In Memory Of
Grieving over the loss of a beloved is natural and healthy. So is moving forward with one’s life after the loss. Therefore, Jewish law mandates a schedule of mourning that lasts for a…
Mitzvah With A Shovel
The Jewish customs surrounding death, burial and mourning are intended to provide both respect for the departed and comfort for the mourners. One such custom that may seem startling or…
Vayikra 5782-2022
“Insights for the Contemporary Soul from Ancient ‘Primitive’ Rituals” (Updated and revised from Vayikra 5764-2004) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald With this week’s parasha, parashat Vayikra,…
Yom Kippur,Yom Kippur Resources,JudaismLiteracy,Judaism,Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur-The Day
Yom Kippur - The Day Table of Contents Customs and Laws Yom Kippur Prayers Focusing on Vidui Afternoon Service Yizkor…
Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5769-2009
"Blood–the Essence of Life" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Tzav, the Torah declares rather definitively, (Leviticus 7:26), "V'chol dahm lo toch'loo b'chol mohsh'voh'taychem,"…
Vayeilech 5761-2001
"Appreciating One's Own Inner Worth" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Vayeilech , is almost always read together with the preceding parasha, Nitzavim. They are…
Vayeilech 5782-2021
“Appreciating our own Inner Worth” (updated and revised from Vayeilech 5761-2001) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Vayeilech, is almost always read together…
Vayikra 5764-2004
"Insights for the Contemporary Soul from Ancient 'Primitive' Rituals" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald With this week's parasha, parashat Vayikra, we begin reading the Book of Leviticus, which,…
Shoftim 5777-2017
“Judaism and the Principle of the Sanctity of Human Life” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Shoftim, focuses, for the most part, on the principle of the…
Memorial Prayer
According to Jewish belief, when people pass away, they move on to sojourn in the “next world,” to hopefully enjoy the spiritual rewards they have earned from their good acts in “this…