Emor 5780-2020
“Death, and the Kohanim--the Children of Aaron” (updated and revised from Parashat Emor 5762-2002) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Emor, the…
“If These Walls Could Talk”
The cryptic "spiritual" dermatological disease of tza'ra'at differs from a medical malady, in that Jewish tradition teaches that the infection is caused by sin, not pathogens.…
The Great Shabbat
The Shabbat immediately preceding Passover is known as Shabbat HaGadol, the Great Shabbat. It is best known for being the Shabbat on which the rabbi of the community (or another…
Tzav 5780-2020
“Behold, I am Sending You Elijah the Prophet” (Revised and update from Tzav 5761-2001) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald On this coming Shabbat, the Shabbat of Erev Pesach, we…
Weekly Message,Vayakhel,Pekudei
Vayakhel-Pekudei 5780-2020
“Judaism Sanctifies Time, Not Space” (Updated and revised from Vayakhel-Pekudei 5761-2001) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald On this coming Shabbat, two Torah portions are read,…
Countdown To Freedom
Americans begin preparing for Thanksgiving days or perhaps a week in advance. But when it comes to Jews and Passover, much more preparation time is needed.Jewish Tradition teaches that we…
The Sabbath of Remembering
This Shabbat is Shabbat Parashat Zachor, the Sabbath of Remembering. The Torah portion that is read as the Maftir (additional) portion, after the conclusion of the regular…
The Demise of Villains
Purim is a day on the Jewish calendar throughout Jewish history that has brought much joy to the Jewish people. A few years ago, a Jewish Soviet immigrant to the United States shared that…
When Adar Begins
The month of Adar begins today. About Adar, the twelfth month of the Jewish calendar year, the Talmud (Ta’anith 29a) states: “Mee'sheh'nichnas Adar, marbin b'simchah," With…
Vayigash 5780-2019
“The Reunion of Jacob & Joseph: An Immortal Lesson about Love” (updated and revised from Vayigash 5760-1999) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayigash, we…