Vayechi 5776-2015

“Jacob Maintains a Bitter Grudge Against Simeon and Levi” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayechi, Jacob blesses his twelve sons prior to his death. Even…

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Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5773-2013

"The Sanctity of The Holy of Holies" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Acharei Mot, the first of this week’s double parashiot, Acharei Mot-Kedoshim, the Torah recalls the death of…

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Anomalies and Interpretations

The writing of a Torah scroll is an incredibly intricate process. To write a Torah, the scribe must not only be meticulous and devout, but must know all of the many laws associated with…

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Kee Tisah 5765-2005

"Shabbat as a Priority in Jewish Life" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Although there are many dramatic moments in the latter parts of parashat Kee Tisah, the early parts of the parasha…

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The Sukkah

The Sukkah The Sukkah Leviticus 23:42-43 – You shall dwell in sukkot seven days, every citizen in Israel shall dwell in…

Yom Tov – The First Festival Days

Yom TovThe First Festival Days Sukkot is a 7 day holiday. The first day (first two days outside of Israel) are Yamim Tovim –…

Vayishlach 5764-2003

"Who Was Esau?" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Vayishlach, reaches a crescendo with the dramatic encounter between Jacob and Esau. Jacob has been away from…

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Bamidbar-Shavuot 5773-2013

"The Invaluable Legacy of the Ancient Camp of Israel" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Bamidbar, the first parasha in Numbers, the fourth book of the Torah,…

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Tazria-Metzorah 5766-2006

"The Torah's Home Security System" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Metzorah, the second of this week's double parashiot, we learn how the disease tzara'at (sometimes incorrectly…

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Tazria-Metzorah 5783-2023

“The Torah’s Home Security System” (updated and revised from Tazria-Metzorah 5766-2006) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Metzorah, the second of this week’s double parashiot, we…

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