Pekudei 5774-2014

“Moses Retires from Center Stage” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Pekudei, the moment for which the People of Israel have long been waiting, has finally…

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How We Prepare

How We Prepare Preparation for Yom Kippur begins during the first ten days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, beginning with Rosh…

Shemini 5779-2019

"Substance Abuse in Judaism" (Revised and updated from Shemini 5760-2000) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week’s parasha, parashat Shemini, opens with the historic ceremony…

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Mikeitz-Chanukah 5764-2003

"Chanukah--The Struggle of Joseph and Judah" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald It is not at all a coincidence that parashat Mikeitz coincides with the festival of Chanukah. After all, Joseph's…

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Laws and Customs of Shavuot

ShavuotLaws and Customs Table of Contents Festival Laws The Book of Ruth Customs Shavuot is a low-key, pensive holiday,…

Tisha b’Av

Tisha b’Av The saddest day in the Jewish calendar, believed to be a day which is destined for tragedy.  Guide…

Shemini 5781-2021

“Using, Not Abusing, a Sanctified Substance” (updated and revised from Shemini 5763-2003)   by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Shemini, opens at a most…

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Bereshith 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 to…

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Mikeitz 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 to…

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Passover 2024-5784

Urgent message: It’s hard to believe that after all these months since the murderous attack on October 7th, that the most challenging situation in Israel continues, not only with little…

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