Naso 5783-2023

“Our Brother, Our Sister--the Proselyte” (updated and revised from Naso 5764-2004)  By, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Naso, we learn of an intriguing law…

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Eikev 5783-2023

“Battling Contemporary Abominations” (updated and revised from Eikev 5764-2004) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Eikev, Moses, once again, encourages the…

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Jabotinsky

When Vladimir Yevgenyevich Zhabotinsky was born on October 18, 1880, in Odessa, it was virtually inconceivable that he would become a staunch advocate for the resettlement of the Jewish…

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Giving With a Full Heart

There is a well-known adage that asserts that “It is better to give than to receive.” When you do give, make sure to give with a full heart. This week’s Torah portion, Terumah, begins…

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In-House Audit

Reading news reports about financial misconduct should definitely be shocking. Alas, since it is an all-too-common occurrence, most of us merely sigh in disgust and move on with our…

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Oh My Gosh! Passover Is Coming!

It’s our wake-up call. As today is Rosh Chodesh Nissan, the first day of the month of Nissan, Passover is only two weeks away. The intensive physical and emotional preparations for…

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Searching for Chametz

On Passover, Jews are commanded to get rid of all “chametz” (leaven) which may be in their possession. It is not unusual to begin cleaning and scrubbing the home weeks before the holiday.…

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Bo 5769-2009

"It's Payback Time!" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In the concluding chapter of this week's parasha, parashat Bo, G-d commands Moses to inform the people to sanctify the firstborn. The…

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Metzorah 5776-2016

“G-d Has Pity on the Property of Israel” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Metzorah, opens with a detailed description of the purification ritual for the…

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Behar-Bechukotai 5769-2009

"Impoverishment: In those Days, in these Times" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Until the recent financial meltdown, it was difficult to conceive of impoverishment, especially in the Jewish…

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