Celebrating Bar Ilan University

Would you believe that the founding of Israel’s second largest university (33,000 students) was conceived “deep in the heart of Dixie"? Two years after Israel’s founding in 1948, the…

Read More

For Yourself

One of the arguments posed by those opposed to organized religion is that religion requires people to act mindlessly. Judaism, however, strongly encourages questioning, and “free will” is…

Read More

Chukat-Balak 5783-2023

"How to Market G-d!" (updated and revised from Chukat-Balak 5763-2003) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In the first of this week’s parashiot, parashat Chukat, the Israelites, who are soon to…

Read More

Tetzaveh 5784-2024

“A Flame in Every Jewish Heart" (updated and revised from Tetzaveh 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Tetzaveh, focuses primarily on the design and…

Read More

Vayigash 5763-2002

"Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers: The Triumph of Jewish Identity" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In a very real sense, the story of Joseph, as depicted in parashat Vayigash, is the…

Read More

Naso 5777-2017

"G-d's Gift of a Second Chance" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Naso, is the longest of all the parashiot of the Torah. It is appropriately read most often on…

Read More

Vayigash 5783-2022

“Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers: The Triumph of Jewish Identity” (updated and revised from Vayigash 5763-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In a very real sense, according to…

Read More

Passover 5768-2008

"The Wind and the Sun" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald Because this Saturday night, April 19th, is the first night of Passover, this week's message will focus on the festival of Passover,…

Read More

Passover II 5773-2013

“The Final Days of Passover: A Call For Modesty in Jewish Life” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The Midrash, in Shemot Rabba 23:5, speaks of a purported conversation between G-d and Israel…

Read More

Yitro 5780-2020

“Can the Torah Forbid Feelings that are Part of Normal Human Emotions?” (Updated and revised from Yitro 5761-2001) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Yitro, is one…

Read More