Lech Lecha – 5760-1999

"Understanding the Rite of Circumcision" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Toward the end of this coming week's parasha, parashat Lech L'Cha, we read of the covenant of circumcision, Brit…

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The Four Species

The Four Species “And you shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of a hadar (beautiful) tree, the branch…

Tu b’Shevat

Tu b'ShevatNew Year for Trees Tu b’Shevat is a rabbinical, not biblical holiday. In fact, it is first…

Purim

Happy Purim! The megillah is read the evening of and during the day on The time of year has come again – Purim festivities! A smile instantly jumps to your face as…

Tzav 5769-2009

"Judaism's Upbeat View of the Past" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In last week's parasha, parashat Vayikra, the Torah addressed its message to those Israelites who sought to atone for a…

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Bo 5769-2009

"It's Payback Time!" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In the concluding chapter of this week's parasha, parashat Bo, G-d commands Moses to inform the people to sanctify the firstborn. The…

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Tetzaveh 5769-2009

"The Urim and Tumim--The Mysterious Priestly Accessory" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Tetzaveh, is concerned primarily with the vestments of the priests.…

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Tetzaveh 5760-2000

"Clothes: A Reflection of the Divine Image" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, Parashat Tetzaveh, we read of the big'dei k'huna, the priestly garments, with very…

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Sukkot 5772-2011

“The Meaning of Sukkot: Insights of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (1808-1888) was a rabbi, statesman, philosopher and leader of…

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Toledot 5772-2011

“Isaac Blesses His Sons” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Toledot, we learn how Isaac’s intentions to bless Esau are thwarted by the deceptive actions of…

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