Eikev 5780-2020

“The Intermarriage Conundrum” (updated and edited from parashat Eikev 5761-2001) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The opening verses of this week’s parasha, parashat Eikev, conclude the…

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The Story of Chanukah

The Story of Chanukah How a small band of Jewish renegades took on the Syrian-Greek army. Under the Hellenist Rule When the…

Tisha b’Av

Tisha b’Av The saddest day in the Jewish calendar, believed to be a day which is destined for tragedy.  Guide…

Historical Synagogues

Make an effort to learn the history of houses of worship in the United States.

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Appreciate Religious Freedom

On Chanukah, Jews celebrate a victory over those who attempted to suppress religious freedom of worship because they refused to tolerate other people’s beliefs.

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Eikev 5762-2002

"Worshiping G-d With All One's Heart" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Traditional Jewish prayer is a study in contrasts. On the one hand, prayer is meant to be a spontaneous outpouring of…

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Shemini 5781-2021

“Using, Not Abusing, a Sanctified Substance” (updated and revised from Shemini 5763-2003)   by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Shemini, opens at a most…

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B’ha’a’lot’cha 5781-2021

“Is This What the Torah Predicted?” (updated and revised from B’ha’a’lot’cha 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat B’ha’a’lot’cha, contains several…

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Vayigash 5767-2006

"Two of the Seventy Souls" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Vayigash, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. The old patriarch, Jacob, departs from Beersheba to…

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Two Different but Valid Approaches

Study the history and customs of both the Mitnagdic (non-Chassidic) and the Chassidic world in order to better appreciate two different Jewish approaches to the worship of God.

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