Shavuot

- Shavuot The Festival of Weeks, Holiday of the First Fruit, Time of the Giving of the Torah – the…

Matot-Masei 5760-2000

"Jeremiah's Prophecy: An Ancient Message for Contemporary Times" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Once again, this coming week's parashiot will be doubled, and we will be reading both…

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Vayeitzei 5767-2006

"Dissing G-d" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, we learn of Jacob's flight from his brother Esau, his arrival penniless at the home of his uncle Laban,…

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Mikeitz-Chanukah 5768-2007

"Unexpected Parallels between Mikeitz and the Story of Chanukah" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Mikeitz, is almost always read on Shabbat Chanukah. Could there be…

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Chayei Sarah 5771-2010

“What Shall I Do, My Parents Hate Him?!” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Chayei Sarah, we encounter the world’s first shidduch (arranged marriage) and the…

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B’shalach 5772-2012

"Pharaoh's Ultimate Fate" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Beshalach, we read of the splitting of the Red Sea and the miraculous salvation of the Israelites…

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B’shalach 5774-2014

“Analysis of the ‘Shira,’ the Song of Moses Crossing the Sea” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat B’shalach, as they cross to freedom through the parted waters…

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B’shalach 5775-2015

“One Heart, as One Man” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat B’shalach, we read of the triumphant departure of the People of Israel from Egypt, and their…

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Balak 5775-2015

“Uncovering the  ‘Layers’ in the Biblical Narrative” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Although the opening verses of this week’s parasha, parashat Balak, seem straightforward, the nuanced…

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Va’eira 5767-2007

"Even a Hardened Heart has a Silver Lining" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In last week's parasha, parashat Shemot, G-d instructed Moses that when he finally confronts Pharaoh he should…

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