Vayakhel-Pekudei 5783-2023
“Celebrating the Month of Nissan” (updated and revised from Vayakhel-Pekudei 5764-2004) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming Shabbat, the final Shabbat of the Hebrew month of…
Thoughtful Questions
When someone poses a question, be sure to consider the seriousness of the question and the potential ramifications. When studying Torah, both the written and oral law, it is critical to…
Who Lights The Shabbat Candles?
While lighting Shabbat candles is generally considered a “woman’s mitzvah,” and is traditionally performed by the woman of the house, it is actually an obligation of the entire household.…
Shabbat Chazon
This Shabbat is known as Shabbat Chazon, the Sabbath of the Vision (prophecy), named after the opening word of the Book of Isaiah, the first 27 verses of which are read as the haftarah on…
Israel’s Benefactors
There is much to learn from the many Jewish benefactors like Baron Edmond James de Rothschild who helped lay the foundation for modern day Israel. Life in this world is of limited time of…
Devarim 5783-2023
“Building a ‘New’ Sanctuary” (updated and revised from Devarim 5764-2004) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Devarim, is always read on the Shabbat that…
The Sukkot Hoshanot Service
Walk into a traditional synagogue in the middle of morning services during the week of Sukkot and you might have to take care not to be trampled upon by the circle of attendees marching…
Majority Rules
After the Torah was given, Moses served as the sole judge of the Jewish people until a judicial hierarchy was established at the suggestion of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law. One judge was…