The Tragedy of the Idol

Ever since Moses saw the Israelites dancing around the Golden Calf and smashed the two tablets of the law, the 17th of Tammuz has been an inauspicious day for the Jewish people,…

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The Three Weeks

July 6-July 27, 2023The Three WeeksThe Seventeenth of Tammuz marks the beginning of a period known as the “Three Weeks.”…

Pinchas 5762-2002

"Loving the Land of Israel" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Pinchas, we learn the fascinating tale of five trail-blazing young women: Machla, Noa,…

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Pinchas 5761-2001

"The Pain of Giving Reproof" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald On Sunday, July 8th, Jews the world over observed the fast of Shivah Asar B'Tamuz, the Seventeenth day of Tamuz. The fast marks…

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Matot-Masei 5776-2016

“Rosh Chodesh Av – Remembering the Passing of a Beloved Leader" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Parashat Masei, the second of this week’s combined parashiot Matot-Masei, features a lengthy…

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Devarim 5782-2022

“The Gentle Reproof” (updated and revised from Devarim 5763-2003) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week, congregations the world over finally align their Torah readings with Israel, and…

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Pinchas 5768-2008

"The Zealotry of Pinchas as Seen Through the Midrash" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Last week's parasha, parashat Balak, closed with the story of Pinchas' zealotry. As we read in that…

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Pinchas 5769-2009

"Joshua, the Worthy Successor" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Pinchas, G-d informs Moses that he will soon die because he and Aaron rebelled against G-d's…

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Tisha b’Av

This Saturday night at sunset, the saddest day on the Jewish calendar begins. Known as the Fast of the 9th of Av (Tisha b’Av), it’s observance this year is postponed one day because it is…

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The 10 Days

The 10 DaysOf Repentance As the sun sets on Yom Kippur, the judgment handed down on Rosh Hashana is sealed. Known as the Ten…