Balak 5764-2004
"How Goodly Are Your Tents O' Jacob" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Balak, we read once again of the non-Jewish prophet, Bilaam, who attempts to curse the…
Behar,Weekly Message,Bechukotai
Behar-Bechukotai 5773-2013
"The Value of a Woman" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Bechukotai, the second of this week’s double parashiot, Behar-Bechukotai, we learn of the laws of valuations--the practice…
Shemini 5779-2019
"Substance Abuse in Judaism" (Revised and updated from Shemini 5760-2000) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week’s parasha, parashat Shemini, opens with the historic ceremony…
Behar,Bechukotai,Weekly Message
Behar-Bechukotai 5769-2009
"Impoverishment: In those Days, in these Times" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Until the recent financial meltdown, it was difficult to conceive of impoverishment, especially in the Jewish…
Bamidbar 5782-2022
“The Role of the Levites, and the Service of Yeshiva Students in the Israeli Army.” (updated and revised from Bamidbar 5763-2003) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week, we begin to…
Balak 5782-2022
“How Goodly Are Your Tents O’ Jacob” (updated and revised from Balak 5764-2004) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Balak, we read the dramatic story of the…
The Knesset
To understand the development of the Israeli parliamentary system in the Knesset, study the history of the British system of government and consider some of the similarities of both.
Weekly Message,Behar,Bechukotai
Behar-Bechukotai 5783-2023
“The Revolutionary Nature of Shemita and Yovel” (updated and revised from Behar-Bechukotai 5764-2004) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Behar, the first of this week’s two…
Yitro 5769-2009
"Ambassadors Needed" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Yitro, Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, gives his son-in-law practical and insightful advice regarding the…
Mishpatim 5762-2002
"'An Eye for an Eye' in Jewish Law" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Mishpatim, the Torah introduces the fundamental legal system of Israel. Both,…