Shemini 5784-2024

“Those Remarkable Dietary Laws” (updated and revised from Shemini 5766-2006) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Shemini, contains an extensive excursion into the…

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Tetzaveh 5765-2005

"A Flame in Every Jewish Heart" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Tetzaveh, focuses primarily on the design and manufacture of the priestly vestments. The…

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Bamidbar 5770-2010

"The Meaning of the Wilderness" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The fourth book of the Torah, Bamidbar, opens with the following words  (Numbers 1:1): "Vah'y'dah'bayr Hashem el Moshe…

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Yom Hashoah 5762-2002

"Reflections on The Holocaust" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald Yom Hashoah is observed on the 27th of Nisan, which this year will be on Monday evening, April 8 and Tuesday, April 9. I have…

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Chukat 5771-2011

"The Well of Miriam" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Chukat, we learn of the passing of one of the great Jewish matriarchs, Miriam, the sister of Aaron and…

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Vayeishev 5773-2012

“Heaven-Sent Spices” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeishev, we read of the sale of Joseph by his brothers, to merchants who eventually bring Joseph to…

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Elijah – Our Passover and Brit Milah Guest

At the Passover seder, those children who are still awake after the meal watch eagerly to see if the prophet Elijah comes to drink from his special cup...(and adults often shake the table…

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Kee Tavo 5780-2020

“There are Stones with Human Hearts” (updated and revised from Kee Tavo 5761-2001) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Kee Tavo, Moses transmits to the Jewish…

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