Vayigash 5768-2007
"And Jacob Sent Judah Ahead" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald As Jacob finalizes his plans to leave Canaan and reunite with his beloved son Joseph in Egypt, he sends a distinguished emissary…
Bereshith 5785-2024
“P’roo Ur’voo--Jewish Attitudes Toward Procreation” (updated and revised from Bereshith-Simchat Torah 5765-2004) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald For some parents, the greatest gift in life…
Eikev 5784-2024
“Understanding Birkat Hamazon, the Grace After Meals” (updated and revised from Eikev 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Eikev, we are told of the…
Matot-Masei 5784-2024
“Taking a Stand Against the Banality of Evil” (updated and revised from Matot-Masei 5766-2006) by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald Parashat Matot, the first of this week’s double parashiot,…
Pinchas 5784-2024
"Whatever Became of the Sons of Korach” (updated and revised from Pinchas 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Pinchas, opens with the Al-mighty’s…
B’ha’a’lot’cha 5784-2024
“The Message of the Trumpets" (updated and revised from B'ha'a'lot'cha 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat B’ha’a’lot’cha, the Torah, in Numbers…
The Sabbath of Remembering
This Shabbat is Shabbat Parashat Zachor, the Sabbath of Remembering. The Torah portion that is read as the Maftir (additional) portion, after the conclusion of the regular weekly Torah…
Pekudei 5784-2024
“Building an Everlasting Sanctuary” (updated and revised from Pekudei 5768-2008) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Pekudei, we are told that, at long last, all…
Terumah 5784-2024
Urgent message: Given the most challenging situation in Israel at this time, I urge all to pray for the bereaved families, the hostages, the missing and the many casualties. Please try to…
Under Cover of Darkness
Of the ten plagues that devastated the land of Egypt, the plague of darkness appears to be the most benign. Certainly, being trapped in the dark is frightening (sensory deprivation is a…