Vayeira,Weekly Message

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…

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Pekudei,Vayakhel,Weekly Message

Vayakhel-Pekudei 5778-2018

"Bringing G-d Home” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s double parshiyot, Vayakhel-Pekudei, pose a significant challenge to all students of Torah. In this week’s parshiyot, the Torah…

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Rosh Hashana,Weekly Message

Rosh Hashana 5780-2019

“The Judgment of Ishmael, and its Contemporary Implications for all of G-d's Creatures” (Updated and revised from Rosh Hashana 5761-2000)   Because of Rosh Hashana, instead of…

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Pekudei,Weekly Message,Vayakhel

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,…

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Prayer,Judaism,ShabbatShabbat,Literacy,Judaism

Bentching/Birkat HaMazon/Grace After Meals

Birkat HaMazonGrace After MealsBentching How easy it is, when we are wanting, to ask G-d for the food, to remember our “please…

Rosh Hashana,Weekly Message

Rosh Hashana 5761-2000

"The Judgment of Ishmael and its Contemporary Implications for all of G-d's Creatures" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald Because this coming Shabbat is Rosh Hashana, the normal weekly Torah…

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Jewish Treats

A Look at the Raven

With its sharp black feathers and piercing ebony eyes, the raven could be seen as a much maligned bird. It is often considered a harbinger, or even a minion, of evil. The root of the…

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Jewish Treats

Unicorns

Young girls often wish for fairies, and brash youth dream of dragons. There is a delightful allure to the legends of fantastical creatures. But, according to the Midrash, not all such…

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Jewish Treats

Her Name Means Mother of All

If there is one Biblical story that most everyone in Western society knows, it is that of Adam and Eve. The story of Adam and Eve is truly fascinating, and there are many details that are…

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Jewish Treats

How Does God Rest

On the first six days of creation, God created (Day 1) the heavens and earth, light as separated from darkness; (Day 2) the firmament to separate the water (Day 3) dry land, a bringing…

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