehiiv.com/p/t…
A piece of Jewish history is getting a beautiful new beginning in Venice!
After years of restoration and a £7.5 million renovation, the Jewish Museum of Venice reopens tomorrow, October 22, in the heart of the world's oldest Jewish ghetto. Founded by Holocaust survivors, the museum celebrates centuries of Jewish history, culture and resilience.
jewishnews.co.uk/venice-jewi…
Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman joined fellow stars at a Los Angeles event celebrating the Jewish people's historic connection to Israel. Hoffman even joined Israeli singer Ester Rada for “Hatikvah,” Israel's national anthem!
The evening also raised funds to help survivors of October 7 heal and rebuild.
honestreporting.com/a-welcom…
Sometimes, discovering your Jewish roots can change the course of your life.
When artist Barbara Hines' teenage son announced he wanted to convert to Judaism, a surprising family revelation uncovered a Jewish heritage hidden since the Holocaust. Her journey of rediscovery eventually led her to Jerusalem, where she found love, a new home and inspiration for her art.
A beautiful story of Jewish identity, resilience and coming home.
jns.org/feature/a-spark-from…
Think the political drama in Netflix’s The Diplomat is intense? Real-life diplomacy can have far greater consequences.
In 1917, Britain promised support for a Jewish homeland. Three White Papers later, that promise had been severely restricted, with devastating consequences as European Jews desperately sought refuge from Nazi persecution.
jewishtreats.beehiiv.com/p/t…
A remarkable Jewish leader whose influence reached millions is coming to the big screen.
As reported by the entertainment industry website @Deadline, a new documentary, The Rebbe: Emissary of Light, is now in production, exploring the life and legacy of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
The film will spotlight his vision of proudly bringing Jewish life into public spaces, including the giant Hanukkah menorahs that have become familiar sights around the world. His message of Jewish pride, education and making a difference continues to inspire generations.
deadline.com/2026/10/rebbe-d…
The skies over Israel are filling with wings!
One of nature’s most spectacular sights is returning to northern Israel. The annual autumn migration of cranes to Israel’s Hula Lake is underway, with more than 10,000 cranes counted this week alone!
jns.org/news/israel-news/fir…
Jewish Treats retweeted
A statue in tribute to Haym Solomon stands on Wacker Drive in Chicago. It has been a source of pride for Chicago Jews for many generations.
Did you know that is was a Jewish patriot who helped finance America's fight for independence?
This morning at 11 AM, a special ceremony in Philadelphia honors Haym Salomon, a Jewish hero whose financial support helped the American colonies secure victory in the Revolutionary War.
Held at historic Washington Square on the anniversary of the 1781 victory at Yorktown, the commemoration celebrates Salomon's remarkable contributions to American independence and his commitment to religious liberty.
Learn more: haymsalomon250.org/
A synagogue vandalized. Jewish-owned shops damaged. Prayer services canceled. Jews warned to conceal their identities. For France's Jewish community, the latest riots are unfolding against an already troubling backdrop of rising antisemitism.
France is home to Europe's largest Jewish community, which has faced years of antisemitic threats, harassment and violence. Even when Jewish institutions are not specifically targeted, incidents like these add to an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
@JTANews covers the unrest and its impact on France's Jews.
jta.org/2026/10/18/global/a-…
Even great scholars can admit they were wrong. Nearly 800 years ago, Rabbi Yonah of Geronah turned a painful mistake into a lasting legacy of repentance and personal growth.
On this anniversary of his passing in 1264, discover his remarkable story in today's Jewish Treat.
jewishtreats.beehiiv.com/p/t…
With a new television adaptation of John Steinbeck’s East of Eden out on Netflix, did you know that one of the most powerful ideas at the heart of this American literary classic comes straight from the Torah?
Inspired by the biblical story of Cain and Abel, Steinbeck’s novel explores the Jewish concept of free will and our ability to choose between good and evil.
Via @AishGlobal.
aish.com/east-of-eden-the-je…
What's the best way to teach the Holocaust to the next generation? That is what Jewish educators today are debating.
Do we just teach the history of how six million Jews died, or also how they lived and the Jewish life that continues to thrive today? Should they learn to recognize antisemitism and comprehend the dangers of hatred?
California is rethinking Holocaust education and raising important questions for schools nationwide.
ejewishphilanthropy.com/cali…
Did you know that is was a Jewish patriot who helped finance America's fight for independence?
This morning at 11 AM, a special ceremony in Philadelphia honors Haym Salomon, a Jewish hero whose financial support helped the American colonies secure victory in the Revolutionary War.
Held at historic Washington Square on the anniversary of the 1781 victory at Yorktown, the commemoration celebrates Salomon's remarkable contributions to American independence and his commitment to religious liberty.
Learn more: haymsalomon250.org/
As we read the story of Noah and the Ark this Shabbat, we're reminded that even after the fiercest storms, brighter days and new beginnings are possible.
Just as the rainbow became a symbol of hope and God's promise after the flood, may this Shabbat bring peace, renewal and a little extra sunshine into our lives.
Shabbat Shalom from all of us at Jewish Treats and NJOP!



