Vayeishev 5784-2023

Urgent message: Given the most challenging situation in Israel at this time, I urge all to pray for the bereaved families, the hostages, the missing and the many casualties. Please try to…

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Va’eira 5771-2011

"Messages from the Nile" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Va’eira, we read of the first seven plagues that strike the Egyptians. The first two plagues, blood…

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Vayeitzei 5775-2014

“Twenty Years in the House of Laban” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, Jacob follows his parents’ advice to leave home in order to escape the wrath…

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Eye of the Needle

July 25th has an interesting and obscure designation on internet lists...it is listed as “Thread the Needle Day.” Most people who do not sew would agree that threading the needle is one…

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Mikeitz-Chanukah 5761-2000

"What is Chanukah Really About?" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This coming week's parasha, Parashat Mikeitz, deals with the continuing saga of Joseph, specifically Pharaoh's dream, Joseph's…

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Mikeitz-Chanukah 5782-2021

“What is Chanukah Really About?” (updated and revised from Mikeitz 5761-2000) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Mikeitz, continues the magnificent saga of…

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Mikeitz 5767-2006

"A Jew Rises to Power" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Mikeitz, we learn of Joseph's successful interpretation of Pharaoh's dream and his appointment to the…

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Naso 5774-2014

“The Gift that Keeps on Giving” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Parashat Naso is hardly a simple parasha. It contains many themes, of both major and of seemingly lesser significance.…

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Shemot 5769-2009

"Does Moses Contradict G-d?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Shemot, G-d appears to Moses in the midst of a burning bush charging him to go to Pharaoh and to…

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Vayigash 5773-2012

"Is My Father Still Alive?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayigash, we read of one of the most dramatic moments in the Torah, when Joseph finally reveals…

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