Saying Hello
The Jewish calendar, unlike the secular/Gregorian calendar, is a lunar calendar. The first commandment given to the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 12) is to count and begin the months with…
Yom Kippur 5774-2013
“Cheshbon Hanefesh – Introspection” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The High Holy Days are meant to be a time of profound introspection. Every person is to review their actions in their…
A Day Without Sleep
While Rosh Hashana is frequently translated as “new year,” the literal meaning of the Hebrew words is “head of the year.” According to Jewish tradition, one’s actions on these auspicious…
A Day Without Sleep
While Rosh Hashana is frequently translated as “new year,” the literal meaning of the Hebrew words is “ head of the year.” According to Jewish tradition, one’s actions on these auspicious…
Devarim 5765-2005
"The Book of Deuteronomy–Mishneh Torah and the Purpose of Repetition" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Devarim, marks the commencement of the fifth book of the…
Who Has Kept Us Alive
The Book of Ecclesiastes frequently repeats the theme of, “There is nothing new under the sun.” For King Solomon, the composer of Ecclesiastes, this focus was intended to inspire people…
Vayikra 5760 – 2000
"Thanking G-d for the Good" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, Parashat Vayikra, we read about the sacrificial rite. Toward the middle of the parasha, the Torah, in…
Vayikra 5779-2019
"Thanking G-d for the Good” (Revised and updated from Vayikra 5760-2000) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week’s parasha, parashat Vayikra, we read about the sacrificial rite.…
Tetzaveh 5762-2002
"The Korban Tamid--a Lesson in Consistency " by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Tetzaveh, after a lengthy discussion of the priestly vestments and a…
First You Then You
From a broad perspective, the opportunity for all members of a prayer service to participate in a Torah Reading Service is an important statement on Jewish inclusion. In reality, however,…