Kee Tavo 5764-2004
"The Centrality of Joy in Jewish Observance" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Parashat Kee Tavo is one of the two parashiot in the Torah that features the terrifying prophecies known as the…
Kee Tavo 5772-2012
“Persecution’s ‘Silver Lining’” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Kee Tavo, is one of two weekly Torah portions that contain the verses known as the “Tochacha ,”…
Bechukotai 5774-2014
“The Role of Exile in Jewish Theology” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald As we have noted previously (Kee Tavo 5762-2002), parashat Bechukotai is one of the two parashiot in the Torah,…
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…
Vayeitzei 5764-2003
"In Praise of Humility" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, we find Jacob fleeing from the death threats of his brother, Esau. As the sun sets in…
Pinchas 5778-2018
"Pinchas the Zealot?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald……
Chayei Sarah 5779-2018
“Abraham’s Eulogy for His Beloved Sarah” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Chayei Sarah, we learn of the passing of the Matriarch, Sarah, at age…
A Light unto the Nations
Jews are meant to be a beacon to humanity, sharing the Torah’s values to all people. One of those enduring virtues is helping the underprivileged, whoever they may be. Those who engage in…
Vayeitzei 5784-2023
Urgent message: Given the most challenging situation in Israel at this time, I urge all to pray for the bereaved families, the hostages, the missing and the many casualties. Please try…
Acharei Mot,Kedoshim,Weekly Message
Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5772-2012
"Respect for Elders" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The double portions of Acharei-Mot and Kedoshim together contain a total of 79 mitzvot, more than one seventh of all the mitzvot in the…