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Advocate on behalf of the Jewish community by joining a Jewish organization and lending your support. To understand the preparation for, and the actual confrontation between Judah and…
Vayeitzei 5783-2022
“The Transformation of Jacob” (updated and revised from Vayeitzei 5763-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s Torah portion, parashat Vayeitzei, continues the fascinating story…
Sukkot I 5767-2006
"Sukkot - The Festival of Joy" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald The festival of Sukkot is regarded as the most joyous of all the Jewish holidays. In fact, there is not a single reference in the…
Vayeitzei 5774-2013
"Jacob Separates from Laban" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week’s parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, recounts the trials and experiences of Jacob during the twenty years that he…
Shemot 5776-2016
"By What Right Does Moses Kill The Egyptian?” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Shemot, we learn that Moses, who was raised in the royal house of Pharaoh,…
Balak 5775-2015
“Uncovering the ‘Layers’ in the Biblical Narrative” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Although the opening verses of this week’s parasha, parashat Balak, seem straightforward, the nuanced…
Devarim 5769-2009
"Og Stands Tall on the Stage of History" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In his recapitulation of the events leading up to the people's entry into the land of Israel, Moses recalls the…
Balak 5776-2016
“Balaam Sees the Kenites" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Balak, Balaam, the gentile prophet, offers three remarkable prophecies/blessings concerning the…
Va’etchanan 5777-2017
“The Power of Prayer” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Va’etchanan, we read of Moses’ powerful prayers to be allowed to enter into the land of Israel, and…
Vayigash 5766-2006
"And Judah Approached" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Vayigash, Judah approaches Joseph, the all-powerful viceroy of Egypt, to plead with him on behalf of his…