Matot 5774-2014

“Hakarat HaTov: Expressing Appreciation” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Matot, we read of G-d’s command to Moses to avenge the Children of Israel against…

Read More

Pinchas 5778-2018

"Pinchas the Zealot?"  by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald……

Read More

Matot-Masei 5778-2018

“Judaism and Warfare” In parashat Matot, the first of this week’s double parashiyot, Matot-Masei, we read of the great battle that Israel waged to avenge the Midianite nation for leading…

Read More

Laws and Customs of Shavuot

ShavuotLaws and Customs Table of Contents Festival Laws The Book of Ruth Customs Shavuot is a low-key, pensive holiday,…

Lech Lecha 5781-2020

“Lot, Nephew of Abram: The Promise and the Tragedy” (updated and revised from Lech Lecha 2000-5761) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Lech Lecha, we encounter…

Read More

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…

Read More

Shemot 5783-2023

“The Making of a Concerned Jewish Leader” (updated and revised from Shemot 5763-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald With the close of the Book of Genesis, the story of Joseph has come to…

Read More

Chayei Sara 5766-2005

"Who Is Keturah?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Chayei Sarah, soon after Isaac marries Rebecca, we learn that the elderly Abraham marries a woman named…

Read More

Pinchas 5783-2023

“The Conundrum of Pinchas: Do His Actions Set an Unacceptable Precedent?” (updated and revised from Pinchas 5764-2004) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Pinchas,…

Read More

Bamidbar 5767-2007

"The Tribe of Levi--the Master Enablers" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Bamidbar, we learn about the structure and formation of the Israelites in the…

Read More