Weekly Message,Pekudei

Pekudei 5771-2011

"The Meaning of the Priestly Vestments" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Pekudei, opens with a full accounting of the precious metals-–gold, silver and…

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Weekly Message,Eikev

Eikev 5773-2013

"Eating Bread Without Poverty" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Eikev, Moses continues to encourage the nation of Israel to trust in the Al-mighty. This trust…

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Eikev,Weekly Message

Eikev 5779-2019

Eikev 5779-2019 “Feast or Famine--What Judaism Says About Food” (Revised and updated from Eikev 5760-2000) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald   In this week’s parasha, parashat Eikev, the…

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Jewish Treats

Potential Energy

Parashat Ki Tavo begins by juxtaposing two important agricultural laws. First (Deuteronomy 26:1-11), the Torah instructs the Israelites to bring bikkurim, the first fruits…

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Jewish Treats

Grace Before Meals

One of the seven mitzvot enacted by the rabbis is reciting blessings prior to eating food. The other six rabbinic innovations are: the holiday of Purim, the holiday of Chanukah, lighting…

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Jewish Treats

Whose First Fruits

When the Oral Law was first codified, most Jews lived in agrarian settings. Today, being less familiar with agrarian culture, some people find it difficult to relate to some of the…

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Jewish Treats

Whose First Fruits

When the Oral Law was first codified, most Jews lived in agrarian settings. Today, being less familiar with agrarian culture, some people find it difficult to relate to some of the…

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Jewish Treats

The Foods of Tu b’Shevat

This Shabbat, Jews around the world will celebrate Tu B'Shevat, the new year of the trees. Tu B'Shevat is often celebrated with the 7 species for which the…

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Jewish Treats

Whose First Fruits

When the Oral Law was first codified, most Jews lived in agrarian settings. Today, being less familiar with agrarian culture, some people find it difficult to relate to some of the…

Read More

Jewish Treats

Foods of Tu b’Shevat

Today, Jews around the world celebrate Tu B'Shevat, the new year of the trees. Tu B'Shevat is often celebrated with the 7 species for which the Torah praises…

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