Chol Hamoed

Most holidays in Western society last for a single day, which is often extended into the weekend. And, while most people are aware that Chanukah is celebrated for eight days, many people…

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Vayishlach 5768-2007

"The Birth of Benjamin, The Death of Rachel" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Vayishlach, we read of an occasion that should have been a most joyous event in…

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Pekudei 5765-2005

"Bezalel: the Artist who Broke the Mold" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald With this week's parasha, parashat Pekudei, after many weekly portions describing the various elements and labors,…

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Naso 5766-2006

"A Lesson from the N'seeim--the Tribal Leaders" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's Torah portion, parashat Naso, is almost always read on the Shabbat following the festival of…

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Vayakhel-Pekudei 5769-2009

"All For The Sake of Heaven" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Parashiot Vayakhel-Pekudei are, for the most part, repetitions of the instructions that are found in parashiot Terumah and…

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Naso 5765-2005

"A Lesson from the N’seeim--the Tribal Leaders" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s Torah portion, parashat Naso, is almost always read after the festival of Shavuot, except after a…

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Vayakhel 5776-2016

“The Wise-Hearted Person” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald One of the dominant terms found in this week’s parasha, parashat Vayakhel, is the expression חֲכַם לֵב, a wise-hearted person.…

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Acharei Mot 5776-2016

“Never Give Up Hope" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Parashat Acharei Mot opens with a description of the ancient atonement service conducted on Yom Kippur in the Tabernacle for the People…

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