Seek Out The Positive
An ethical dilemma: A close friend confides in you that he/she recently purchased an expensive, one-of-a-kind, non-returnable item. When he/she shows it to you, you are immediately aware…
Kedoshim 5760 – 2000
"The Revolutionary Idea of Holiness" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, Parashat K'doshim, we encounter that magical and revolutionary word which the Torah has…
Shoftim 5764-2004
"Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Parashat Shoftim--the name means "judges" or "magistrates," and this parasha deals essentially with the ethical and…
Yitro 5781-2021
“Structural Secrets of the Decalogue” (updated and revised from Yitro 5762-2002) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Yitro, in Exodus 20, we…
“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…
Mishpatim 5782-2022
“Justice! Justice!” (updated and revised from Mishpatim 5763-2003) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Mishpatim, contains an abundance of laws that cover a vast…
Transparency
Be honest in your dealings with all people. There is a time-honored custom dating back to the Geonic period, over 1,000 years ago to study a chapter of Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers,…
Recognizing Heros
Remember to thank nurses for their wonderful work, especially for their heroic efforts caring for so many in often trying situations during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. In Mishna 4 of…
War Reparations
Consider the moral dilemma faced by the State of Israel and its citizens whether to accept war reparations from Germany. Given what transpired during World War II in Germany, there was…
Study and Grow
Emulate the great Sephardi Torah scholar, Rabbi Ezra Attiyah, and always set aside time for serious Torah study. For those exploring Jewish study who feel overwhelmed by the breath of…