Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5781-2021

“Shaatnez: Understanding ‘Irrational’ Decrees” (updated and revised from Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Once again, this week, we have double…

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Behar-Bechukotai 5781-2021

“The Extraordinary Mitzvah of Tzedakah--Charity” (updated and revised from Behar-Bechukotai 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Once again, this week, we read two combined parashiot…

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Bamidbar 5781-2021

“Counting on the People of Israel" (updated and revised from Bamidbar 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald As this week’s parasha, parashat Bamidbar, opens, the Jews are found in the…

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Make a Difference

If it is feasible, and reasonable under current conditions to visit someone you know who is ill, think of ways to lift their spirits and let them know that you have them in mind in your…

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Tzav 5782-2022

“What We Learn from the Jewish ‘Caste System’” (Updated and revised from Tzav 5763-2003) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s Torah portion, parashat Tzav, continues the Torah’s…

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Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5764-2004

"The Jewish Attitude Toward Sexuality" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Both of this week's parashiot, Acharei Mot and Kedoshim, contain extensive instructions regarding forbidden marriages…

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Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5766-2006

"Standing Idly By" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald An extraordinary number of mitzvot are found in the double parashiot that are read this week. Together, Acharei Mot and Kedoshim contain…

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Vayeira 5784-2023

Urgent message: Given the most challenging situation in Israel at this time, I urge all to pray for the bereaved families, the hostages, the missing and the many casualties. Please try…

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Vayikra 5784-2024

“Parashat Zachor: 'Hating as a Mitzvah'" (updated and revised from Vayikra 5763-2003) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Since the festival of Purim will be celebrated this coming Saturday…

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Terumah-Purim 5761-2001

"Amalek, Purim and the Mitzvah of Getting Drunk" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Terumah, coincides with Parashat Zachor, the special reading from…

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