Vayeishev 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…
The Story of Chanukah
Around the year 167 B.C.E., the Syrian-Greek rulers of Judea tried to force the Jews to assimilate into Hellenic culture. They summoned the Jews to the town squares where they were forced…
Prepare for Chanukah
Stock up on oil or candles and prepare your menorah, dreidels and gelt, Yiddish for coins, in anticipation of the upcoming holiday of Chanukah that begins on Thursday evening, December…
Kristallnacht
Kristallnacht, literally the Night of Crystal, but generally translated as the Night of Broken Glass, was a tragic turning point in the fate of Germany’s Jewish community. The…
Add Light!
Looking at this week's horrific events in Israel and the tragic loss of life, catastrophic injuries and the unknown whereabouts and condition of the many hostages taken by the terrorists,…
Prayers for Israeli Soldiers
These are difficult days for the Jewish people. Vivid print descriptions and horrific images are being circulated of the atrocities committed against Jews living in Israel in recent days.…
The Five Prohibitions of Yom Kippur
“…on the tenth of the month, you shall afflict your souls and do no work at all…for on that day God will forgive you and cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before God”…
Kee Teitzei 5783-2023
“The Torah’s ‘Secret’ for Longevity” (updated and revised from Kee Teitzei 5764-2004) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald As we have previously noted, this week’s parasha, parashat Kee Teitzei,…
Who Lights The Shabbat Candles?
While lighting Shabbat candles is generally considered a “woman’s mitzvah,” and is traditionally performed by the woman of the house, it is actually an obligation of the entire household.…
Korach 5783-2023
"The Power of Strife" (updated and revised from Korach 5764-2004) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Korach, we learn of the frightful rebellion of Korach and…