Different Yet Valid Approaches

Study the history of both the Mitnagdic (non-Chassidic) and the Chassidic world to better appreciate two different approaches to worshipping God. In the 5th Mishna in the fifth chapter of…

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Rosh Hashana/Haazinu 5785-2024

“Jewish Normal, Is Not Very Normal” (updated and revised from Haazinu-Rosh Hashana 5774-2013) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Haazinu, Moses, speaking to the…

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Mourning Jerusalem I: A Brief History of the First Temple

Next Monday night and Tuesday (August 12th and 13th), Jews the world over will be observing the fast of Tisha b’Av. It is on this day of the Hebrew calendar that the Jewish people mourn…

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Bechukotai 5784-2024

“Achieving Peace and Security for the Jewish People” (updated and revised from Bechukotai 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Bechukotai, we encounter…

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Metzorah 5784-2024

Urgent message: It’s hard to believe that more than six months have passed since the murderous attack on October 7th, and that the most challenging situation in Israel continues, with…

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B’shalach 5784-2024

Urgent message: Given the most challenging situation in Israel at this time, I urge all to pray for the bereaved families, the hostages, the missing and the many casualties. Please try to…

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Va’eira 5784-2024

Urgent message: Given the most challenging situation in Israel at this time, I urge all to pray for the bereaved families, the hostages, the missing and the many casualties. Please try to…

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Mikeitz 5784-2023

Urgent message: Given the most challenging situation in Israel at this time, I urge all to pray for the bereaved families, the hostages, the missing and the many casualties. Please try to…

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Mourning Jerusalem I: A Brief History of the First Temple

Next Wednesday night and Thursday (July 26th and 27th), Jews the world over will be observing the fast of Tisha b’Av. It is on this day of the Hebrew calendar that the Jewish people mourn…

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The Truth About Mitzvot

It is recorded in the Midrash Rabbah that Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai was once confronted by a man who challenged him about the purifying ritual of the Red Heifer (click here for details)…

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