The Foolishness of a Hardened Heart
Learn from the mistakes made by Pharaoh and other tyrants and the futility of trying to control others. Human nature sometimes compels us to reject personal responsibility and…
Vayeishev 5777-2016
“The Voice Within Us” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeishev, we read of the attempted seduction of Joseph by Potiphar’s wife. Scripture, in Genesis…
Weekly Message,Mikeitz,Chanukah
Mikeitz/Chanukah 5777-2016
“Pharaoh Was Agitated” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Mikeitz, Pharaoh dreams two well-known dreams, the dream of seven fat cows that emerge from the Nile…
How?
As Jews, we usually do not question God’s ways, but our tradition teaches that on and around Tisha b’Av, we do indeed ask this question, the question. Eichah, meaning, “how?” is the name…
The Ten Sephirot
Most people associate kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) with the Zohar (Book of Splendor). However, the earliest text to which the sages refer is Sefer…
Time is Precious
The untimely passing of Ofra Haza should remind us of the great potential that we all have and to be careful to use our days and our years wisely to accomplish great things. To…
Be Careful
Be wary of favoring one child over another. To appreciate the implications of Jacob favoring Joseph over his brothers, read this enlightening thought entitled, “The Jealousy Between…
Midwestern Sour Cream
There are a host of Jewish foods that are associated with the American Jewish experience. Most of these, such as blintzes with sour cream, sour cream and bananas, and (of course)…
A Day to Firgun
In the age of the internet there are an incredble number of new "holidays." This coming week alone we "celebrate" National Caviar Day (18th), Moonday (20th) and National Junk Food Day…