Devarim 5763-2003

"The Gentle Reproof" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week, we begin reading the fifth book of the Torah, known as Deuteronomy, or Devarim in Hebrew. The book of Devarim is also called…

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The Three Weeks

July 6-July 27, 2023The Three WeeksThe Seventeenth of Tammuz marks the beginning of a period known as the “Three Weeks.”…

Angelic Praises

During the morning and afternoon prayer services (Shacharit and Mincha), when prayers are recited in the presence of a minyan (quorum of ten), the Amidah (the central standing prayer,…

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Laws and Customs of Shavuot

ShavuotLaws and Customs Table of Contents Festival Laws The Book of Ruth Customs Shavuot is a low-key, pensive holiday,…

Purim Night Megillah Reading

Purim NightMegillah Reading The Tan’ach, the Hebrew name for the complete Bible, is made up of Torah (the Pentateuch),…

Lag Ba’Omer

Lag Ba'Omer33rd of the Omer Table of Contents Lag Ba’Omer Rabbi Akiva – Hero and Martyr Rabbi Shimon…

Behar-Bechukotai 5762-2002

"The Extraordinary Mitzvah of Tzedaka, Charity" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald Once again, this week, we read two combined parashiot Behar-Bechukotai. In the first of this coming week's…

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Naso-Shavuot 5767-2007

"Honey and Milk Under Your Tongue" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Because of the upcoming holiday of Shavuot, the analyses this week will focus on the festival theme of "Torah" rather than…

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Yom Ha’atzmaut 5760-2000

"Being Judged by a Different Yardstick" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This coming week we celebrate Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Israel Independence Day. Yom Ha'Atzmaut occurs on the fifth of Iyar, which,…

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Bo 5765-2005

"Opening Their Hearts so They Can Hear" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Bo, the ten plagues come to a dramatic conclusion with the Death of all…

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