The Western Light
Tens of thousands of tourists stream annually to countries such as Canada, Iceland, Norway and even the U.S. state of Alaska, to behold the exquisite Northern Lights, aurora borealis,…
Naso 5768-2008
"Carrying the Ark" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Naso, we learn that the completed Tabernacle was sanctified and inaugurated for its first use. In order to…
Emor 5772-2012
"Lessons from a Priest’s Wanton Daughter" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Emor, highlights the special status of the Kohanim, the priests, in the community of…
Tzav 5776-2016
“Dressing Properly for Special Occasions” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Tzav, opens with detailed instructions to the Kohanim, the priests, regarding taking…
Emor 5777-2017
“Communicating a Vital Message Clearly” by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Emor, contains 63 mitzvot-- 39 negative and 24 positive. Parashat Emor ranks second, after…
Tzav 5774-2014
“The Perpetual Fire” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Last week’s parasha, parashat Vayikra, introduced the five main sacrificial offerings: the Ohlah עֹלָה: the burnt-offering, the Mincha…
Shemini 5780-2020
“The Responsibilities of Leadership” (Revised and updated from Parashat Shemini 5761-2001) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In the opening chapters of this week’s parasha, parashat…
Judaism,Prayer,Shabbat Resources,ShabbatJudaism,Shabbat,Literacy
Birkat HaBanim (Blessing the Children)
Birkat HaBanimBlessing the Children “May G-d make you like Ephraim and like Menashe.” “May G-d make you like Sarah, Rebecca,…
Is There Jewish DNA?
Do you remember learning about genes and DNA, about inherited traits and Gregor Mendel’s pea plants? It has long been known and accepted as scientific fact that each person’s DNA…
In Uniform
The role played by dress codes is a topic that, every few years, sparks discussion and debate. Whether the question is school uniforms or the influence of “casual Friday,” people usually…