Va’etchanan 5774-2014
“The Prediction of Return” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Va’etchanan, is always read after the Fast of the 9th of Av and after the conclusion of the period…
Vayeira 5776-2015
“The Trials of Abraham” by Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Vayeira, includes at least three of the ten trials that Abraham faced during his life. Pirkei Avot, Ethics of…
Kee Tavo 5760-2000
"Welcoming the Stranger" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Kee Tavo, opens with the ritual of bringing the Bikurim, the first fruits of the season, to the…
B’shalach 5780-2020
“Where is Nachshon the Son of Aminadov When We Need Him?” (Updated and revised from B’shalach 5761-2001) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat B’shalach,…
Toledot 5765-2004
"Digging Wells" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Toledot, we read of a famine that once again strikes the land of Canaan, this time during the lifetime of…
Sources Commentators
Abarbanel (1437-1508, Spanish statesman, philosopher and commentator) Israel Abrahams (1858-1925) Achad Ha’Am (Asher Zvi Hirsh Ginsberg, 1856-1927) AJOP (Association for Jewish Outreach…
Judge Yourself
When in a dispute with another person, try to see the argument from all sides.
Matot-Masei 5783-2023
"The Mitzvah of Living in the Land of Israel” (updated and revised from Matot-Masei 5764-2004) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Masei, the second of this week’s double…
B’shalach 5761-2001
"Where is Nachshon, the Son of Aminadav, When We Need Him?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat B'shalach, describes G-d's miraculous salvation of the Jewish…
Bechukotai 5768-2008
"The Double-Edged Sword" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Bechukotai, is one of two parashiot of the Torah that contains extensive reproof of the Jewish people…