Shoftim 5765-2005
"The Extent of Rabbinic Authority" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Shoftim, 41 new Torah laws--14 positive and 27 negative mitzvot--are introduced.…
Kedoshim 5779-2019
“The Revolutionary Idea of Holiness’” (Revised and updated from Kedoshim 5760-2000) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week’s parasha, parashat Kedoshim, we encounter a…
Kedoshim 5760 – 2000
"The Revolutionary Idea of Holiness" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, Parashat K'doshim, we encounter that magical and revolutionary word which the Torah has…
Va’eira 5766-2006
"Becoming Accustomed to the Burdens" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Va'eira, the Al-mighty responds to Moses' complaint that his mission to Pharaoh…
Out of the Narrows
The fourth of the Ten Commandments is the observance of Shabbat. In Exodus, the Jews are commanded: “Remember (zachor) the Sabbath day” because “in six days God created the heavens and…
Out of the Narrows
The fourth of the Ten Commandments is the observance of Shabbat. In Exodus, the Jews are commanded: “Remember (zachor) the Sabbath day” because “in six days God created the heavens and…
Kee Tavo 5772-2012
“Persecution’s ‘Silver Lining’” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Kee Tavo, is one of two weekly Torah portions that contain the verses known as the “Tochacha ,”…
Tzav 5779-2019
"Remembering Amalek: A Contemporary View” (Revised and updated from Tzav 5760-2000) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Rather than focus on this coming week’s parasha, parashat Tzav, I have…
Tzav 5764-2004
"Making the Menial Hallowed and Mundane Holy" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Tzav, continues parashat Vayikra's theme of sacrifices. The laws of the…
B’ha’alot’cha 5773-2013
"Contemporary Implications of Ancient Rebellions" by Rabbi Ephaim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat B’ha’alot’cha, we read of two egregious rebellions that occurred on the…