Vayigash 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…

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The History of Purim

The History of Purim The story of Purim takes place at the very end of the era known in Jewish history as the Babylonian…

Five Wise Sisters

Few women are mentioned by name in the Torah, and those who are, are generally the major players (i.e. Sarah, Rachel, Miriam). Yet twice in the Torah, Mach'lah, Noa, Hoglah, Milcah and…

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Yitro 5768-2008

"Welcoming Jethro, the Idolatrous Priest" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Yitro, we read of the arrival of Moses' father-in-law in the wilderness, where the…

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Ruth

RuthShe was a former princess, left widowed with her mother-in-law, destined to abandon her royal past to join the Nation of…

Pekudei 5765-2005

"Bezalel: the Artist who Broke the Mold" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald With this week's parasha, parashat Pekudei, after many weekly portions describing the various elements and labors,…

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Bamidbar 5760-2000

"The Risks of Being a Public Figure" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Bamidbar, we read a very intriguing verse (Numbers 3:1): "V'ay'leh tol'dot…

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Naso 5764-2004

"Our Brother, Our Sister--the Proselyte" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Naso, we learn of an interesting law concerning a person who takes possession of…

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Shelach 5761-2001

"The Torah's Definition of 'Power'" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Shelach, recounts the story of the twelve spies or, more accurately, twelve "scouts"…

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Chukat 5768-2008

"The Death of Aaron" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Chukat, we learn of the death of Aaron, the High Priest of Israel. Numbers 20:20-29 relates that the…

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