The Feast of Weeks

Shavuot, which we begin celebrating this Sunday night (May 16, 2021), is the only holiday listed in the Torah without the date on which it is to be observed. Rather, the Torah states that…

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The Jewish Holiday A Week before Chanukah

The Mishnah (Rosh Hashana 1:1) declares four calendar dates as “Jewish New Years.” On the first day of Tishrei, we celebrate Rosh Hashana as the annual day of judgment for all humanity…

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This is Chanukah

Tonight, is the eighth and final night of Chanukah. After the flames die down, many households will pack up their menorah and think little of the holiday again until next year. However,…

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Vayakhel 5782-2022

“Defining True Generosity” (updated and revised from Vayakhel 5763-2003) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald   In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayakhel, we learn, once again, of building…

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Purim Again

Unique to the Jewish calendar, the festival of Purim is actually observed on different days depending on location. The majority of the Jewish people celebrate Purim on the 14th of Adar…

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Metzorah 5782-2022

“The Nidah--Affirming the Infinite Value of Human Life” (updated and revised from Metzorah 5763-2003) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Toward the end of this week’s parasha, parashat…

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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…

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Prepare for the Final Celebratory Meal of Passover

The seventh day of Passover, which begins tonight, recalls the splitting of the Sea of Reeds and the Shira (Song of Crossing the Sea), which is tomorrow’s Torah reading. We will read Shir…

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The Feast of Weeks

Shavuot, which we begin celebrating this Saturday night, June 4, is the only holiday listed in the Torah without the date on which it is to be observed. Rather, the Torah states that this…

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Pinchas 5782-2022

“Can a Perfect G-d Sin?” (Updated and revised from Pinchas 5763-2003) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Pinchas, is full of fascinating narratives. The parasha…

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