Vayishlach 5764-2003
"Who Was Esau?" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Vayishlach, reaches a crescendo with the dramatic encounter between Jacob and Esau. Jacob has been away from…
Vayeishev 5764-2003
"The Two Sides of Joseph" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald There are few characters in world literature who are as dynamic, charismatic, successful and as enigmatic as the patriarch Joseph.…
Vayigash 5764-2003
"The Secret of Jewish Survival in Exile?" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In parashat Vayigash, the exciting story of Joseph and his brothers draws to a conclusion. Joseph instructs his…
Chanukah,Weekly Message,Mikeitz
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…
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…
Acharei Mot,Weekly Message,Kedoshim
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…