Vayeitzei 5783-2022
“The Transformation of Jacob” (updated and revised from Vayeitzei 5763-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s Torah portion, parashat Vayeitzei, continues the fascinating story…
Celebrating a Daughter
On his 8th day of life, a baby boy has his brit milah (circumcision) and is given a Jewish name. But how do Jews celebrate the birth of a girl? While there are no mandatory…
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…
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…
Shemot 5765-2004
"In the Merit of Miriam" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Shemot, we learn of the oppression of the Israelites at the hands of the Egyptians, as well…
Vayeishev 5764-2003
"The Two Sides of Joseph" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald There are few characters in world literature who are as dynamic, charismatic, successful and as enigmatic as the patriarch Joseph.…
Chayei Sarah 5771-2010
“What Shall I Do, My Parents Hate Him?!” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Chayei Sarah, we encounter the world’s first shidduch (arranged marriage) and the…
Va’etchanan 5775-2015
“Do Not Add...and Do Not Detract” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Va’etchanan, we learn of the fascinating and complex mitzvah of not adding or detracting…
Devarim 5777-2017
“The Transformation of Moses is Completed” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald With this week’s parasha, parashat Devarim, we begin reading the fifth and final book of the Torah, known as…
Vayishlach 5778-2017
“The Tragic Death of Mother Rachel” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayishlach, we learn of the untimely and tragic death of Mother Rachel as she was…