The Blessings of the Amidah: Understanding
The nineteen blessings of the Amidah make up the core of the Jewish prayer service. The fourth blessing recognizes God as the source of our own ability to understand the world. Ah’tah…
The Other Hand Washing
It’s been a lovely meal, from the fresh-baked French bread to the sinful chocolate mousse -- every bite. All that is left to do is to recite Grace After Meals (Birkat Hamazon) thanking…
Pinchas 5781-2021
"Loving the Land of Israel” (updated and revised from Pinchas 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Pinchas, we learn the fascinating tale of five…
Happy Birthday Birkat Hamazon
The Torah (Exodus 16:1) reports that the Children of Israel arrived at the Wilderness of Sin on the 15th of the Hebrew month of Iyar, approximately one month after the exodus from Egypt.…
The Other Hand Washing
It’s been a lovely meal, from the fresh-baked French bread to the sinful chocolate mousse — every bite. All that is left to do is to recite Grace After Meals (Birkat Hamazon), thanking…
Noah 5770-2009
"The Message of the Rainbow" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Noah, tells the story of the great flood that inundated the world in the days of Noah. After the…
Chanukah,Chanukah Resources,JudaismLiteracy,Judaism,Chanukah,Resources
What to do on Chanukah
What to do on ChanukahChanukah is unique amongst the holidays in that it has only a single mitzvah - publicizing the miracle…
Tu b'Shevat,Holidays,Judaism,Holiday ResourcesLiteracy,Judaism
Tu b’Shevat
Tu b'ShevatNew Year for Trees Tu b’Shevat is a rabbinical, not biblical holiday. In fact, it is first…
Vayechi 5762-2001
"The Debate: Burial In The Land of Israel" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Vayechi, concludes the book of Bereshit, Genesis. Parashat Vayechi includes…
Noah 5761-2000
"Noah: The Man Who Brings Comfort To The World" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The story of this coming week's parasha, parashat Noah, actually begins at the end of last week's parasha,…