The Family’s Blood
Today is World Hemophilia Day, designated to raise awareness of the hereditary blood disorder that prevents one’s blood from clotting. Most forms of hemophilia are passed from mother to…
Kee Tavo 5769-2009
"Stretch Those Face Muscles!" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Kee Tavo, we find the fascinating portion regarding the giving of Bikurim, the season's first…
Lech Lecha 5763-2002
"The Two Birds of Israel" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parsha, Lech Lecha, Avram (his name has not yet been changed to Avraham) receives a "calling" to go to the…
We Know It’s Early, But…
The Brit Milah ceremony is often held early in the morning, before work. As difficult as that may be, it is a great mitzvah to join parents in celebrating their son's Brit Milah.
Mazal Tov
When attending a brit, wish the parents the customary benediction: "May he grow to Torah, chupah and maasim tovim." In other words, may he grow in Judaism, to a happy marriage and to do…
Pinchas 5766-2006
"The 'Zealotry' of Pinchas" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Pinchas, opens with the conclusion of the story that began in last week's parasha of a tribal leader…
Lech Lecha 5783-2022
“The Two Birds of Israel” (updated and revised from Lech Lecha 5763-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parsha, parashat Lech Lecha, Avram (his name had not yet been…
Lech Lecha 5780-2019
“Understanding the Ritual of Circumcision” (updated and revised from Lech Lecha 5760-1999) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Toward the end of this week’s parasha, parashat Lech Lecha,…
Bound to The Torah – the German Wimple Custom
Among the many communities that are categorized as Ashkenazim (Jews originally from central and eastern Europe), the descendants of German Jewry have maintained a distinct culture of…
The Importance of Circumcision
This coming November, the people of San Francisco will vote on a referendum to make it a misdemeanor to circumcise any male under the age of 18. And while many Americans were surprised…