Shelach 5765-2005
"Bread Alone" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald As the name of the parasha, "Shelach lecha"--send for yourself, indicates, this week's parasha focuses on the 12 scouts that were sent by the…
Chayei Sara 5767-2006
"A Match Made in Haran" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Chayei Sarah, we read of Abraham's determined efforts to find a wife for his beloved son Isaac, by…
Vayeira 5776-2015
“The Trials of Abraham” by Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Vayeira, includes at least three of the ten trials that Abraham faced during his life. Pirkei Avot, Ethics of…
Vayikra 5778-2018
"The Sins of a Leader” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Vayikra introduces the third book of the Torah, Vayikra, Leviticus. The parasha deals with the…
Emor 5778-2018
“The Great Moses Seems Not to Know the Answer” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Emor, we encounter the episode of the מְגַדֵּף, megadef, the blasphemer, which…
Shemini 5765-2005
"The Little Steps that Lead to Big Accomplishments" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Shemini, we encounter Moses and Aaron on the eve of one of the most…
Vayakhel 5763-2003
"Defining True Generosity" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Va'yakhel, we learn of the erecting of the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, the temporary sanctuary…
Passover: The Second Days 5768-2008
"Counting the Omer" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In parashat Emor, we learn of the mitzvah of counting the Omer. Leviticus 23:15-16 declares: "Oosfartem lachem mee'macharat…
Mikeitz 5771-2010
"Joseph’s Bold Advice to Pharaoh" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Mikeitz, Joseph is taken from the dungeon and brought before Pharaoh, where he interprets…
Shemini 5773-2013
"Authentic Religious Ecstasy" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Shemini, we read of the tragic deaths of Aaron’s elder sons, Nadav and Abihu. When describing…