Vayechi 5777-2017
“The Passing of the Last of the Patriarchs” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Vayechi, is the final parasha of the book of Genesis. In this parasha, Jacob, the…
Shemot 5777-2017
"From Whence Shall Come My Salvation?” by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Shemot, is the opening portion of the book of Exodus, also known as Sefer Shemot, the second…
One’s Own Life
There is nothing more sacred in Jewish law than human life. According to halacha, one must guard one’s life in all cases unless one is forced to commit murder, worship idols or partake in…
Spiritual Compass
Today, November 6, brings us to yet another odd, seemingly random, holiday that has grown out of the internet age. Today is “Marooned without a Compass Day.” While the name of…
Rachel’s Influence
At the end of the patriarch Jacob’s life, Joseph brings his sons to his father for a blessing. This scene, recorded in Genesis 48, includes a seemingly odd statement by Jacob: "And as for…
Beneath the Warsaw Ghetto
On January 18, 1943, the Jews of the Warsaw Ghetto arose in violent rebellion against further deportations. The struggle lasted an incredible three months. On April 19th, the Nazis began…
Resurrection of the Dead
It is required by Jewish law that the body of one who has passed away be buried as quickly and as completely as possible, meaning that the entire body (or as much of the remains as…
Autopsy
Medical mystery thrillers--novels in which the mystery is often solved through autopsy--are very popular these days. But most autopsies do not set off thrilling adventures of sleuthing.…
Mother Sarah
Sarah was 90 years old when her son Isaac was born. He was the answer to all her prayers, for she now knew for certain that the great work that she and Abraham had been doing would be…
Spiritual Compass
Tomorrow, November 6th, is yet another odd, seemingly random, holiday that has grown out of the internet age: “Marooned without a Compass Day.” While the name of the day may seem quaint…