Shoftim 5782-2022
“Astrology, Witchcraft and Spiritualism in Judaism” (updated and revised from Shoftim 5763-2003) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s Torah portion, parashat Shoftim, the Torah…
Put it Together
Enhance your celebration of the joyous holiday of Sukkot by building your own sukkah. One of the beautiful explanations about why we sit in a sukkah is that it represents an inherent…
The First Inquisition
Although it was not the first inquisition, the Spanish Inquisition* was unique from its very inception on November 1, 1478, because it was controlled by a monarch rather than the church.…
Name Change
It is not a coincidence that cultures around the world share a belief in the power of given names. In Judaism, it is believed that parents are granted a flash of ruach hakodesh, Divine…
Kristallnacht
Kristallnacht, literally the Night of Crystal, but generally translated as the Night of Broken Glass, was a tragic turning point in the fate of Germany’s Jewish community. The…
Yitro 5783-2023
Yitro 5783-2023 “Why G-d Can Not Share the Limelight” (updated and revised from Yitro 5764-2004) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Yitro, the Al-mighty…
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 leading…
The First World War and the Jews
A great deal has been written about the devastation that resulted from the First World War, which left millions dead, thousands maimed and a generation devastated. For those who have…
Hear O Israel
In this week’s Torah portion, Va’etchanan, we read the famous words of the Shema: “Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one!” Articulate it please! Say it out loud – slowly,…
Devarim 5783-2023
“Building a ‘New’ Sanctuary” (updated and revised from Devarim 5764-2004) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Devarim, is always read on the Shabbat that…