Devarim 5784-2024
“The Book of Deuteronomy-Mishneh Torah and the Purpose of Repetition” (updated and revised from Devarim 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Devarim,…
Korach 5784-2024
“Lessons from the Rebels” (updated and revised from Korach 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Korach, we learn of the infamous rebellion of Korach…
Shelach 5784-2024
“Bread Alone” (updated and revised from Shelach 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald As the name of the parasha indicates, שְׁלַח לְךָ--send for yourself, this week’s parasha focuses…
First You and Then You
From a broad perspective, the opportunity for all members of a prayer service to participate in a Torah reading service is an important statement on Jewish inclusion. In reality, however,…
Acharei Mot 5784-2024
“The Unfathomable Practice of Molech Worship” (updated and revised from Acharei Mot 5771-2011) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In Leviticus 18, the last chapter of this week's parasha,…
Live Long And Prosper
Every “Trekkie” knows that Spock’s Vulcan salutation is accompanied by a strange hand gesture. What many don’t realize is that Leonard Nimoy who played Spock, borrowed this symbol from…
In Uniform
The role played by dress codes is a topic that, every few years, sparks discussion and debate. Whether the question is school uniforms or the influence of “casual Friday,” people usually…
Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah
Tonight starts the holiday of Shemini Atzeret, literally the "Gathering of the Eighth," a connected, yet independent, holiday that immediately follows Sukkot. During the seven days of…
Bechukotai,Weekly Message,Behar
Behar-Bechukotai 5783-2023
“The Revolutionary Nature of Shemita and Yovel” (updated and revised from Behar-Bechukotai 5764-2004) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Behar, the first of this week’s two…
Shemini 5783-2023
“The Little Steps that Lead to Big Accomplishments” (updated and revised from Shemini 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald As the narrative of this week’s parasha, parashat Shemini,…