Bereshith 5773-2012
“What is Heaven?” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The opening parasha of the book of Genesis, parashat Bereshith, contains the dramatic biblical account of the physical creation of the…
Toledot 5772-2011
“Isaac Blesses His Sons” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Toledot, we learn how Isaac’s intentions to bless Esau are thwarted by the deceptive actions of…
Eikev 5771-2011
"Finding the Greatness of G-d in His Humility" Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, Moses continues his valedictory address to the Jewish people. In one of the most powerful…
Kugel Konnection
A traditional Ashkenazi Shabbat table will often be graced with at least one kugel. Whether that kugel is noodle, potato or a more modern vegetable version will depend on the chef. Often…
Passover,Judaism,Literacy,Passover ResourcesResources,Literacy,Judaism,Passover
Observance and Prayer Outline
Passover Observanceand Prayer Outline The Seder night, when family and friends gather together to commemorate our redemption…
The Blessings of the Amidah: Livelihood
The nineteen blessings of the Amidah make up the core of the Jewish prayer service. The ninth blessing is a request for sustenance and economic success. Ba’raych a’lay’nu Ah’doh’nai…
The Blessings of the Amidah: God’s Might
The nineteen blessings of the Amidah make up the core of the Jewish prayer service. The second blessing is a meditation on God’s might and His role in the basic flow of life. Ah’tah gibor…
Carrying On Shabbat
The last of the 39 melachot (creative works prohibited on Shabbat) is that of carrying between a private and a public space. How is carrying a creative work? The 39 melachot are all based…
The Whole Megillah
Whether it’s a long-winded tale, or a story overloaded with details--it’s called a “whole megillah!”(In “the old country” they would have said “a gantse megillah!”) So what exactly is a…
Re’eh 5768-2008
"A Tale of Two Mountains" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Re'eh, Moses sets before the Jewish people a blessing and a curse, assuring them that the blessing…