Matot-Masei 5775-2015
“The Noble Calling of the Levites: Serving as an Exemplar for the Jewish People” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Masei, the second of this week’s double parashiot, Matot-Masei,…
Korach 5770-2010
"And Behold the Staff of Aaron had Blossomed" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The rebellion of Korach, about which we read in this coming week's parasha, parashat Korach, ends in great…
Pekudei 5776-2016
“The Mishkan--the Tabernacle, as Collateral” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Pekudei, opens with a reckoning and accounting of all the precious materials that…
Korach 5764-2004
"The Power of Strife" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Korach, we learn of the frightful rebellion of Korach and his followers. Whatever Korach's differences…
Vayeitzei 5779-2018
“The Deceivers are Deceived” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, we find Jacob fleeing for his life from his brother Esau’s wrath, because…
Vayeitzei 5780-2019
“Who is the Real Enemy?” (Updated and revised from Vayeitzei 5760-1999) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, we read of Jacob’s flight from…
Vayishlach 5780-2019
“The Massacre of Shechem, Can it be Justified?” (Updated and revised from Vayishlach 5760-1999) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald As this week’s parasha, parashat Vayishlach, commences,…
Pinchas 5764-2004
"The Conundrum of Pinchas: Do His Actions Set an Unacceptable Precedent?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Pinchas, we encounter the final chapter of…
Matot-Masei 5763-2003
"The Massacre of the Midianites: Does Judaism Countenance Genocide?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald We have learned in Parashat Balak that Balaam finally realized that the Jews could not…
Va’eira 5771-2011
"Messages from the Nile" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Va’eira, we read of the first seven plagues that strike the Egyptians. The first two plagues, blood…