Shelach 5773-2013
"Tzitzit: The Unpretentious Mitzvah" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald At the conclusion of this week’s parasha, parashat Shelach, we learn of the mitzvah of Tzitzit, the fringes that are…
Weekly Message,Yom Kippur,Vayeilech
Vayeilech-Yom Kippur 5779-2018
“And Moses Went...” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeilech, the Torah describes Moses’ final actions before his passing. On the last day of his life,…
Kee Teitzei 5770-2010
"Caring for Workers and Domestic Animals" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Kee Teitzei, contains an array of rather impressive, indeed, revolutionary, laws…
Vayeitzei 5771-2010
"The Hated Wife” by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, we come face-to-face with the difficulties that are often encountered in polygamous marriages. In…
Pekudei 5771-2011
"The Meaning of the Priestly Vestments" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Pekudei, opens with a full accounting of the precious metals-–gold, silver and…
Weekly Message,Rosh Hashana,Nitzavim
Nitzavim-Rosh Hashana 5773-2012
“The Return to G-d” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald On the heels of last week’s parasha, Kee Tavo, and G-d’s reproof of the Jewish people contained therein, this week’s parasha, parashat…
Mizmor Shir L’Yom Ha’Shabbat / A Song for the Sabbath Day
While much of the Kabbalat Shabbat service (service to greet the Sabbath) was implemented by the Kabbalists in Tzefat in the 16th century, Psalm 92 has been recited on Friday nights since…
The Blessings of the Amidah: Shalom
The nineteen blessings of the Amidah make up the core of the Jewish prayer service. The theme of the final blessing is peace. The Hebrew word for peace, shalom, is related to the Hebrew…
The Blessings of the Amidah: Requests
The nineteen blessings of the Amidah make up the core of the Jewish prayer service. The sixteenth blessing is the final blessing in the section of the Amidah that focuses on requests. It…
Sabbath Prayers: Mizmor Shir L’Yom Ha’Shabbat / A Song for the Sabbath Day
While much of the Kabbalat Shabbat service (service to greet the Sabbath) was implemented by the Kabbalists in Tzefat in the 16th century, Psalm 92 has been recited on Friday nights since…