Simchat Torah 5784-2023
“The Evolving Holiday” (updated and revised from Simchat Torah 5767-2006) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The festival of Simchat Torah is one of the most joyous on the Jewish calendar. In…
Ushpeezin (pronounced Oo’shpee’zin)
During the festival of Sukkot, the sukkah is intended to be our home. For example, since dining normally takes place in the house, on Sukkot, dining takes place in the sukkah. Because the…
Sukkot 5784-2023
“Worshiping G-d Wholeheartedly” (updated and revised from Sukkot 5765-2004) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald There is a wonderful Sukkot story told about the Vilna Gaon, who was the foremost…
The Fast of Gedaliah (Tzom Gedaliah)
The Fast of Gedaliah is observed to commemorate the assassination of Gedaliah, the son of Achikam, which is described in the last chapter of the Second Book of Kings. This murder resulted…
Selichot
In addition to the unique prayer services of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, the High Holidays are known for one other service: selichot. A collection of religious poems and verses, selichot…
Uncategorized,Vayeilech,Nitzavim
Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5783-2023
“The Promise of Total Return” (updated and revised from Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5762-2002) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s double parashiot, Nitzavim and Vayeilech, are among…
And Now Let Us Say Amen
The word “Amen” seems to be one of those words associated with prayer throughout the Judeo-Christian culture, but what does it mean? The response “Amen” at the end of an oath or a prayer…
Kee Tavo 5783-2023
"The Centrality of Joy in Jewish Observance" (updated and revised from Kee Tavo 5764-2004) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Parashat Kee Tavo is one of the two parashiot in the Torah that…
Honor The “Hoary Head”
Senior Citizen Day, an annual event observed on August 21st, is a day meant to both honor older citizens and to remind the government that seniors are a large and powerful constituency.…
Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue
The directive to create a judicial system is set out in this week’s Torah portion, Shoftim, in Deuteronomy 16:18-20. God commands the Israelites to appoint judges and law enforcement…