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…
Learn the Jewish History of Arizona
Before you travel to or through Arizona, learn its rich Jewish history.
Dancing on Ice
Competing for artistic and athletic mastery on ice has been part of the fun of winter long before the Winter Olympics, and Jews have often taken part in the joy of ice skating. In…
The Source of Leadership
Great leaders can move mountains...or at least, masses of people. Ezra the Scribe was just such a leader, and it was his charisma and wisdom that inspired the Jews to leave their…
Vayikra 5767-2007
"Balancing Heart and Mind" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Vayikra, we encounter, once again, the challenging issue of animal sacrifice. Over the years, we have…
Mikeitz 5766-2005
"Marketing G-d by Living Example" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Mikeitz, continues one of the great sagas in world literature, the story of Joseph and his…
Defining Accidental
The taking of a human life is always a tragedy, and there is never a way to actually make it alright for the loved ones of the victims. In situations of unnatural death, there are several…
Lift Their Spirits!
Share a joke or two with a friend or family member going through a rough period, to lift their spirits and make them laugh! While it’s certainly true that humor can help raise a person’s…
Kee Teitzei 5760-2000
"Polygamy, Illegitimacy and Punishing the Innocent" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Kee Teizei, is the parasha that contains more mitzvot than any other parasha…
Lech Lecha 5764-2003
"A Scriptural Assessment of Lot" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald By paying close attention to specific words and verses in the Bible, we can often learn much concerning the Bible's…