Kee Tisah 5760-2000
"The 'Vengeful' G-d" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In the parasha, Parashat Kee Tisah, we read of the infamous episode of the Golden Calf. In preparation for the Revelation, Moses had gone…
Selichot
In addition to the unique prayer services of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, the High Holidays are known for one other service: selichot. A collection of religious poems and…
Shemot 5760-1999
"Commitment to Judaism: A lesson from Moshe" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Shemot, we encounter one of the most challenging situations of…
Matot-Masei 5781-2021
“Does the Torah Allow Its Citizens to Take the Law Into Their Own Hands?” (updated and revised from Matot-Masei 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Masei, the…
God is Everywhere
The Book of Jonah teaches us that one cannot hide from God, and that God is ultimately compassionate. Remember that as we approach Yom Kippur.
For Its Own Sake
Do not keep a mental tally of how kind, generous and/or compassionate you have been. There is always room for improvement.
Matot-Masei 5762-2002
"Does the Torah Allow Its Citizens to Take the Law Into Their Own Hands?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Masei, the second of this week's double parashiot, Matot-Masei, we…
Rosh Hashana 5770-2009
"The Unexpected Joy of Rosh Hashana" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In the first of last week's double parashiot, parashat Nitzavim, we read Moses' forceful charge to the People of Israel…
Vayikra 5784-2024
“Parashat Zachor: 'Hating as a Mitzvah'" (updated and revised from Vayikra 5763-2003) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Since the festival of Purim will be celebrated this coming Saturday…
Yom Kippur 5761-2000
"The Thrill of Coming Home" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald There are certain times in the Jewish calendar that are regarded as propitious times. For instance, the month of Nisan (which…