Yitro 5761-2001
"Can the Torah Forbid Feelings that are Part of Normal Human Emotions?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Yitro, is one of the two places in the Chumash…
Bechukotai 5765-2005
"Achieving Peace and Security for the Jewish People" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Bechukotai, we encounter the first of the two tochachot--portions of…
B’ha’alot’cha 5761-2001
"The Torah's Attitude Towards Converts" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's Torah portion, parashat Beha'alotecha, continues the narrative of the Jew's wanderings in the…
Bamidbar 5774-2014
“Counting the Jews, Again!” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Bamidbar, G-d speaks to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the Tent of Meeting, on the first…
Terumah 5777-2017
“ זִיכּוּי הָרַבִּים - Meriting the Broader Jewish Community” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Terumah, we read of the commandment to build a Tabernacle, a…
Emor 5768-2008
"Creed or Deed" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The two opening chapters of parashat Emor, Leviticus 21 and 22, deal with laws that pertain to the Kohanim (priests) and to safeguarding the…
Kee Tavo 5768-2008
"Redeeming Captives" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Parashat Kee Tavo is one of two parashiot in the Torah that are known as the Tochacha, G-d's reproach of the Jewish people. In this Torah…
Kee Teitzei 5764-2004
"The Torah's 'Secret' for Longevity" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald As we have noted in our previous studies of parashat Kee Teitzei, this coming week's parasha contains more mitzvot that…
Mishpatim 5765-2005
"The Conundrum of Charity--Who Benefits More?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Mishpatim, contains an abundance of interesting mitzvot. Among the 53…
Re’eh 5767-2007
"Prohibition Against Excessive Grief" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Re'eh, we learn of the prohibition of excessive mourning and grief for those who pass…