Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5766-2006

"The Torah's Not-So-Secret Formula for Peace" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald It is rather remarkable how often the weekly Torah portion contains a textual reference that seems to allude to…

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Devarim 5772-2012

"The Al-mighty’s Relationship with the Nations of the World" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald As we have previously noted on several occasions (Devarim 5765-2005), the book of Devarim…

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Toledot 5761-2000

"The Ancient Origins and Practice of Anti-Semitism" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Toledot, we read that Yitzchak follows in the footsteps of his…

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Shabbat Prayers

Learn AboutShabbat Prayers Table of Contents Morning Blessings (Birkhot Hashachar) Verses of Praise (Pesukei Dezimrah)…

Metzora 5771-2011

"We Hold These Truths To Be Self-Evident" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald On July 4th 1776, the Continental Congress adopted a statement written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, known as the…

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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…

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Va’eira 5762-2002

"Can We Question G-d and Get Away With It?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Va'eira, opens with G-d's response to Moshe's complaint that things have…

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Korach 5781-2021

Korach 5781-2021 “The Origin of the ‘Big Lie’” (updated and revised from Korach 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s Torah portion, parashat Korach, we read of Korach…

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Shoftim 5781-2021

“The Torah-the First Environmentally-Friendly Treatise" (updated and revised from Shoftim 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week’s Torah portion, parashat Shoftim,…

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B’ha’alot’cha 5765-2005

"The Message of the Trumpets" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Beha'alotecha, the Torah (Numbers 9:15-23) describes the travel procedures of the…

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