Shelach 5779-2019

"Finding Meaning in the Rituals" (Revised and updated from Shelach 5760-2000) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald   This week’s parasha, parashat Shelach, concludes with the well-known…

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Vayishlach 5767-2006

"The Lonely Patriarch" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Vayishlach, the memorable confrontation between Jacob and Esau takes place, a confrontation that is…

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Korach 5780-2020

“Achieving the Good Life by Picking the Right Mate” (updated and revised from parashat Korach 5761-2001)   by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week’s parasha, parashat…

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Vayishlach 5761-2000

"The Proper and Improper use of Zealotry" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Vayishlach, we encounter, in chapter 34, a very painful and distressing story…

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Vayeishev 5766-2005

"The Vast Majority of the Time, G-d Rules the World" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Unbeknownst to all of the characters who play significant roles in parashat Vayeishev, G-d is diligently…

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Vayechi 5769-2009

"Blessing the Children" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Blessing children plays a crucial role in parashat Vayechi. First, old Jacob blesses Joseph's children, Ephraim and Menashe, and then…

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Vayikra 5768-2008

"Infallibility in Judaism" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Vayikra, we are told of the many types of offerings that were brought in the ancient Tabernacle. In…

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Vayikra 5766-2006

"Eternal Lessons from Ancient Sacrifices" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald Can the ancient sacrificial rituals possibly convey a relevant message for contemporary times? At first blush, not very…

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Why Purim is Called Purim

Why Purim is Called Purim Most Jewish holidays have names that describe the significance of the holiday (i.e. on Sukkot we…

Tzav 5766-2006

"Zevach Sh'lamim--Learning to Celebrate Life" Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Tzav, we learn of the Peace offering--Zevach Sh'lamim, that was brought as a…

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