Emor 5765-2005
"Priests and Death: An Unusual Relationship" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Emor, continues the theme of holiness from last week's parasha, parashat Kedoshim,…
Vayechi 5774-2013
“Reconciliation and Death” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayechi, we learn of the passing of two great historic personages, Jacob and his beloved son,…
Burying The Dead
An unusually large body of Jewish law is concerned with interpersonal relationships, teaching how to properly respect each person, since all of humankind is created b’tzelem…
A Sense of Guilt
At the end of the Book of Genesis, when Jacob passes away, his twelve sons journey together from Egypt to the Land of Israel to bury their father and then return to Egypt. After…
Mitzvah With A Shovel
The Jewish customs surrounding death, burial and mourning are woven together to provide both respect for the departed and comfort for the mourners. One such custom that may seem startling…
The Torn Cloth
When Jacob was told that his beloved son Joseph was dead, he cried out in sorrow and tore his garments (Genesis 37:34). The dramatic act of tearing one’s clothes remains a distinct part…
Burying The Dead
An unusually large body of Jewish law is concerned with interpersonal relationships, teaching how to properly respect each person, since all of humankind is created b’tzelem Eh-lokim, in…
Mitzvah With A Shovel
The Jewish customs surrounding death, burial and mourning are intended to provide both respect for the departed and comfort for the mourners. One such custom that may seem startling or…
Emor 5782-2022
“Priests and Death: An Unusual Relationship” (updated and revised from Emor 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Emor, continues the theme of holiness…
Burying The Dead
An unusually large body of Jewish law is concerned with interpersonal relationships, teaching how to properly respect each person, since all of humankind is created b’tzelem Eh-lokim, in…