Genesis,Weekly Message,Acharei Mot
Acharei Mot 5776-2016
“Never Give Up Hope" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Parashat Acharei Mot opens with a description of the ancient atonement service conducted on Yom Kippur in the Tabernacle for the People…
Bo 5777-2017
"And the People Bowed their Heads and Prostrated Themselves" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Chapter 12 of Exodus, that is found in this week’s parasha, parashat Bo, plays a crucial role in…
Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5770-2010
"Rebelling with G-d" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald At the very end of parashat Vayeilech (the second of this week’s double parashiot, Nitzavim-Vayeilech), we read the conclusion of Moses’…
Legal to Take?
With all the discussion during the last few years, about the legalization of marijuana, one might have wondered what is the traditional Jewish perspective regarding its use. It is, not…
Legal to Take?
With all the discussion, in the last few years, about the legalization of marijuana, one might have wondered what is the traditional Jewish perspective. It is, not surprisingly, a rather…
Kee Teitzei 5761-2001
"Polygamy and Jewish Tradition" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Kee Teizei, we learn of the special privileges accorded to the first born son. In…
Yom Hashoah,Shemini,Weekly Message
Shemini-Yom Hashoah 5769-2009
"Aaron's Response to Tragedy–a Lesson for Yom Hashoah" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald It was intended to be the most jubilant day of Aaron's life. Each day, starting on the 23rd day of…
Pinchas 5768-2008
"The Zealotry of Pinchas as Seen Through the Midrash" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Last week's parasha, parashat Balak, closed with the story of Pinchas' zealotry. As we read in that…
Kee Tisah 5771-2011
"The Thirteen Attributes of G-d’s Mercy" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Kee Tisah, we encounter the dramatic episode of the Golden Calf. Moses comes down…
Korach 5774-2014
“Aaron Stops the Plague” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Korach, we read of the dramatic rebellion of Korach, Datan and Abiram, and their…