Jewish Treats

10/16/2026

Shabbat is almost here!

This week, as we read as we read in the Torah the story of Noah and the flood, we'll revisit the beautiful story of the rainbow, God's promise to Noah and a timeless symbol of hope and new beginnings.

In yesterday's Jewish Treat, we shared some fun ways to bring the rainbow into your Shabbat preparations.

Did anyone get inspired to try a rainbow-themed project for Shabbat? Rainbow challah, colorful treats or something else? We'd love to hear about it or see your creations!

Wishing everyone a colorful, meaningful and peaceful Shabbat ahead!

10/15/2026

There’s more to a rainbow than beautiful colors.

This Shabbat, Jews around the world will the Torah portion that tells the story of Noah, the flood and the rainbow that became the sign of God’s covenant with humanity.

Why a rainbow? What does the Hebrew word keshet reveal about its deeper meaning? And what special blessing does Jewish tradition teach us to say when we see one?

Today’s Jewish Treat explores the rainbow as a symbol of mercy, renewal and hope after the storm, plus some colorful ways to bring parashat Noah to your Shabbat table. Read it in full by visiting the link in our profile.

10/15/2026

A historic first in the Arab world!

In a groundbreaking celebration of Jewish heritage, Morocco has opened the Arab world's first state-funded museum dedicated entirely to Jewish culture. Located in Fez, it honors 2,500 years of Moroccan Jewish history, traditions and contributions.

Fez's new Museum of Moroccan Jewish Culture opened Monday, covering 2,500 years of history in 1,700 square meters. One gallery rebuilds a jeweler's workshop.

10/14/2026

Born on this day in 1896, William Shemin became one of America’s most courageous Jewish war heroes.

During World War I, Shemin repeatedly crossed open ground under heavy enemy fire to rescue wounded fellow soldiers. When his platoon’s leaders became casualties, he stepped forward to take command, continuing until he too was seriously wounded.

Shemin received the Distinguished Service Cross, but his family believed antisemitism had prevented him from receiving the nation’s highest military honor. After years of advocacy, his heroism was finally recognized in 2015 when he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

On his birthday, discover the remarkable story of a Jewish American who risked his life again and again to save others.

Learn more about William Shemin in today’s Jewish Treat. You can find a link in our profile.

10/14/2026

A recording never previously released in the United States has resurfaced: Dolly Parton singing “A Bridge Across,” accompanied by the Nashville Symphony, in memory of murdered American Jewish journalist and amateur fiddler Daniel Pearl.

Her tribute, along with musician Mark O'Connor, “A Bridge Across,” celebrates Pearl’s belief in music’s power to overcome hatred and bring people together.

Dolly Parton and Mark O'Connor - "A Bridge Across" (with narration,...

10/14/2026

This Hanukkah, Jewish pride is getting a special delivery!

The U.S. Postal Service has unveiled a colorful new Hanukkah stamp featuring a dreidel, celebrating the Festival of Lights and its enduring message of resilience, hope and religious freedom. It's the ninth Hanukkah stamp issued by the USPS.

Jewish USPS official glad to preside over first-day-of-issue event for ‘beautiful’ Chanukah stamp

“I’m very excited to be able to participate in a stamp dedication that is something that is representative of a joyous, celebratory Jewish tradition,” Carrie Rieger Brownlie told JNS.

by Menachem Wecker

ARTICLE LINK IN COMMENTS

10/13/2026

You know Columbus sailed in 1492. But do you know the Jewish story behind that famous voyage?

That same year, Ferdinand and Isabella ordered Spain’s Jews to leave the country. Just days after the expulsion deadline, Columbus set sail on his historic journey.

But the connection goes even deeper. Luis de Santángel, a royal finance official from a converso family, helped persuade the Spanish crown to support the expedition and provided money toward financing it. Luis de Torres, who had been born Jewish and converted shortly before the voyage, sailed with Columbus as an interpreter, bringing his knowledge of Hebrew and Arabic along on the journey.

The story of 1492 is not only about the voyage that changed world history. It is also a remarkable chapter in Jewish history, filled with upheaval, unexpected connections and new beginnings.

Learn more about the Jewish story behind the voyage in today’s Jewish Treat. You can find a link to our Jewish Treats site in our profile.

10/13/2026

Ancient Jewish history is still being uncovered in Jerusalem!

Archaeologists discovered a 2,000-year-old aqueduct built during the Hasmonean period that carried water to the Temple Mount. An engineering marvel that remained in use for centuries.

10/12/2026

The holidays may be over, but their lessons are just getting started.

The new Jewish month of Cheshvan arrives without a major holiday, giving us a chance to turn Tishrei’s good intentions into good deeds. A little more kindness, a little more Torah, a mitzvah or a good deed can help turn the inspiration of the High Holiday season into the way we live all year long.

Learn more about the surprisingly meaningful month of Cheshvan in today’s Jewish Treat. Visit the link in our profile.

10/12/2026

Jewish representation looks good on Barbie!

Created by Ruth Handler, the daughter of Jewish immigrants, Barbie is celebrating her Jewish roots with a new Hanukkah edition that gets the traditions right and gives children a fun way to see their heritage reflected in an iconic toy!

The miracle of Hanukkah came early this year: Hanukkah Barbie is here.

Mattel would like us to call her “Holiday Sweater Barbie.” Respectfully, no. This is Hanukkah Barbie.

She is dressed in the blue-and-yellow color palette that retailers have apparently decided belongs exclusively to Hanukkah. Her sweater is covered in Jewish stars and dreidels, with a light-up hanukkiyah built right into the front.

As if the sweater isn’t Hanukkah enough, she also dons blue-and-white gingham pants. And then there are the tiny tan shearling boots, because Hanukkah Barbie understands comfort.

Naturally, I bought her immediately.

Full story here: https://www.jta.org/2026/10/09/ideas/hanukkah-barbie-is-here-and-she-actually-got-the-jewish-holiday-right