Naso 5764-2004

"Our Brother, Our Sister--the Proselyte" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Naso, we learn of an interesting law concerning a person who takes possession of…

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Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5783-2023

“The Promise of Total Return” (updated and revised from Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5762-2002) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald   This week’s double parashiot, Nitzavim and Vayeilech, are among…

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Simchat Torah 5784-2023

“The Evolving Holiday” (updated and revised from Simchat Torah 5767-2006) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The festival of Simchat Torah is one of the most joyous on the Jewish calendar. In…

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Simchat Torah 5767-2006

"The Evolving Holiday" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald The festival of Simchat Torah is one of the most joyous of the Jewish calendar. In Israel, following the conclusion of the festival of…

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Shoftim 5773-2013

“Egypt: Off Limits to Jews” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Shoftim, we learn of the Torah’s prohibition for Jews to return to the land of Egypt. In…

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Shemini-Yom HaShoah 5775-2015

“Yom HaShoah: Six Million–Minus One” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This year on the 27th of Nissan, which is Wednesday evening, April 15th through Thursday, April 16th, Yom HaShoah,…

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Naso 5776-2016

“Reflections on the Meaning of Peace" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Naso, includes the well-known “Priestly Blessings,” the brief but beautiful, threefold…

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Kee Tavo 5776-2016

“The Power of the Word אָמֵן--‘Amen’” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Kee Tavo, Moses prepares the Jewish people for the experiences that that they will soon…

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Tazria-Metzorah 5780-2020

“Challenging the Stereotypes: Purity and Impurity in Childbirth” (edited and revised from Parashiot Tazria-Metzorah 5761-2001)   by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald   In the first of…

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Shalom Aleichem

Shalom Aleichem On the eve of Shabbat, two ministering angels accompany a person home from the synagogue. One angel represents…