The Surgery Is Elective
In the late twentieth century, there was, according to anecdotal evidence, an epidemic of "deviated septum" among American Jewish girls. The implication, along with many not-so-funny…
Naso 5763-2003
"The Hypocrite as Exemplar" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Naso, we encounter a very strange order in the topics of the text. The Torah in Numbers…
Keeping Those Hands Clean
Hand-washing is currently a hot topic due to COVID-19. Since Jewish law emphasizes cleanliness and promotes guarding one's health, Judaism has always been ahead of the game when it comes…
Shelach 5769-2009
"Long-Term Consequences" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Shelach, we are told of the twelve scouts who were sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan in…
B’ha’alot’cha 5765-2005
"The Message of the Trumpets" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Beha'alotecha, the Torah (Numbers 9:15-23) describes the travel procedures of the…
Korach 5770-2010
"And Behold the Staff of Aaron had Blossomed" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The rebellion of Korach, about which we read in this coming week's parasha, parashat Korach, ends in great…
Korach 5769-2009
"A Controversy with an Ignoble Purpose" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Korach, we read of the rebellion that Korach led against Moses, Aaron and G-d.…
Korach 5766-2006
"The Lesson of the Fire-pans" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Korach, Korach, Datan, Aviram and the 250 leaders of Israel rebel against Moses and Aaron. In…
Korach 5764-2004
"The Power of Strife" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Korach, we learn of the frightful rebellion of Korach and his followers. Whatever Korach's differences…
Korach 5760-2000
"Controversy verses Conflict" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, Parashat Korach, tells of the famed controversy between Korach and Moshe, which concludes with the…