Lech Lecha 5780-2019
“Understanding the Ritual of Circumcision” (updated and revised from Lech Lecha 5760-1999) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Toward the end of this week’s parasha, parashat Lech Lecha,…
The Red Heifer
Read about the significance of the Parah Adumah (Red Heifer) in honor of this week's extra reading, Parashat Parah.
Lech Lecha – 5760-1999
"Understanding the Rite of Circumcision" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Toward the end of this coming week's parasha, parashat Lech L'Cha, we read of the covenant of circumcision, Brit…
Metzorah 5760-2000
"The Ultimate Value and Sanctity of Human Life in Judaism" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Metzorah, is often combined with last week's parasha, parashat…
Tzav 5764-2004
"Making the Menial Hallowed and Mundane Holy" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Tzav, continues parashat Vayikra's theme of sacrifices. The laws of the…
Tzav 5783-2023
“Making the Menial Hallowed and the Mundane Holy” (updated and revised from Tzav 5764-2004) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Tzav, continues the theme of…
Chukat-Balak 5762-2002
"The Paradox of the Red Heifer" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In Parashat Chukat, the first of this coming week's double Torah portion, Chukat-Balak, we learn of the inscrutable law of the…
Chukat 5772-2012
"It is a Decree Before Me–-You Have No Right to Question It!" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Chukat, we encounter one of the most enigmatic laws of the…
Chukat 5781-2021
“The Paradox of the Red Heifer” (updated and revised from Chukat-Balak 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Chukat, we learn of the inscrutable law of…
This Tomato Was Grown Where?
The view of Judaism is that humankind has the unique ability to synthesize the physical and the spiritual elements of life. Hence, Jewish law requires a person to recite a blessing over…