Va’etchanan 5780-2020
“The Mandate for Parental Involvement in Jewish Education” (updated and revised from Va’etchanan 5761-2001) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Va’etchanan, we…
Terror at the Olympics
On July 27, 1996, the world was startled when a pipe bomb exploded in Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia. The bomb killed one person directly, another indirectly (heart attack)…
The Words Are The Things
In Hebrew, the Book of Deuteronomy is known as Sefer Devarim. Its name is derived from the fact that the Hebrew word devarim is the first noun that appears in the book, which begins with…
People Of The Book
Set aside time to enjoy a book with a Jewish theme or explore the ever-growing world of Judaica and choose a topic and title that speaks to you.
The Month of Av
The months of the Jewish year are called in the Torah by number only (the first month, second month, etc.). Over time, during the exile, the months assumed the names given to them by host…
Lessening Our Joy
According to the Mishna in Tractate Ta'anit 26b, when the month of Av begins, we curtail our joy.
What a Transformation
With numerous visits each year from commercial tankers, passengers cruise ships and even the US Navy's Sixth Fleet, Theodor Herzl's vision of Haifa becoming a commercial port has…
Devarim 5780-2020
“Eichah, The Annual Search for Meaning and Introspection” (updated and revised from Parashat Devarim 5761-2001) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Devarim, is…
Armistice
Many people assume that the end of a war implies that a peace treaty has been signed. Actually, there are several ways to end a military conflict: truce, cease-fire, armistice or…
A Day to Firgun
In the age of the internet there are an incredble number of new "holidays." This coming week alone we "celebrate" National Caviar Day (18th), Moonday (20th) and National Junk Food Day…