Rosh Hashana 5767-2006
"The Longest Day" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald If you were asked, what day is the longest day of the year, you would most likely respond that it is on or about June 21st of each year. This…
Va’eira 5783-2023
“The Exodus--A ‘Primitive’ Story with Revolutionary Implications” (updated and revised from Va’eira 5763-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Jewish history is often perceived, with great…
Tetzaveh 5783-2023
“Keeping the Priests Humble” (updated and revised from Tetzaveh 5764-2004) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week’s parasha, parashat Tetzaveh, we read, in rather minute…
Sukkot 5762-2001
"I'm Dreaming of a Warm Sukkot" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald The joyous festival of Sukkot, which begins Monday evening, October 1, expresses the idea of the unity of the Jewish People in a…
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…
Passover I 5765-2005
"In Every Generation" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald Although the scheduled Torah portion for this week is Acharei Mot, I would like to dwell on the theme of Passover, since the festival…
Shavuot 5761-2001
"The Concept of The Chosen People" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald While this coming Shabbat we will read parashat Naso, this D'var Torah concerns the festival of Shavuot which will be…
Naso 5765-2005
"A Lesson from the N’seeim--the Tribal Leaders" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s Torah portion, parashat Naso, is almost always read after the festival of Shavuot, except after a…
Haazinu/Sukkot 5777-2016
“Sukkot: Enveloping Israel in G-d’s Loving-kindness” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The majestic song/poem of parashat Haazinu opens with a lyrical summary of Jewish history. Speaking in…
Shavuot,Weekly Message,Bamidbar
Bamidbar-Shavuot 5778-2018
“Counting a Very Special People” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald With this week’s parasha, parashat Bamidbar, Jews throughout the world begin reading the fourth book of the Torah,…