Lech Lecha 5766-2005
"Abraham, Father of the Jewish Nation" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Although the birth of Abram (Abraham's original name) is recorded at the end of parashat Noah (Genesis 11:26), it is in…
Vayeitzei 5773-2012
"The Complex Relationship Between Jacob, Rachel and Leah" In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, Jacob, who has fled from his father’s home in BeerSheba where Esau seeks to kill him,…
B’ha’alot’cha 5766-2006
"With G-d as our Guide" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Beha'alotecha, we are told that the travels of the ancient Israelites in the wilderness were…
Nitzavim,Rosh Hashana,Weekly Message
Nitzavim-Rosh Hashana 5775/5776-2015
“Standing Firmly Before G-d and Man” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Nitzavim, Moses, on the final day of his life, gathers all the People of Israel…
Emor 5776-2016
“The Sabbath: Meeting G-d" A significant portion of this week’s parasha, parashat Emor, is devoted to the rules, regulations and observances of the Shabbat and the Jewish Holidays. In…
Lech Lecha 5784-2023
Urgent message: Given the most challenging situation in Israel at this time, I urge all to pray for the bereaved families, the hostages, the missing and the many casualties. Please try…
Passover 5775-2015
“Learning to Revere G-d” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald There is a fascinating debate in the Passover Hagaddah regarding the number of plagues that struck the Egyptians at the sea. We are…
Holy Water
There are so many unique components to Jerusalem. Its holiness is celebrated by multiple religions. However, one primary difference between Jerusalem and other ancient cities is that it…
Vayeira 5765-2004
"The Benefit of Broad-heartedness" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Vayeira, we read of the miraculous birth of Isaac. At the ripe old age of 90, long after…
War Reparations
Consider the moral dilemma faced by the State of Israel and its citizens whether to accept war reparations from Germany. Given what transpired during World War II in Germany, there was…