Vayigash 5771-2010

“When a Jew Goes Down to Egypt” Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayigash, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. When Jacob learns that his beloved son is still…

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More Than “Because”

While the majority of the meanings of the words in the Torah are forthright, some appear to be syntax anomalies. One excellent example is the word “eikev,” which is used in Deuteronomy…

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Matot-Masei 5760-2000

"Jeremiah's Prophecy: An Ancient Message for Contemporary Times" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Once again, this coming week's parashiot will be doubled, and we will be reading both…

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Emor 5776-2016

“The Sabbath: Meeting G-d" A significant portion of this week’s parasha, parashat Emor, is devoted to the rules, regulations and observances of the Shabbat and the Jewish Holidays. In…

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Korach 5781-2021

Korach 5781-2021 “The Origin of the ‘Big Lie’” (updated and revised from Korach 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s Torah portion, parashat Korach, we read of Korach…

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Bereshith 5765-2004

"'Naked' Means More than Naked" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald How exciting to be starting over again! At the earliest opportunity, the year 5765 is ushered in with the reading of the Torah,…

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Lech Lecha 5767-2006

"The Souls That Were Made in Haran" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Lech Lecha, the dynamic Abram (his name had not yet been changed to Abraham), enters upon the biblical scene…

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Vayeilech-Yom Kippur 5773-2012

“The Limits of Free Will” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald During the period of the Ten Days of Penitence, and especially with the imminent arrival of Yom Kippur, it is most appropriate to…

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Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5781-2021

“Shaatnez: Understanding ‘Irrational’ Decrees” (updated and revised from Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Once again, this week, we have double…

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Bereshith 5784-2023

Urgent message: Given the most challenging situation in Israel at this time, I urge all to pray for the bereaved families, the hostages, the missing and the many casualties. Please try to…

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