Rosh Chodesh
The very first commandment that was given to the entire Jewish nation was the commandment to celebrate the appearance of the new moon. “This month shall be unto you the beginning of…
Torah And The Stars
The Torah is considered to be the blueprint of the entire creation. It is therefore not surprising that the great sages took an interest in the movement of the heavens, both from an…
Yitro 5783-2023
Yitro 5783-2023 “Why G-d Can Not Share the Limelight” (updated and revised from Yitro 5764-2004) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Yitro, the Al-mighty…
Vayakhel,Pekudei,Weekly Message
Vayakhel-Pekudei 5761-2001
"Jews Sanctify Time, Not Space" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week, we read the double portions, Vayakel-Pekudei, and with these two portions we complete the Book of Shemot,…
Vayakhel,Pekudei,Weekly Message
Vayakhel-Pekudei 5780-2020
“Judaism Sanctifies Time, Not Space” (Updated and revised from Vayakhel-Pekudei 5761-2001) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald On this coming Shabbat, two Torah portions are read,…
Bo 5782-2022
“Rituals Work, Rituals Work!” (updated and revised from Bo 5762-2002) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Bo, describes the final three plagues: locusts, darkness…
Vayakhel,Pekudei,Weekly Message
Vayakhel-Pekudei 5764-2004
"Celebrating the Month of Nisan" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming Shabbat, the final Shabbat in the Hebrew month of Adar, is also known as Shabbat Parashat HaChodesh. An…
Matot 5765-2005
"Love of G-d Trumps Lust for Life" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Matot, G-d speaks to Moses and tells him (Numbers 31:2): "N'kom nik'mat b'nay Yisrael…
Bo 5777-2017
"And the People Bowed their Heads and Prostrated Themselves" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Chapter 12 of Exodus, that is found in this week’s parasha, parashat Bo, plays a crucial role in…
Leap Year
The Gregorian solar calendar used by the Western world, is based on the cycle of the sun. The tropical (solar) year is 365 days, 5 hours, 49 minutes and 16 seconds. Thus every four years…