Vayakhel 5763-2003
"Defining True Generosity" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Va'yakhel, we learn of the erecting of the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, the temporary sanctuary…
Meet Me at the JCC
If you ask a cross-section of Jews what they associate with the “JCC,” you may get a variety of answers. That is because the JCC offers a large swath of services to a very large variety…
Pekudei 5760-2000
"Honesty and Integrity in Public Life" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, Parashat Pekudei, the Torah portion begins with an accounting of the amounts of gold,…
Vayikra 5776 -2016
“The Gifts of the Kohanim-the Priests” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Vayikra, focuses on the animal sacrifices that were brought in both the Tabernacle and,…
Re’eh 5777-2017
“Coming to Jerusalem–-The Festival Pilgrimages” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Re’eh, we learn of the commandment for the Children of Israel to come to…
Kee Tisah 5780-2020
“The Levites and the Golden Calf: Transcending One’s Own Nature” (Updated and revised from Kee Tisah 5761-2001) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat…
Acharei Mot,Kedoshim,Weekly Message
Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5780-2020
"Who is Truly Religious?” (Updated and revised from Parashiot Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5761-2001) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parashiot, Acharei Mot and Kedoshim,…
Emor 5780-2020
“Death, and the Kohanim--the Children of Aaron” (updated and revised from Parashat Emor 5762-2002) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Emor, the…
Just a Half Shekel
This Shabbat is Parashat Shekalim (shekels). The Torah portion that speaks of Shekalim (Exodus 30:11-16) is read as the Maftir portion after the regular…
Judah Touro
Unlike many of the great philanthropists recorded in history, Judah Touro (1775-1854) was neither the scion of old money nor a man famed for his incredible business talents. His…