Vayeitzei 5767-2006
"Dissing G-d" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, we learn of Jacob's flight from his brother Esau, his arrival penniless at the home of his uncle Laban,…
Vayeitzei 5763-2002
"The Transformation of Jacob" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This week's Torah portion, parashat Vayeitzei, continues the fascinating story of the patriarchal family of Isaac and the saga of…
Tzav 5770-2010
"The Command" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Tzav, the Al-mighty says to Moses (Leviticus 6:2): "Tzav et Aharon v'et bah'nahv lay'mor: Zoht toh'raht…
Metzora 5771-2011
"We Hold These Truths To Be Self-Evident" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald On July 4th 1776, the Continental Congress adopted a statement written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, known as the…
Vayishlach 5764-2003
"Who Was Esau?" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Vayishlach, reaches a crescendo with the dramatic encounter between Jacob and Esau. Jacob has been away from…
Holidays,Judaism,Holiday Resources,Tu b'ShevatLiteracy,Judaism
Tu b’Shevat
Tu b'ShevatNew Year for Trees Tu b’Shevat is a rabbinical, not biblical holiday. In fact, it is first…
Saying I’m Sorry
Learn from the laws of the “doubtful guilt offering” found in this week’s Torah portion, Vayikra/Leviticus, that even when the situation is unclear as to whether one is really at fault,…
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…
Mikeitz 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 to…
Mikeitz,Chanukah,Weekly Message
Mikeitz-Chanukah 5764-2003
"Chanukah--The Struggle of Joseph and Judah" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald It is not at all a coincidence that parashat Mikeitz coincides with the festival of Chanukah. After all, Joseph's…