Defining Accidental

The taking of a human life is always a tragedy, and there is never a way to actually make it alright for the loved ones of the victims. In situations of unnatural death, there are several…

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The Salty Ghettos

It is a fairly well-known fact (perhaps due to Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice) that Jews in many European cities were forced to reside in ghettos. The first of these areas of restricted…

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Priorities: The Lessons of Reuben and Gad

From early in our lives, we are drilled about “priorities.” It usually begins, in earnest, during the high school years, as teenagers are pushed to think about the future, to get their…

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Kee Tisah-Purim 5762-2002

"The Story of Esther--Making Choices for Jewish Destiny" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Because the festival of Purim will be celebrated throughout the world this Monday evening, the 25th…

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Tzav-Purim 5771-2011

“Shabbat and Purim” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This year, the festival of Purim will be celebrated throughout the world on Saturday evening, March 19th, and Sunday, March 20th (except…

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Tzav 5779-2019

"Remembering Amalek: A Contemporary View” (Revised and updated from Tzav 5760-2000) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Rather than focus on this coming week’s parasha, parashat Tzav, I have…

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Shushan Purim on Shabbat

Shushan Purim on Shabbat When Shushan Purim, observed in walled cities in Israel, coincides with Shabbat, the holiday is…

Kee Tisah 5783-2023

“The Story of Esther--Making Choices for Jewish Destiny” (updated and revised from Kee Tisah 5762-2002)   by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Because the joyous festival of Purim will be…

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Tzav 5768-2008

"Never Give Up Hope!" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In the opening verses of this week's parasha, parashat Tzav, we learn the details concerning the priestly responsibilities when offering…

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Behar 5765-2005

"The Torah's Revolutionary Economic System" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Behar is an extraordinarily challenging and revolutionary parasha. The Torah, in…

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