Metzorah 5779-2019
“The Ultimate Value and Sanctity of Human Life in Judaism” (Revised and updated from Metzorah 5760-2000) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Metzorah, continues the…
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…
Tzav 5768-2008
"Never Give Up Hope!" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In the opening verses of this week's parasha, parashat Tzav, we learn the details concerning the priestly responsibilities when offering…
Tazria,Weekly Message,Metzorah
Tazria-Metzorah 5773-2013
"Ritual Impurity and Tzaraat: A Contemporary Understanding" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s double parashiot, Tazria and Metzorah, are among the most complex Torah portions for…
Behar,Weekly Message,Bechukotai
Behar-Bechukotai 5767-2007
"Reward and Punishment" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In the second of this week's double parashiot, Behar-Bechukotai, we encounter the very challenging concept of Divine reward and…
B’shalach 5776-2016
“The Small ‘Stuff’ is not Always Small” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat B’shalach, features the majestic story of the People of Israel crossing the Red Sea, and…
Chukat-Balak 5763-2003
"How to Market G-d!" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week we read the double parashiot, Chukat-Balak. In the first of this week's parashiot, parashat Chukat, the Israelites, who…
Chukat-Balak 5783-2023
"How to Market G-d!" (updated and revised from Chukat-Balak 5763-2003) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In the first of this week’s parashiot, parashat Chukat, the Israelites, who are soon to…
Bechukotai 5776-2016
“The Tochaycha–G-d’s Daunting Reproof of Israel" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Bechukotai, contains the first of two Tochaychot--תּוֹכֵחוֹת, G-d’s reproofs or…
Matot 5768-2008
"Striving for Refined Speech" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Matot, we learn of the laws that govern vows and oaths, known in Hebrew as nedarim and…