Shemini 5771-2011

“The Death of Aaron’s Sons: The Midrashic Perspective” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Shemini, speaks of the “eighth day” of the Tabernacle consecration…

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Vayikra-Purim 5763-2003

"Parashat Zachor: 'Hating as a Mitzvah?'" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald Since the festival of Purim will be celebrated this coming Monday night, March 17th and Tuesday, March 18th, this…

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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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Vayakhel-Pekudei 5764-2004

"Celebrating the Month of Nisan" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming Shabbat, the final Shabbat in the Hebrew month of Adar, is also known as Shabbat Parashat HaChodesh. An…

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Shavuot 5763-2003

"The Remarkable Legacy of Ruth, the Righteous Convert" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald Because, this year, the festival of Shavuot falls on Friday and Shabbat, the regular parasha, Naso, is…

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Irish Jews

The exile of the Jewish people has taken them to every corner of the earth. Jews have lived in and built communities in Europe, China, India, Central Asia, Africa, South America, North…

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Matot 5771-2011

“Leadership and its Moral Responsibilities” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Matot, G-d tells Moses to take vengeance upon the Midianites on behalf of the…

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Vayeishev 5772-2011

“Interpreting the Dreams of Others” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeishev, Joseph is accused of the attempted rape of Mrs. Potiphar. Her husband,…

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Vayechi 5772-2012

"The Scepter Shall Not Depart from Judah" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayechi, Jacob calls his sons together in order to bless them before he dies. Not…

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Chukat 5772-2012

"It is a Decree Before Me–-You Have No Right to Question It!" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Chukat, we encounter one of the most enigmatic laws of the…

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