Who Was Mordechai?
There are some people in this world who always seem to be right in the thick of the action. As described in the Book of Esther, this was Mordechai. It is Mordechai’s cousin, Esther, who…
The Other Hand Washing
It’s been a lovely meal, from the fresh-baked French bread to the sinful chocolate mousse — every bite. All that is left to do is to recite Grace After Meals (Birkat Hamazon), thanking…
Death at the Inauguration
The story of the eldest sons of Aaron is a tragic tale that is described in the Torah in the vaguest of terms. On the grand day of the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the Torah…
Passover Story in Brief
On Passover, we commemorate the exodus from Egyptian slavery. The following is a brief summary: Jacob’s family came to Egypt to escape a famine in Canaan. Joseph, Jacob’s son and the…
Acharei Mot 5784-2024
“The Unfathomable Practice of Molech Worship” (updated and revised from Acharei Mot 5771-2011) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In Leviticus 18, the last chapter of this week's parasha,…
Isru Chag
The day after vacation is often a time of distraction and disorientation. The same is true of the day following a religious holiday, especially after one of the week-long holidays…
Einstein’s Jewish Life
Albert Einstein, whose yahrzeit is the 26th of Nissan (Saturday), is one of the most admired men in history. His name and his face are almost universally recognized, and his scientific…
Making a Difference
Learn more about Rabbi Moses Schorr, a noted academic who dedicated his time and energy to the Jewish people and the Jewish community in pre-war Europe. Of the many beautiful adages…
Thank You Mom
Mother’s Day is a day set aside to show the moms in our lives how much we appreciate them. It’s a sweet and wonderful idea…but according to the Torah, every day is Mother’s Day! The very…