Balak 5775-2015
“Uncovering the ‘Layers’ in the Biblical Narrative” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Although the opening verses of this week’s parasha, parashat Balak, seem straightforward, the nuanced…
Matot-Masei 5778-2018
“Judaism and Warfare” In parashat Matot, the first of this week’s double parashiyot, Matot-Masei, we read of the great battle that Israel waged to avenge the Midianite nation for leading…
Vayikra 5769-2009
"Shlamim: Expressing Wholehearted Gratitude" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In parashat Vayikra we learn of the various animal sacrifices that are offered to G-d on the Brass (or earthen)…
Shelach 5781-2021
“What’s in a Name?” (updated and revised from Shelach 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s Torah portion, parashat Shelach, the Torah recounts the fateful saga of the…
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…
Emor 5761-2001
"The Gift of Celebration" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In the second half of this week's parasha, parashat Emor, there is a review of most of the Biblical festivals of the Jewish…
Kee Tisah 5770-2010
"Moses Wrestles with G-d" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Ki Tisah, we read of the fateful episode of the Golden Calf. Moses goes up the mountain for forty…
Shelach 5762-2002
"What's in a Name?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's Torah portion, parashat Shelach, the Torah tells of the twelve men who were sent to scout the land of Canaan, and…
Lech Lecha 5774-2013
"Setting the Stage for the Jewish Future" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Lech Lecha, the Torah tells of the exploits of Abraham and Sarah. The remarkable…
Emor 5779-2019
“The Gift of Celebration” (Revised and updated from Emor 5761-2001) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The second half of this week’s parasha, parashat Emor, presents a review of most of the…