Va’etchanan 5764-2004
"The Dialectic of Body and Soul" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Va'etchanan, we encounter several weighty and significant texts. Among the most prominent…
Vayigash 5765-2004
"And He Fell On His Neck and Wept" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Vayigash, we read of the dramatic reunion of Joseph and his elderly father, Jacob, who…
Vayikra 5764-2004
"Insights for the Contemporary Soul from Ancient 'Primitive' Rituals" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald With this week's parasha, parashat Vayikra, we begin reading the Book of Leviticus, which,…
Tzav 5764-2004
"Making the Menial Hallowed and Mundane Holy" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Tzav, continues parashat Vayikra's theme of sacrifices. The laws of the…
Shemini 5764-2004
"With the Lord as Our Partner" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, Parashat Shemini, the Torah portion opens with a description of the eighth and final day of the…
Tazria-Metzorah 5764-2004
"Circumcision and Shabbat" by Rabbi Ephraimn Z. Buchwald In order to properly coordinate the weekly Torah readings with the Hebrew calendar, two parashiot are read this week--Tazria and…
B’shalach 5764-2004
"The Malbim Teaches the Lessons of the Manna" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat B'shalach, the freed Israelite slaves experience the fullness of G-d's…
Weekly Message,Kedoshim,Acharei Mot
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…
Yitro 5764-2004
"Why G-d Cannot Share the Limelight" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Yitro, the Al-mighty reveals Himself to the People of Israel on Mt. Sinai and…
Mishpatim 5764-2004
"The Al-mighty's Concern for the Dignity of the Human Being" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald As we have previously noted, Parashat Mishpatim essentially establishes the structure of…