Shemini 5779-2019

"Substance Abuse in Judaism" (Revised and updated from Shemini 5760-2000) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week’s parasha, parashat Shemini, opens with the historic ceremony…

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Yom Kippur-The Day

Yom Kippur - The Day Table of Contents Customs and Laws Yom Kippur Prayers Focusing on Vidui Afternoon Service Yizkor…

Shemini 5766-2006

"Those Remarkable Dietary Laws" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Shemini, embarks on an extensive excursion, that is devoted to the Jewish dietary laws. In fact,…

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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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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…

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Kedoshim 5776-2016

“Tattoos" In Parashat Kedoshim the Torah proclaims the prohibition of making cuts on one’s skin as a sign of mourning and forbids drawing permanent tattoos on the body. Scripture, in…

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Korach 5771-2011

“The Preciousness of Peace” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Korach, we learn of the infamous charges leveled against Moses by Korach and his compatriots,…

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Bamidbar 5766-2006

"Valuable Insights from the Priestly Logistics" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Much of this week's parasha, parashat Bamidbar, deals with the logistics of Israel's encampment in the…

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Korach 5770-2010

"And Behold the Staff of Aaron had Blossomed" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The rebellion of Korach, about which we read in this coming week's parasha, parashat Korach, ends in great…

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Sukkot 5762-2001

"I'm Dreaming of a Warm Sukkot" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald The joyous festival of Sukkot, which begins Monday evening, October 1, expresses the idea of the unity of the Jewish People in a…

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