Va’eira 5779-2018

"The Cups of Redemption" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Va’eira, contains the Torah’s source for the custom of drinking four cups of wine at the Passover…

Read More

Rosh Hashana Essay

Rosh Hashana Essay “Elul is the time to look back over the past year, sort out our strengths and weaknesses, and see…

Bechukotai 5779-2019

“The Big ‘IF.’ The Gift of Free Choice” (Revised and updated from Bechukotai 5760-2000) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald   This coming week’s parasha, parashat Bechukotai, is one of the…

Read More

Tzav 5763-2003

"What We Learn from the Jewish 'Caste System'" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's Torah portion, Parashat Tzav, continues the Torah's description of the sacrificial rite, and…

Read More

Tzav 5782-2022

“What We Learn from the Jewish ‘Caste System’” (Updated and revised from Tzav 5763-2003) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s Torah portion, parashat Tzav, continues the Torah’s…

Read More

Bechukotai 5760-2000

"The Big 'IF': The Question of Free Choice" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Bechukotai, is one of the two parashiot of the Torah that are known as the…

Read More

Korach 5772-2012

"Jealousy, Lust, and Thirst for Honor" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Korach, we read of the contentious rebellion of Korach and his cohorts, and its…

Read More

Chayei Sarah 5779-2018

“Abraham’s Eulogy for His Beloved Sarah”   by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald   In this week’s parasha, parashat Chayei Sarah, we learn of the passing of the Matriarch, Sarah, at age…

Read More

Shemot 5777-2017

"From Whence Shall Come My Salvation?” by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Shemot, is the opening portion of the book of Exodus, also known as Sefer Shemot, the second…

Read More

Eikev 5777-2017

“Stages of Religious Growth” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Eikev, Moses continues his exhortation of the People of Israel, in preparation for their entry into the Promised…

Read More