The Second Temple
When the Babylonians exiled the Jews and destroyed the First Temple, Jeremiah the Prophet promised that the exile would only last 70 years. The return of the Jews, however, was not a…
The Rabbi of Pressburg
Rabbi Moses Sofer (1762-1839) received his honorific title, Chatam Sofer (Seal of the Scribe), posthumously, after the publication of his acclaimed halachic (Jewish legal) rulings in a…
Hey Levi
Levi, the third son of Jacob, was a passionate man, whose zeal, when transmitted to his descendants, was focused toward God. According to the Midrash, unlike the other Israelites, the…
Animal Instincts
In their natural habitats, every creature on earth helps create a balance that allows the environment to flourish. This biological fact is part of the mechanics of Planet Earth. But the…
Weekly Message,Devarim,Tisha b'Av
Devarim-Tisha B’Av 5761-2001
"Eichah, The Annual Search for Meaning and Introspection" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Devarim, is the parasha which is always read on the Shabbat that…
Vayikra 5765-2005
"The 'Sacrifice' That Lasts Forever" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald On this Shabbat, we commence the reading of the book of Vayikra--Leviticus, the third book of the Five Books of Moses. Much…
Singing Praises
“…The prophets of the Jewish people ordained that the Hallel (Psalms of Praise), be recited on special occasions and celebrations [like Yom Tov], and at times of national deliverance from…
Vayeira 5782-2021
“The Akeida” (updated and revised from Vayeira 5762-2001) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald It took quite a few years of preparing weekly Torah messages for me to work up the courage to…
Mikeitz-Chanukah 5782-2021
“What is Chanukah Really About?” (updated and revised from Mikeitz 5761-2000) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Mikeitz, continues the magnificent saga of…
Va’eira 5782-2021
“Can We Question G-d and Get Away with It?” (Updated and revised from Va’eira 5762-2002) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Va’eira, opens with G-d’s response to…