Vayeitzei 5764-2003

"In Praise of Humility" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, we find Jacob fleeing from the death threats of his brother, Esau. As the sun sets in…

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Devarim 5777-2017

“The Transformation of Moses is Completed” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald With this week’s parasha, parashat Devarim, we begin reading the fifth and final book of the Torah, known as…

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Pekudei 5779-2019

"Honesty and Integrity in Public Life” (Revised and updated from Pekudei 5760-2000) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week’s parasha, parashat Pekudei, the Torah portion begins…

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Vayishlach 5764-2003

"Who Was Esau?" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Vayishlach, reaches a crescendo with the dramatic encounter between Jacob and Esau. Jacob has been away from…

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Laws and Customs of Shavuot

ShavuotLaws and Customs Table of Contents Festival Laws The Book of Ruth Customs Shavuot is a low-key, pensive holiday,…

Exercise is a Jewish Value

Staying healthy is a fulfillment of the Torah’s mandate to “safeguard your soul” (Deuteronomy 4:15).

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Jewish Library

Strive to acquire a complete Jewish library (Pentateuch, Prophets, Writings, Talmud and Code of Jewish Law), which, according to some opinions, is a fulfillment of writing a Torah…

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Vayikra 5769-2009

"Shlamim: Expressing Wholehearted Gratitude" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In parashat Vayikra we learn of the various animal sacrifices that are offered to G-d on the Brass (or earthen)…

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Vayeishev 5762-2001

"Judah, The Paradigm For Jewish Future" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Vayeishev, has got to be one of the most inspiring and dramatic chapters in all…

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Eikev 5762-2002

"Worshiping G-d With All One's Heart" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Traditional Jewish prayer is a study in contrasts. On the one hand, prayer is meant to be a spontaneous outpouring of…

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