Vayeishev 5780-2019

“The Coming of Age of Joseph: from Lad to Bechor” (edited and revised from Vayeishev 5760-2000)   by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Vayeishev, we are…

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Toledot 5769-2008

"The Blessings of a Tzaddik" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Toledot, we read of Isaac's desire to bless Esau, and Rebecca's scheme to divert the blessing to…

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Toledot 5762-2001

"The Deception of Isaac" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Toledot, we encounter in Genesis 27 the well known story of Isaac's attempt to bless Esau.…

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Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5781-2021

“Shaatnez: Understanding ‘Irrational’ Decrees” (updated and revised from Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Once again, this week, we have double…

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Shoftim 5781-2021

“The Torah-the First Environmentally-Friendly Treatise" (updated and revised from Shoftim 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week’s Torah portion, parashat Shoftim,…

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Vayeitzei 5767-2006

"Dissing G-d" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, we learn of Jacob's flight from his brother Esau, his arrival penniless at the home of his uncle Laban,…

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Eikev 5769-2009

"Feeding the Animals–Beasts and Humans" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Eikev, we encounter the well known second paragraph of the daily Shema prayer…

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Toledot 5782-2021

“The Deception of Isaac” (updated and revised from Toledot 5762-2001) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Toledot, we encounter the well-known, and rather…

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Bereshith 5784-2023

Urgent message: Given the most challenging situation in Israel at this time, I urge all to pray for the bereaved families, the hostages, the missing and the many casualties. Please try to…

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Shavuot 5766-2006

"Appreciating Shavuot" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald Of all the major holidays and festivals of the Jewish people, the one that is least known and least appreciated is the festival of…

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