Jews Ruled Where?

Before the Arabian Peninsula became the stronghold of Islam, it was home to a collage of tribal nomads and fierce warriors, most of whom were Arabs. There were, however, several famous…

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Va’eira 5768-2007

"Moses, the Exalted Leader" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Political campaigns in democratic societies have become a rather sorry sight. Candidates in the U.S. announce their candidacies,…

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Vayakhel-Pekudei 5767-2007

"Leadership and its Perils" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Because of the nuances of the Hebrew calendar, two parashiot are read this Shabbat, Vayakhel and Pekudei, with which the reading…

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Vayeishev 5763-2002

"Judah Emerges as the Leader of Israel" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, Vayeishev, presents the opening chapter of one of the great human sagas--the story of Joseph and…

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Rosh Hashana/Haazinu 5785-2024

“Jewish Normal, Is Not Very Normal” (updated and revised from Haazinu-Rosh Hashana 5774-2013) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Haazinu, Moses, speaking to the…

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Shoftim 5784-2024

“The Extent of Rabbinic Authority” (updated and revised from Shoftim 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Shoftim, 41 new Torah laws, are…

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Extraordinary Role Models

Learn about great pious men and women, so their lives can serve as a model for us, even if many years later. Distinguished rabbis who lead their community are often known for their…

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A Woman in Charge

Mizrachi Women’s Organization of America - MWOA (known today as AMIT- Americans for Israel and Torah) began as part of the religious Zionist organization known as Mizrachi of America. The…

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Balak 5784-2024

“Bilaam, Prophet to the Nations” (updated and revised from Balak 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The Jews and their philosophers have long been troubled by the concept of the…

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The Rebbe

Jews worldwide observe the yahrzeit (anniversary of death) of the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of blessed memory, on the 3rd of Tammuz, which is observed…

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