Eikev 5780-2020
“The Intermarriage Conundrum” (updated and edited from parashat Eikev 5761-2001) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The opening verses of this week’s parasha, parashat Eikev, conclude the…
Shabbat Nachamu
The Shabbat following the fast of Tisha b’Av (the ninth of the Hebrew month of Av) is called Shabbat Nachamu, the Shabbat of Consolation, referring to the opening words of the haftarah,…
A Woman In Charge: Bessie Gotsfeld
Mizrachi Women's Organization of America (MWOA, known today as AMIT - Americans for Israel and Torah) began as part of Mizrachi of America. Its separate identity was the direct result of…
Va’etchanan 5780-2020
“The Mandate for Parental Involvement in Jewish Education” (updated and revised from Va’etchanan 5761-2001) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Va’etchanan, we…
The Month of Av
The months of the Jewish year are called in the Torah by number only (the first month, second month, etc.). Over time, during the exile, the months assumed the names given to them by host…
Herzl’s Vision of Haifa
International air travel today, especially in the “post 9-11 world,” can be frustrating, annoying and anxiety-provoking. Because of the extra costs of traveling to and from airports,…
Devarim 5780-2020
“Eichah, The Annual Search for Meaning and Introspection” (updated and revised from Parashat Devarim 5761-2001) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Devarim, is…
Armistice
Many people assume that the end of a war implies that a peace treaty has been signed. Actually, there are several ways to end a military conflict: truce, cease-fire, armistice or…
A Day to Firgun
In the age of the internet there are an incredble number of new "holidays." This coming week alone we "celebrate" National Caviar Day (18th), Moonday (20th) and National Junk Food Day…
Matot-Masei 5780-2020
“Setting Our Priorities Straight” (updated and revised from Parashiot Matot-Masei 5761-2001) This coming Shabbat, the double parashiot, Matot and Masei, will be read in synagogues…