Tzav 5783-2023
“Making the Menial Hallowed and the Mundane Holy” (updated and revised from Tzav 5764-2004) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Tzav, continues the theme of…
Tzav 5764-2004
"Making the Menial Hallowed and Mundane Holy" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Tzav, continues parashat Vayikra's theme of sacrifices. The laws of the…
Vayikra 5772-2012
“Pass the Salt, Please!” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayikra, we learn of the obligation of placing salt on all sacrificial offerings, including all…
The Foods of Tu b’Shevat
This Shabbat, Jews around the world celebrate Tu B'Shevat, the new year of the trees. Tu B'Shevat is often celebrated with the 7 species for which the Torah praises…
Tzav 5776-2016
“Dressing Properly for Special Occasions” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Tzav, opens with detailed instructions to the Kohanim, the priests, regarding taking…
Korach 5766-2006
"The Lesson of the Fire-pans" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Korach, Korach, Datan, Aviram and the 250 leaders of Israel rebel against Moses and Aaron. In…
Sukkot-Hoshana Rabbah 5768-2007
"The Festival of Sukkot Comes to a Dramatic Close" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald The final day of Sukkot, both in Israel and in the Diaspora, is known as Hoshanah Rabbah. Hoshanah Rabbah,…
Vayikra 5766-2006
"Eternal Lessons from Ancient Sacrifices" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald Can the ancient sacrificial rituals possibly convey a relevant message for contemporary times? At first blush, not very…
Tzav 5768-2008
"Never Give Up Hope!" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In the opening verses of this week's parasha, parashat Tzav, we learn the details concerning the priestly responsibilities when offering…
Tzav 5777-2017
“Lessons from the Ceremony of the Consecration of the כֹּהֲנִים — the Priests” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald A good part of this week’s parasha, parashat Tzav, describes the…