Acharei Mot,Kedoshim,Weekly Message
Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5781-2021
“Shaatnez: Understanding ‘Irrational’ Decrees” (updated and revised from Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5762-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Once again, this week, we have double…
The History of the Knesset
The founders of the State of Israel did not have much time to set up and plan the specifics of government. So, it is not surprising that the country emerged from its fight for…
Metzorah,Weekly Message,Tazria
Tazria-Metzorah 5781-2021
“Circumcision and Shabbat” (updated and revised from Tazria-Metzorah 5764-2004) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In order to properly coordinate the weekly Torah readings with the Hebrew…
Yom Ha’shoah, Holocaust Memorial Day
Yom Ha’shoah, is usually observed each year on the 27th of Nissan. Jews around the world will mark Yom Ha’shoah (Officially Yom Ha’zikaron La’shoah V’ha’g’vurah, which translates to…
Shemini 5781-2021
“Using, Not Abusing, a Sanctified Substance” (updated and revised from Shemini 5763-2003) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Shemini, opens at a most…
The Song of Songs
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth, for your love is better than wine. Because of the fragrance of your goodly oils, your name is ‘oil poured forth.’ Therefore, the maidens…
Seven Days to the Sea
The Passover celebration lasts seven days (eight days, outside of Israel). The first day (and second, outside of Israel) is a Yom Tov, festival day, on which the seder is celebrated.…
Singing Praises
“…The prophets of the Jewish people ordained that the Hallel (Psalms of Praise), be recited on special occasions and celebrations [like Yom Tov], and at times of national deliverance from…
Passover 5781-2021
“The Final days of Pesach - Days of Unity” (updated and revised from Passover 5761–2001) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The fact that the ancient Israelites happened to find…
Chol Hamoed
Most holidays in Western society last for a single day, which is often extended into the weekend. And, while most people are aware that Chanukah is celebrated for 8 days, many people are…