Va’eira 5765-2005
"Teaching a New Reality About Divine Power Through The Ten Plagues" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Va'eira, we learn of the first seven plagues that…
Yitro 5762-2002
"Structural Secrets of the Decalogue" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Yitro, in Exodus 20, we encounter the Aseret Ha'dibrot, the Ten Commandments.…
Opening an Umbrella on Shabbat
In what way is an umbrella similar to the Mishkan (Tabernacle), which served as the dwelling place of the Shechina (Divine Presence) during the Israelite's 40 years of wandering in the…
Emor 5777-2017
“Communicating a Vital Message Clearly” by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Emor, contains 63 mitzvot-- 39 negative and 24 positive. Parashat Emor ranks second, after…
Vayikra 5778-2018
"The Sins of a Leader” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Vayikra introduces the third book of the Torah, Vayikra, Leviticus. The parasha deals with the…
Vayechi 5769-2009
"Blessing the Children" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Blessing children plays a crucial role in parashat Vayechi. First, old Jacob blesses Joseph's children, Ephraim and Menashe, and then…
Shemini 5765-2005
"The Little Steps that Lead to Big Accomplishments" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Shemini, we encounter Moses and Aaron on the eve of one of the most…
Vayeitzei 5772-2011
“In Haran--A Kiss is Still a Kiss” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, Jacob, fleeing for his life from his brother Esau who has threatened to kill…
Eikev 5772-2012
"Loving the Stranger" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Eikev, the Torah boldly pronounces the positive mitzvah of loving the stranger. In Deuteronomy 10:19,…