The Family’s Blood
Today is World Hemophilia Day, designated to raise awareness of the hereditary blood disorder that prevents one’s blood from clotting. Most forms of hemophilia are passed from mother to…
Lech Lecha – 5760-1999
"Understanding the Rite of Circumcision" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Toward the end of this coming week's parasha, parashat Lech L'Cha, we read of the covenant of circumcision, Brit…
A Rabbi in Mexico
Mexico does not have a particularly long Jewish history due to the presence of the Inquisition, and its lingering influence. Today’s Mexican Jews are, in great part, the families of…
Celebrating A Daughter
On his 8th day of life, a baby boy has his brit mila (circumcision) and is given a Jewish name. But how do Jews celebrate the birth of a girl? While there are no mandatory rituals in…
Kee Tavo 5769-2009
"Stretch Those Face Muscles!" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Kee Tavo, we find the fascinating portion regarding the giving of Bikurim, the season's first…
Lech Lecha 5763-2002
"The Two Birds of Israel" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parsha, Lech Lecha, Avram (his name has not yet been changed to Avraham) receives a "calling" to go to the…
We Know It’s Early, But…
The Brit Milah ceremony is often held early in the morning, before work. As difficult as that may be, it is a great mitzvah to join parents in celebrating their son's Brit Milah.
Mazal Tov
When attending a brit, wish the parents the customary benediction: "May he grow to Torah, chupah and maasim tovim." In other words, may he grow in Judaism, to a happy marriage and to do…
Pinchas 5766-2006
"The 'Zealotry' of Pinchas" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Pinchas, opens with the conclusion of the story that began in last week's parasha of a tribal leader…