B’shalach 5774-2014

“Analysis of the ‘Shira,’ the Song of Moses Crossing the Sea” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat B’shalach, as they cross to freedom through the parted waters…

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Haazinu 5763-2002

"On the Anniversary of September 11th" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming Shabbat, the Shabbat between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, is known as Shabbat Shuva, the Sabbath of…

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Tzav 5776-2016

“Dressing Properly for Special Occasions” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Tzav, opens with detailed instructions to the Kohanim, the priests, regarding taking…

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Passover I 5776-2016

“The Children, The Children!” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald As we have previously discussed (Passover 5760-2000), children play a central role in the Passover Seder and in the Haggadah.…

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Rosh Hashana Essay

Rosh Hashana Essay “Elul is the time to look back over the past year, sort out our strengths and weaknesses, and see…

Emor 5777-2017

“Communicating a Vital Message Clearly” by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Emor, contains 63 mitzvot-- 39 negative and 24 positive. Parashat Emor ranks second, after…

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Matot-Masei 5779-2019

“Jeremiah’s Prophecy: An Ancient Message for Contemporary Times” (Revised and updated from Matot-Masei 5760-2000) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald   This Shabbat, when parashiot Matot…

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Tetzaveh 5780-2020

“The True Story of Purim” (updated and revised from Tetzaveh 5761-2001)   by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week’s parasha, parashat Tetzaveh, speaks of the fashioning of the…

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The Four New Years

THE FOUR NEW YEARS The Jewish New Year - We Jews are especially fortunate because the Jewish calendar has four different "New Years," each representing a different feature of the annual…

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Devarim 5769-2009

"Og Stands Tall on the Stage of History" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In his recapitulation of the events leading up to the people's entry into the land of Israel, Moses recalls the…

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