I Am To My Beloved…
The Torah verse that epitomizes the emotions of love is: “Anee l’dodi v’dodi lee” - I am to my beloved, and my beloved is to me (Song of Songs 6:3). The ideal love relationship according…
Wise As Solomon
King Solomon is best known for his brilliance and wisdom, attributes that were actually a requested gift from God. It happened this way: One night, God spoke to Solomon in a dream and…
The Importance of Dad
Where does a child learn to be a mentsch? From his/her parents! Indeed, in the Talmud (Sukkot 56b) it even notes that a child repeats in the streets what he/she hears at home.…
Celebrating A Daughter
On his 8th day of life, a baby boy has his brit mila (circumcision) and is given a Jewish name. But how do Jews celebrate the birth of a girl? While there are no mandatory rituals in…
The Feast of Weeks
Shavuot, which we begin celebrating next Thursday night (May 28), is the only holiday not listed in the Torah by the date on which it is to be observed. Rather, the Torah instructed that…
King and Queen of Hearts
In Pirkei D’Rabbi Eliezer (a book of Midrash attributed to Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus), it is stated: "Chatan domeh l’melech", a groom is equal to a king. While this statement is the…
Travelin’
Ever feel nervous just before the start of a trip? Ever have sleepless nights before boarding an airplane? Perhaps these hesitations connect back to a time when travel, whether by road or…
Shemot 5762-2001
"The Circumcision of Eliezer: A Message for Busy Parents" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Shemot, Moshe emerges as the leader of Israel and begins the…
Toledot 5767-2006
"The Unanswered Prayer" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Toledot, focuses on the life of the patriarch Isaac and his relationships with his wife, Rebecca and his…
Kee Tavo 5780-2020
“There are Stones with Human Hearts” (updated and revised from Kee Tavo 5761-2001) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Kee Tavo, Moses transmits to the Jewish…