Behar-Bechukotai, Yom Yerushalayim 5772-2012

"Living Outside the Land of Israel" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Behar, the first of this week’s double parashiot, Behar-Bechukotai, we learn of the special relationship that…

Read More

Behar 5774-2014

“So That Your Brother May Live With You” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald One of the dominant themes of parashat Behar is the Torah’s concern with those who are impoverished--to provide help…

Read More

Re’eh 5774-2014

“Giving Charity Kindly and Generously” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Re’eh, we find particular emphasis on performing acts of kindness, generosity and…

Read More

Shoftim 5775-2015

“Idolatrous Trees and Unqualified Judges” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Shoftim, we learn of the prohibition of planting forbidden trees and erecting…

Read More

B’ha’a’lot’cha 5777-2017

“The Convert and the Second Passover” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat B’ha’a’lot’cha, we learn of the fascinating law of פֶּסַח שֵׁנִי --Pesach Shay’nee, the…

Read More

Behar-Bechukotai 5780-2020

“Setting a New Standard of Ethical Behavior” (Updated and revised from Parashiot Behar-Bechukotai 5761-2001) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week, we once again read two parashiot,…

Read More

Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5770-2010

"Rebelling with G-d" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald At the very end of parashat Vayeilech (the second of this week’s double parashiot, Nitzavim-Vayeilech), we read the conclusion of Moses’…

Read More

Bios

BiosRabbi Ephraim Buchwald – Director Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald is one of the leaders in the movement of Jewish return in…

Ordaining with Both Hands

Semicha, which connotes rabbinic ordination, as understood today, consists of passing proficiency exams and receiving permission from one’s teachers to rule on questions of Jewish law.…

Read More

Happy Birthday Adam

Adam Richard Sandler was born September 9, 1966 in New York City to Judith (Levine) and Stanley Sandler, who descended from Russian Jewish immigrants on both sides. When Adam was 6, the…

Read More